NFL Draft Results: Eagles pick Miles Sanders at No. 53

With the 53rd pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select ... Penn State running back Miles Sanders!

The Eagles showed interest in Sanders leading up to this year’s draft. The team hosted him on an official pre-draft visit and also met with him at the NFL Combine. The Daily News previously said that the Eagles “liked Miles Sanders. A lot.”

Philadelphia had a need at running back despite trading for Jordan Howard earlier this offseason. Howard is set to be a free agent after the 2019 season and he’s not a big factor in the passing game. Sanders figures to split carries with Howard in the Eagles’ running back rotation this year before potentially taking over as Philly’s 1A in 2020.

In addition to Sanders and Howards, the Eagles still have Corey Clement, Wendell Smallwood, Josh Adams, Boston Scott, and Donnel Pumphrey under contract. Clement is likely a lock to make the 53-man roster while the rest of those guys are competing for a fourth running back spot.

Here’s what we previously wrote about Sanders here at Bleeding Green Nation:

Sanders is an interesting prospect because there’s some thought he has untapped potential, especially as a pass catcher. He only had 32 receptions for 193 yards (low 6.0 average) and one touchdown for Penn State but he also had to deal with playing behind Saquon Barkley for two years. The Eagles should absolutely be looking for a dynamic, pass-catching back in the 2019 NFL Draft to pair with Howard. Sanders boasts quality athleticism and skills to believe he can be an early contributor in the Eagles’ running back rotaiton. There could be hope for him to eventually be the 1A in Philly’s system.

Here’s a scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

Well-built glider with the instincts, footwork and agility to shake tacklers but the frame and pad level to finish with some authority. He can clearly create yardage for himself, but he has average acceleration and might need to expedite his downhill process as a pro. Sanders is more skilled than explosive, but he has the size and talent to develop into a future starter with every-down potential.

Spider graph via Mockdraftable:

Remaining Eagles draft picks

1st - No. 22 - OT Andre Dillard

2nd - No. 53 - RB Miles Sanders

2nd - No. 57

4th - No. 138

5th - No. 163

Eagles top remaining needs

Defensive line

Interior offensive line

Safety

Linebacker

2019 NFL Draft schedule

• 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)