EagleSessions: Thoughts on bringing LeGarrette Blount to the nest
17 May 2017 Eagles News
Finally, the Philadelphia Eagles brought in a running back that will make me sleep better at night.
Hello, LeGarrette Blount.
On Wednesday morning, your birds signed RB LeGarette Blount to a one-year deal worth $2.8 million, giving Philadelphia a much-needed power element to their rushing attack. With this recent move, Blount will now replace Ryan Mathews as the starting back and will save the Eagles $4 million dollars once Mathews is released.
The 30-year-old Blount had his best season as a pro in 2016, as the big-bodied back rushed for 1,161 yards with a league-leading 18 touchdowns on the ground, helping the New England Patriots win a title.
The 6-foot, 250-pound Blount, is known for his road grading abilities but does possess nimble feet for his size. There aren’t too many big backs who can give you speed(4.59), power, elusiveness, and the ability to hurdle someone on a given notice.
On Draft day, the Birds failed to secure a power back within the first 7 rounds of the draft. However, they did come away with under-sized stud Donnel Pumphrey and UDFA RB Corey Clement. Pumphrey adds a possible replacement for Darren Sproles, while Clement runs with power through the tackles, but lacks the type of long speed or explosiveness to sell you as “the guy.” The move to add a power back seemed imparitive for the Birds before the start of the season.
Looking at the Eagles backfield as a whole, they now have a veteran back who will push the pile and get the tough yards in the red zone.
“LeGarrette Blount is a tough, physical runner who has enjoyed a great deal of success in New England and we are excited about adding him to this football team,” Howie Roseman said in a statement. “We feel good about the depth and competition that we have created at the running back position and we are looking forward to getting the guys out on the field next week for OTAs.”
Meanwhile, with Darren Sproles, Donnel Pumphrey, a dash of Wendell Smallwood and the Eagles have a true running back by committee. Now, Sproles and Pumphrey offer you the ability as pass catchers and as scatbacks, with Smallwood as a change-of-pace type that can handle a couple of series on his own.
Bringing in Blount to the mix is a solid move for the Birds; some may say, Blount, is just “a guy” and the product of the Patriots system. I believe Blount chose Philadelphia over the Cardinals and the Giants because he knows what kind of opportunity awaits him in Philly to be “THE GUY.” Overall, the move is a great fit for the Eagles offense, adding just another wrinkle to the offense and a power running game at Carson Wentz’s disposal.