Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Late-round sleeper targets in 2019 NFL Draft

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Wide receiver Jalen Hurd #5 of the Baylor Bears tries to get past defensive back Jah'Shawn Johnson #7 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the first half of the game on November 24, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

4 of 4

1. James Williams, RB, Washington State

Projected Round: 6 or 7

Outside of a second linebacker, a lot of people feel that the Eagles need a pass-catching running back. I tend to disagree, mainly because the Eagles won a Super Bowl in 2017 without really throwing the ball to the running back all season. However, if they are able to get one in the later rounds, that would be the best bet.

And if they are looking in the later rounds for a pass-catching running back, former Washington State running back James “Boobie” Williams is their best bet. It’s easy to love Williams’ game. He is shifty and can make defenders miss easily.

Even though he is 5-9, 197 pounds, Williams will lower his shoulder and try to run defenders over. He may not always run succeed, but seeing the willingness to embrace contact shows he loves to play the game. He’s reminiscent of Darren Sproles, but he is a little bigger than Sproles. Thus, he would be a great replacement for him.

Williams did not run the best 40-yard dash at the combine (4.58 seconds), but he was one of the top performers in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle, highlighting his impressive change of direction.

dark. Next. 2019 NFL mock draft: Trade shakes up top 3

One big knock on Williams’ game was that the Washington State offense gave him a lot of check down throws and easy catches, which led to him ending his career with 202 receptions for 1,437 yards and eight touchdowns. That’s not a fair assessment, though, as he still caught the passes and made things happen. His pass-catching ability should make him attractive to the Eagles.

Home/NFL Draft