Miles Sanders NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report for Philadelphia Eagles' Pick

STRENGTHS

—Limited wear and tear after sitting behind Saquon Barkley at Penn State for two seasons.

—Talented receiving back with natural hands and a good understanding of route concepts and space.

—Well built (5'11", 211 lbs) with good speed (4.49-second 40-yard dash) and agility; also showed ideal strength as a runner on tape and in workouts.

—Has a developed processor and runs with good instincts, patience and vision, but he will also put his pads down and attack when needed.

—Squeezes through rushing lanes and can make himself small to get through cracks and creases. Pops out the other side with balance.

WEAKNESSES

—Isn't explosive in the open field and will get caught from behind.

—Fumbles were a major issue in his lone season as the go-to back.

—Burst is average and doesn't show him turning the corner to pull away from the edge. Will get caught dancing in the backfield and lose yards.

—Average commitment and effort as a blocker.

—Struggled against good competition.

Miles Sanders NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report, Grade for Eagles Rookie

02:36

OVERALL

Sanders had an impressive showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, but his tape puts him in the middle of the pack as a prospect, albeit in a weak running back class. He has positive traits—power, balance, hands—that could turn him into a starting back, but the fumbles and lack of production against good defenses are concerning enough to keep him out of the first round.

GRADE: 6.60 (ROUND 2 - ROOKIE STARTER)

PRO COMPARISON: Sony Michel