Eagles Draft Rumors: Philly 'Intrigued' by Picking RB at End of 1st Round?
Even while coming off of a Super Bowl appearance, the Philadelphia Eagles have the No. 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They have the wizardry of general manager Howie Roseman to thank.
But - as we've made clear here at EaglesSI.com - it's hard to see Roseman and Co. using this pick on a running back.
Unless, of course, the Eagles want to make that uncharacteristic gamble later in the first round when they pick again at No. 30.
Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jahmyr Gibbs is considered the second-best ball-carrier in this draft class behind Texas Longhorns star Bijan Robinson, who will certainly be off the board by pick No. 30. If Robinson is somehow still there, then the Eagles probably already won the draft when combining him with whoever they got at No. 10.
But with the Eagles not picking again till late in the second round at No. 62, Gibbs could be an option for Philly at No. 30. And considering that ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller said that, per league sources, the topic of running back is abundant in the Eagles' draft plans, this might be more than just an interesting fan-led draft idea.
"Running back comes up a lot when talking to both team and league sources about the Eagles' draft plans," Miller wrote. "It might not be Bijan Robinson in the first round, but Philly should look to add to that position's depth chart, despite signing Rashaad Penny to replace Miles Sanders. The Eagles did have a formal meeting with Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) at the combine and had Robinson to Philadelphia for an official visit"
The scenario where Philly takes a running back at No. 30 is also something that The Athletic also said could "intrigue" the Eagles, particularly as it pertains to Gibbs.
"Though his skill set might seem to be somewhat duplicative with (Kenneth) Gainwell’s, Gibbs seems like someone who would intrigue Philadelphia at the back end of the first round or at the top of the second round if it ends up trading back," The Athletic wrote.
If this ends up coming into play, Gibbs would be the only running back worth the first-round risk. A versatile and speedy play-maker both as a runner and receiver, Gibbs totaled 151 carries for 926 yards and seven touchdowns at Alabama last season. He added on 44 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an impressive 10.1 yards per catch as a running back. His 44 grabs also led the team.
Taking a running back in the first round is clearly considered taboo at this point, especially for someone like Roseman. But considering the latest rumors and the way the draft will likely pan out, seeing Gibbs in an Eagles uniform next season could be tabbed as one of those stranger-things-have-happened scenarios.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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