3 Running Backs the Eagles Should Draft to Replace D'Andre Swift
By Randy Gurzi
With the start of the new NFL season just around the corner, the Philadelphia Eagles have already put in a lot of work. They moved on from both their offensive and defensive coordinators and will have Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio taking over.
They've also been making moves with their roster. While researching players at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, the Eagles were also letting veterans go as they released safety Kevin Byard — and he might not be the final player they move on from.
As for the players they're scouting during the combine in Indianapolis, the Eagles might want to spend some extra time on running backs. D'Andre Swift topped 1,000 yards in 2023 but they could look for someone who wouldn't hurt the pocketbook as much. That includes these three prospects who could replace Swift.
3. George Holani, Boise State
Far from a household name, George Holani is a player who should get more attention than he does. Measuring in at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Holani spent five seasons at Boise State, a program that has done a great job of preparing players for the NFL. They were also the school that produced Kellen Moore, which could be why the Eagles met with Holani in Indianapolis.
Holani twice topped the 1,000-yard mark for the Broncos and finished his career with 4,373 yards from scrimmage. He's a decisive runner who typically falls forward and can hold his own in pass blocking. He even prides himself in this attribute.
#BoiseState RB George Holani met informally with the #Eagles at the combine. Told me he embraces his role, whatever it may be and takes pride in his pass protection ability.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) March 1, 2024
“Every RB wants to run the ball, but they don't want to block; for me I want to block as much as I want… pic.twitter.com/ykVNkWJiwa
Having said that, there are concerns with the primary being injuries. Holani suffered several lower body injuries that limited his time in Boise State. This past season, he played in just eight games and missed time in 2020 and 2021 as well.
Philly will surely check his medicals and if they feel good about that, he would make sense. Especially since he could be a late-round pick, allowing them to address more pressing needs and still landing a player with a lot of upside.