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In a last-ditch effort to make the playoffs (not really), Philadelphia has reportedly signed RB Boston Scott, a rookie practice squader, from the New Orleans Saints.
The #Eagles are expected to sign RB Boston Scott off the #Saints practice squad in the wake of Corey Clement’s knee injury, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 10, 2018
Scott was only a 6th-round selection out of Louisiana Tech in the 2018 NFL Draft, though he had some fans here and there. Coming out of school, Scott posted a 4.40 40-yard dash (at his Pro Day) at 5’7 and 195 pounds, as well as a 6.66 second 3-cone drill and 38.5” vertical jump. All three of those numbers would have been Top-5 in the class — though again, Pro Day numbers tend to be a bit skewed.
Scott also made big fans out of PFF College, who lauded how well Scott broke tackles and generated yards after contact.
Boston Scott was one of the toughest running backs to tackle in the college in 2017! pic.twitter.com/VhSdgXUvet
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 10, 2018
Boston Scott has an incredibly fast cut to hit space, and a decent burst to take advantage of it: pic.twitter.com/ZQkbyTUOTP
— Sam Monson (@PFF_Sam) April 24, 2018
As far as an NFL role, Scott does indeed fill that Darren Sproles role: he offers the ability to make players miss in space and catch passes out of the backfield. Darren Sproles will be a free agent this season, and after back-to-back season-ending injuries, it’s understandable that Philly is looking for a potential replacement in 2019.
Saints rookie Boston Scott pic.twitter.com/lbnbMbi2xC
— Amos Morale III (@Amos_MoraleIII) July 27, 2018
Philadelphia also does have Donnel Pumphrey on the practice squad, who was viewed as the potential Sproles replacement when he was selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. But by signing Scott off of the Saints’ practice squad instead of elevating Pumphrey for the remaining games of the season, Philadelphia ensures they will have both players in camp in 2019, to fight for a role on the 53-man roster.
While this move likely has little bearing on the outcome of the remaining 2018 games — which are games of small import now — Scott is a potential developmental piece that will have every opportunity in a shifting backfield next season.