NFL Combine 2017: Day 1 drills feature running backs, offensive line, and special teams

Today marks the first day of on-field drills at the 2017 NFL Combine. The following position groups are scheduled to work out: running backs, offensive linemen, and special teams players. The action starts at 9:00 AM ET and will be aired on NFL Network. Click here for a full list of the workouts and Combine participants. The Philadelphia Eagles will certainly show some interest in these positions, especially running back.

Preview

Click here to read BGN draft writer Ben Natan’s Combine update and preview.

Running Back

This year’s running back class is loaded with talent. That’s convenient for the Eagles because they have a huge need at the position. None of the players the Eagles currently employ are proven lead backs in the NFL. The exception is Ryan Mathews, but he’s expected to be released at some point in a move that will save $4 million in cap space. It’s time for the Eagles to stop putting so much pressure on Carson Wentz to carry the team with his arm and allow him to hand off to a legitimately good running back more often.

Dalvin Cook is the most intriguing name, but it doesn’t seem likely the Eagles will go running back in the first round. It’ll be interesting to see who else stands out at this position.

Mike Mayock’s top five running backs:

1. Dalvin Cook, Florida State

2. Leonard Fournette, LSU

3. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

4. Alvin Kamara, Tennessee

5. Joe Mixon, Oklahoma

Offensive Line

Depending on what the Eagles do with Jason Kelce and/or Allen Barbre, Philadelphia doesn’t necessarily need immediately help on the offensive line. With that said, the Eagles still have one of the oldest offensive lines in the NFL. They’ll be looking to add some more youth to the picture, especially at tackle. Jason Peters will be 36 next January.

Mike Mayock’s top five offensive tackles

1. Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin

2. Garett Bolles, Utah

3. Antonio Garcia, Troy

4. Roderick Johnson, Florida State

T-5. Taylor Moton, Western Michigan

T-5. Jermaine Eluemunor, Texas A&M

Mike Mayock’s top five interior offensive linemen

1. Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky

2. Cam Robinson, Alabama

3. Dan Feeney, Indiana

4. Ethan Pocic, LSU

5. Dion Dawkins, Temple

Special Teams

Caleb Sturgis has a decent season last year. He’ll be a free agent after 2017, though, so the Eagles might have some interest in evaluating kickers. Punter Donnie Jones and long snapper Jon Dorenbos both signed contract extensions last season. But they also both turn 37 this summer, so the Eagles should keep an eye on potential future replacements as well.

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