NFL Draft Results: Eagles pick Wendell Smallwood, West Virginia running back at No. 153

With the No. 153 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select ... West Virginia running back Wendell Smallwood.

Smallwood measures in at 5-10, 208 pounds. He's a native of Wilmington, Delaware so it's no surprise he grew up as an Eagles fan.

In three years at West Virginia, Smallwood rushed for 12 touchdowns and 2,462 yards on 425 carries (5.8 yards/attempt). Smallwood contributed as a pass catcher with 68 receptions for 618 yards (9.1 yards/reception). He also returned 30 punts for 541 yards in 2013.

There are some question marks with Smallwood off the field. In July 2014, he was arrested for allegedly trying to intimidate a witness in a murder case. The charges were later dropped.

Philadelphia badly needed to draft a running back. Veterans Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles are nice players, but they aren't without flaws. Mathews is injury-prone and fumbles often. Sproles is on the last year of his contract and turns 33 in June. Kenjon Barner has never been a full time player. The Eagles needed to add a new running back in the mix and that's what they did by drafting Smallwood.

Here's a scouting report on Smallwood via NFL.com.

Strengths - Hits the crease with proper pad level and can spin off of initial tackle attempt on his way to additional yardage. Attacks his foes with lead shoulder at the end of the run for an aggressive finish. Runs a disciplined track as zone runner using solid vision and steady tempo. One of the sharpest players on the offense. Scans and spots blitzers on the creep and steps over to meet them as a blocker. Possesses exceptional hands as an option out of the backfield.

Weaknesses - Can use more beef on his frame to handle the rigors of the NFL. Monotone runner who tends to keep his runs at one speed. Not flashy or particularly creative as a runner. Gets what is blocked and is more of a physical finisher than tackle breaker. Has an extended gear down on outside zone to hit downhill cuts. Average athleticism and lacks the sudden jump cut.

Bottom Line - Smallwood changed West Virginia from an "Air Raid" offense to a "ground and pound" attack. Smallwood's tape features few, true flash plays, but the quality runs seem to stack up one after another. His intelligence in pass pro and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield give him an immediate shot as a third-down back, but his combine could determine whether he hears his name on Day 3 of the draft or not.

...

Eagles remaining needs

Offensive line

Cornerback

Wide receiver

Eagles remaining draft picks

1st (2) - Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
3rd (79) - Isaac Seumalo, OL, Oregon State
5th (153) - Wendell Smallwood, RB, West Virginia
5th (164) -
6th (188) -
7th (233) -
7th  (251) -

Click here for the entire 2016 NFL Draft order.

2016 NFL Draft schedule

Saturday, April 30 - 12 PM EST (Rounds 4-6 - 5 Minutes Per Pick, Round 7 - 4 Minutes Per Pick)

TV schedule: NFL Network and ESPN.