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With the No. 132 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey.
The Eagles traded up to get pick No. 132. In order to do so, Philadelphia gave up their fourth round selection at No. 139 and seventh round selection at No. 230 to the Vikings.
Pumphrey, 22, is pretty small. He only measures in at 5-8, 176 pounds. But what Pumphrey lacks in his he makes up for in play-making ability. Pumphrey rans for 62 touchdowns and 6,405 yards on 1,059 carries in college. That’s a 6.0 average. He also logged 99 receptions for 1,039 yards and five receiving scores.
The Eagles badly needed to draft a running back, in part because Darren Sproles is expected to retire after this season. Pumphrey figures to be a potential Sproles replacement given his combined rushing and receiving ability.
Here’s a scouting report on Pumphrey via NFL.com.
Strengths: Produced at high levels. Patient but decisive when he sees it. Accesses instant turbo burst. Rarely loses races to and around the edge. Plus vision creates ability to navigate shifting run creases like a seasoned veteran. Slaloms through traffic from side to side with seamless, tight jump cuts. Keeps tight track through the gaps, maintaining distance from defensive linemen. Able to string moves together. Razor-sharp cutbacks at challenging angles are his thing. Made a rare 90-degree cut out of a downhill run against South Alabama. Excels in outside zone but has courage to stick it between tackles. Extremely elusive in open field after catch. Used as matchup weapon out of backfield. Good route runner who creates necessary separation.
Weaknesses: Undersized. Lacks the leg thickness and overall physical strength desired out of an NFL running back. Spirit is willing but flesh is weak. Arm tackles are able to end his journey. Willing to accelerate into defender, but doesn't have the pop to break tackles or fall forward after contact. Quicker than fast. Will get caught from behind. Body catcher with average hands that lead to double catches. Too small to protect against NFL blitzers as third-down back.
Draft Projection: Round 5-6
Sources Tell Us: "I don't care how big he is, he's a good player. Look, he's tiny so you can't take him too early because there's risk in putting a skinny runner out there. You have to have an offense that makes sense for him but everyone I talk to on the road likes the talent. The size is going to be the only concern." -- AFC West scout
NFL Comparison: Tyler Ervin
Bottom Line: Pumphrey is an efficient, natural back who runs with outstanding tempo and vision. Has outstanding agility and ability to disappear and leave tacklers grasping at air in open field. While he has good burst and quickness, he does lack the home-run speed expected from such small running backs. He won't even be an option for teams married to physical minimums, but there is a place on the roster for his talent provided he can become a return man or viable receiving option as well.
Remaining Eagles draft picks
1st - No. 14 - Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
2nd - No. 43 - Sidney Jones, CB, Washington
3rd - No. 99 - Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia
4th - No. 118 - Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina
4th - No. 132 - Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State
5th - No. 155
6th - No. 194
Eagles top remaining needs
Cornerback
Offensive tackle
Defensive tackle
2017 NFL Draft schedule
- Day 1: Round 1 – 10 minutes
- Day 2: Round 2 – 7 Minutes, Round 3 – 5 Minutes Per Pick
- Day 3: Rounds 4-6 – 5 Minutes Per Pick, Round 7 - 4 Minutes Per Pick
(Compensatory picks = 4 minutes)