NFL Draft Results: Eagles select Kenneth Gainwell at pick No. 150

With the 150th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select ... Kenneth Gainwell, running back, Memphis!

At the time of this pick, former Eagles scout Daniel Jeremiah said Gainwell was the last player remaining on his top 100 big board.

Gainwell is an exciting addition. The 22-year-old running back comes from a Memphis program that’s recently produced notable NFL running backs such as Antonio Gibson, Darrell Henderson, and Tony Pollard.

Gainwell was very productive as both a runner and a receiver in 2019 before opting out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19. He adds some juice to an Eagles backfield that currently features Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Jordan Howard. Gainwell could potentially push for being the No. 2 option behind Sanders in 2021 and beyond.

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

One-year starter with underwhelming size but overwhelming production. Gainwell is a challenging study as a slasher with average burst and speed but excellent change-of-direction talent. His propensity for taking on monster contact as an inside runner should be a concern based on his frame. He does an excellent job of reading blockers/defenders and makes buttery smooth cuts to change his rush track while keeping his feet ready if another quick cut is needed. His willingness in pass protection and talent out of the backfield should help him find a home as a backup running back with third-down value.

College stats via Sports Reference:

Spider graph via Mockdraftable:

Highlights:

Grade the pick

Remaining Eagles draft picks

1 (10) - DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

2 (37) - Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama

3 (73) - Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech

4 (123) - Zech McPhearson, CB, Texas Tech

5 (150) - Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis

6 (189)

6 (191)

6 (224)

6 (225)

7 (234)

7 (240)

Remaining Eagles needs

Cornerback

Linebacker

Safety

Offensive tackle

Defensive end

Wide receiver