2012 NFL Draft: Bernard Pierce Could Be Perfect RB for Philadelphia Eagles

Ask any Philadelphia Eagles fan what the most excruciating hole on the roster has been throughout coach Andy Reid's era, and you will undoubtedly get one of three answers: big, physical wide receiver (minus a year of Terrell Owens), impact linebackers (minus the on-and-off Jeremiah Trotter years) or a running back capable of getting the tough yard on 3rd- or 4th-and-1.

Earlier in this offseason, an impact linebacker was acquired (DeMeco Ryans).  The opportunity to take a big play wide receiver will be present in next week's draft either the first round (Michael Floyd) or second round (Alshon Jeffery or Stephen Hill). 

They could make it a perfect three-for-three this offseason with the selection of the hometown hero Bernard Pierce, who will be available in the third, maybe the fourth.

Pierce was phenomenally productive in his career at Temple, who plays home games at Lincoln Financial Field.  He led the Mid-American Conference twice, as a freshman and junior, in rushing, and finished second in the nation in touchdowns in 2011, with 27.

What impresses more than his raw numbers, though, is his frame, style, and attitude.  At 6'1" and 218 pounds, he is big enough now to have an impact as an all-purpose back, but has room to grow into a short-yardage specialist. His physicality, while not the essence of his play in college, shows up in highlights, and could absolutely be his MO in the NFL.

At Temple, he was the focal point of every defensive game plan, and as the unquestioned star of the team, he learned to be a vocal leader in the clubhouse.  While he won't be asked to lead in a similar fashion at the next level, such a character trait is always a welcome addition to a clubhouse.

Watching his film and looking at his stats, I can't help think of another former "one-cut" runner from the MAC who ran a 4.50 at the combine (like Pierce) and twice led the conference in rushing.  But when Michael Turner was drafted by San Diego in the fifth round of the 2004 draft, few would have have suspected that, after adding the physical element to a frame capable of handling it, he would become a premier runner in this league.

Pierce, though, doesn't have to be "The Burner" to  be a success in midnight green.  He can get that yard, and if alleviating that issue isn't worth a third-round pick, I don't know what is.