Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp Preview: The Running Backs

The strength of the Philadelphia Eagles lies right in the backfield. The Eagles can go four deep at running back without a major drop-off. They appear to be bringing in five running backs to camp and no true full back.

I believe the strength in the backfield was a major recruiting tool for Howie Roseman when he finally convinced Chip Kelly to take the job. Kelly loves to run the ball and he does it in so many different ways. He gets a little bit of elite speed, quickness, good blockers, cutting ability and even some power to play with this year.

The days of one run for every eight passes are over in Philly. With great runners comes great balance and Eagles fans will see plenty of both in 2013.

Running Backs on Roster

LeSean McCoy: Pittsburgh, 5'11", 208 pounds

Bryce Brown: Kansas State, 6'0",  223 pounds

Felix Jones: Arkansas, 5'10", 215 pounds

Chris Polk: Washington, 5'11", 222 pounds

Matthew Tucker: TCU, 6'1", 227 pounds

LeSean McCoy

In my mind, LeSean McCoy is the most underrated running back in the NFL. I would put him right up there with anyone outside of maybe Adrian Peterson. McCoy is an elite runner, converts short yardage carries (nearly 70 percent were first downs or touchdowns in 2011), catches the ball at an elite level and his pass protection ability might be his best attribute. He is also consistently among the league leaders in broken tackles.

McCoy put up big numbers under Andy Reid, but that could be nothing compared to what he might do under Chip Kelly in a more balanced and much faster offense. More plays in a much more balanced offense should make his fantasy owners drool.

If he stays healthy and doesn't become fumble prone (he has shown signs of it in the past), McCoy could rack up more yards from scrimmage than any other player in the league this year. That is the skill level of McCoy and that is the impact of Chip Kelly's offense.

Bryce Brown

Anytime you have a 220-pound back with elite straight-line speed, the potential is limitless. Of course, when said back has major fumbling issues and played college football for about 15 seconds, it might take a little while longer to see that potential. Bryce Brown is a special talent and a special case.

Brown burst onto the scene in 2012 with 178 and 169-yard performances in Week 12 and 13 against Carolina and Dallas, respectively. He did fumble the ball four times on 115 carries, but that can be coached out. What can't be coached is that rare straight line speed on a 220-pound body.

Brown has been practicing with a 10-pound ball this summer. It's the same technique that the Vikings used with Adrian Peterson back when he had major fumbling issues. I'd say it worked pretty well with him. If it helps cure Brown's fumblitis, the Eagles could have two elite backs for the next several years.

Felix Jones

Don't ask me what to expect from Felix Jones because I really have no idea what kind of impact he will have in 2013. At his best, he is an elite return man with the big play ability to fit right in this offense. At his worst, he will have to fight to make this roster and won't have the big-play ability to make a huge impact on this roster.

Jones has 29 plays from scrimmage in his career over 20 yards and five kickoff returns over 40 yards. If he is healthy enough to play at that level, then the Eagles have something special. He will go in as the No. 3 running back with a chance to become the No. 2 if Bryce Brown struggles with turnovers again this season.

The thing to keep in mind with Jones is that he is no lock to make the roster. If he has lost a step, it will be tough to crack a very talented backfield. Nobody is going to be handed anything this summer in Philly.

Chris Polk

Chris Polk is a powerful back with underrated quickness who could have a promising NFL career. He is a player to watch on the Eagles roster, not just because he runs so hard on every carry, but also because he could develop into the future No. 2 back down the road.

Polk is a great talent with major injury concerns that kept him from being drafted altogether. He gives the Eagles a true power back in their backfield, but he will have the most to prove on this roster.

Can he stay healthy? Can he convert the critical short yardage situations? Does he fit in with Chip Kelly's offense? Those are the questions he will have to answer this summer at camp.

Matthew Tucker

Who? Matthew Tucker is the fifth running back on the Eagles roster right now. He is an undrafted dual-threat back from TCU. He has good size at 227 pounds and has good receiving skills for a bigger back. If Felix Jones doesn't hold up well at camp, Tucker would have a decent shot of making the final roster as the fourth running back.

Tucker will get a good look this summer, but his best shot is probably on the practice squad. From there he can get the experience he needs to give himself a good chance at making a 53-man roster in 2014.

Predictions

Starter: LeSean McCoy

Key Backup: Bryce Brown

Third String/Kick Returner: Felix Jones

Fourth String: Chris Polk

Fifth String: Matthew Tucker

When Felix Jones is maybe your third-best running back, you are doing pretty good. If the offensive line holds up in front of these guys, we could see the best backfield stats-wise in the NFL. Fantasy players out there, be advised.