Philadelphia Eagles: Royce Freeman is the running back fans should want

Former Oregon Duck back Royce Freeman is the running back Philadelphia Eagles fans should want in the 2018 NFL Draft.

If you polled Philadelphia Eagles fans right now, it is likely that over 50 percent of them would say they want the Eagles to take a running back with the 32nd overall pick. There is the idea of drafting former LSU running back Derrius Guice or former Georgia running back Sony Michel at 32, but taking a running back in the first round is a mistake, unless it means trading up for Saquon Barkley.

In my opinion, if the Eagles are not getting Barkley, there is no value in taking a running back in the first round. They have other holes on their roster, and they have other holes in the draft (no second- or third-round pick). If the Eagles traded back to pick 33, and picked up a third-round pick out of it, then moving down one pick to take a running back makes more sense. Although, I still think they should wait to get a running back later. After making a selection at No. 32, the Eagles need to sit almost 100 picks (pick 130) before they draft again. They also have the 132nd pick.

With those two fourth round picks, the Eagles should find a way to move up into the third round. Howie Roseman is arguably the best trading general manager in the NFL, so he will be able to get it done. And the reason to move up into the third round? Former Oregon running back Royce Freeman. If Eagles fans want them to draft a running back, picking up Freeman in the third round makes more sense than taking a running back at 32, or even 33.

The 6-0, 220-pound running back ran a 4.54-second 40-yard dash at the combine and is the all-time leading rusher in Oregon history. Ironically, last season if Freeman entered the 2017 NFL Draft, I felt the Eagles should take him in the second round. I had this to say about Freeman,

"“His balance stands out to me as defenders bounce off of his legs and he doesn’t go down easily. I also love running backs that lower their shoulder and try to get that extra yard. Freeman embraces contact and will fight for your offense to succeed on the goal line and get six points.”"

I also ended talking about Freeman by saying, “If the Eagles can get Freeman in the second round, they may get a future stud to pair with Wentz in the backfield for years to come.” Well, here we are, but the 2018 NFL Draft and I still believe Freeman is a guy that will be a stud in the NFL.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Final projection on draft day

I agree that running back is a need for the Eagles, mainly because who knows if Jay Ajayi will be back in 2019. However, it is not a first round pick need, especially when a player like Freeman will likely be there in the third round. A player that, in my eyes, may have a better NFL career than Guice. So, calm down Eagles fans, and instead of wanting a running back in the first round, you should want Freeman on Day 2.