NFL Draft Rumors: Derrius Guice, who is admired by Duce Staley, will visit the Eagles

LSU running back Derrius Guice is one of the 30 prospects from the 2018 NFL Draft who will be hosted by the Eagles for a visit in Philadelphia, according to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com.

Pauline specifically notes that Eagles assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley is a big fan of Guice.

After working out for the Tampa Bay Bucs yesterday, LSU running back Derrius Guice will be meeting the Indianapolis Colts in Baton Rouge before jetting off to see the Philadelphia Eagles for an official visit. I’m told Eagles running back coach Duce Staley is a big supporter of Guice.

Guice is one of the top running back prospects in this year’s draft class. Mike Mayock only has Saquon Barkley ranked higher at the position.

Guice finished his three years at LSU with 471 rushing attempts for 3,074 yards (6.5 average) and 29 touchdowns. He also pitched in with 32 receptions for 250 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.

The 20-year-old Guice measures in at 5-10, 224 pounds. Here’s a look at his spider graph via Mockdraftable.

It would be surprising to see the Eagles draft a running back in the first round since they haven’t done it since 1986. Running back also isn’t an immediate position of need given the presence of Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement.

But Ajayi is going to be a free agent after this year and there are concerns about his longevity due to his knees. Clement showed potential in 2017 but he’s not guaranteed to be a lead back just yet.

Maybe the Eagles make some history and go after Guice. Again, I don’t know if that’s the best use of resources given how they like to rotate their backs, but maybe they love his potential as a feature back after this season. The team could covet a physical runner with LeGarrette Blount possibly moving on in free agency.

Scouting report via Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

Draft Projection: Rounds 1-2

Sources Tell Us: “Don’t waste your time on 2017 film because he wasn’t even back up to his top speed until the bowl game. He will be the same player he was in 2016. If you had a grade on him after last year, you should use that.” -- LSU assistant coach

NFL Comparison: Marshawn Lynch

Bottom Line: Evaluating Guice requires settling in for two full seasons of tape study as he was only healthy a fraction of the 2017 season. While Guice has some elusiveness and long speed, much of his success comes from his furious running style and ability to create yardage after contact. Guice’s yards per touch was two yards higher over his first two seasons compared to last year. Like Leonard Fournette the year before, teams may be willing to lock in on his sophomore tape to create their evaluations and grades. Guice’s running style could lead to a shorter career, but he has a chance to make a big splash early.

Highlights:

Complete list of known Philadelphia Eagles draft visits

RB Derrius Guice

LSU CB Donte Jackson - [Click here]