Philadelphia Eagles Draft: Final Seven-Round Mock Draft

Round 6 (#194 overall) Brian Hill, RB, Wyoming

Like Conley, Hill is an Eagles Seven-Round Mock vet. With a Round 4 grade, that’s where I mocked him last–but in a talented RB class, and considering the devaluation of the position, he could be hanging around in the top of Round 6, and Philly would be wise to strike.

A better tester than athlete, Hill’s lack of fluidity throughout his frame relegates him to a between-the-tackles role, wherein his solid vision and excellent balance/absorption of contact benefit him greatly. He can keep his legs churning through contact and lower his pads when required, but I wish he delivered hits with more authority and frequency. He’ll try to make players miss in tight quarters, even though that will never be his game.

Dangerous with a full head of steam in a style reminiscent of Ryan Mathews, Hill could also benefit from the screen game, with clean hands and the patience to work behind blockers in space.

With an outstanding number of touches and no injury history whatsoever, as well as a persistent and physical presence in pass protection, Hill could add desperately needed size, durability, and short-yardage efficiency to the Philadelphia Eagles’ crowded backfield.

Alternate Realities:

1) How The Mighty Have Fallen: Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State. The complete opposite of Hill, Pumphrey is as undersized as they come, but with the quickest feet in the class, elite vision, and plus potential as a receiver, Pumphrey profiles to Darren Sproles’ usage in the NFL. Philly should look to replicate Sproles’ impact in their West Coast offense soon, and Pumphrey could be the answer they’ve been looking for.

2) They Be Reachin’: Aaron Jones, UTEP. Many folks are high on Jones, but I take some pause with his projection to the next level. Coming off of a debilitating foot injury in 2015, Jones can handle defenders in space, but his questionable vision and decision-making in the backfield may force teams to manufacture touches for him. I love the physical game; the mental game worries me.

3) Please, Dear God, Not: Marlon Mack, USF. Marlon Mack is a case-study on: “Don’t study a player’s highlights, study his tape.” Sure, he looks like LeSean McCoy with outstanding cuts and explosiveness–but the cost of a trademark Mack 50-yarder is 10 negative gains. He’s a glorified, undisciplined punt returner. Hard pass.

4) The Dark Horse: James Conner, Pitt. Tape heads may expect Conner to go earlier, but the injury history (not just cancer; also an MCL in 2015) and fluctuating weight will scare NFL teams away, in my estimation. The 2014 ACC Player of the Year looked like a between-the-tackles, downfield bruiser; the 2016 product looked more agile but less powerful, quicker but easier to tackle. The ceiling is nice, and I’d love it if Philly took the flier.