NFL Draft 2017: Eagles will put offensive weapon Curtis Samuel through private workout

The Philadelphia Eagles are putting Ohio State offensive weapon Curtis Samuel through a private workout, according to Jeff McLane.

This a noteworthy workout for the Eagles because Samuel is an interesting player. The 20-year-old has experience at both running back and wide receiver. In 2016, Samuel carried the ball 97 times for 771 yards and eight touchdowns. As a pass catcher, Samuel had 74 receptions for 865 yards and seven scores. That’s a total of 1,636 yards from scrimmage. That’s pretty good!

So what position is he in the NFL? Opinions differ. BGN draft writer Ben Natan has Samuel as one of the best running backs in this year’s class.

There is some debate as to what position Curtis Samuel will play in the NFL. While he would be an excellent receiver, his advantage at running back is too great to ignore. His speed is incredible and matching him up with safeties and linebackers in the passing game is just unfair. Regardless where an offense puts him, he is a weapon.

CBS Sports currently projects him to be a second round pick. Here’s a scouting report from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

Sources Tell Us: "It's kind of like with Jalin Marshall last year. How do you use him? He's not a running back and his routes and hands really aren't that good. Marshall went undrafted. Samuel is a better athlete but they are about the same size and give you the same concerns with how to use them." -- East regional scout for AFC team

NFL Comparison: Josh Huff

Bottom Line: Jack-of-all trades but master of none, Samuel showed an ability to gain yardage and create scoring opportunities in a variety of ways on a talented Buckeyes offense. However, NFL teams will want to slot him into a more defined role, which is most likely at receiver. He is still learning the position and has separation quickness to create open throwing lanes, but while he's sharpening his route work, he could find early reps as a kick returner.

Hey, Josh Huff! If the Eagles drafted Samuel, the Eagles might envision a role for him similar to how they forced fed the ball to Huff last year.

As I wrote earlier today, Philadelphia desperately needs some more offensive weapons so adding him to the mix would be fun. Get Carson Wentz all the weapons you can get him.

With that said, Samuel might not make the most sense for the Eagles due to his lack of polish. The Eagles need a legitimate three-down running back. The Eagles also need some reliability at wide receiver. Samuel isn’t necessarily the best option in that sense, then. But he could help fill the Eagles’ need for a play-maker.

In any case, the Eagles are showing interest in Samuel, so that’s something to keep in mind as the 2017 NFL Draft approaches later this month.