The Eagles double dipped on running back additions this offseason, sliding a few incumbent players down the depth chart.
The team traded for veteran Jordan Howard and selected rookie Miles Sanders in the second-round of last month’s NFL Draft.
Those two moves impacted the rest of the depth chart, as Super Bowl LII hero, Corey Clement, will settle back into his third-down role from his rookie season. Clement is coming off a season-ending knee injury, so his status will revolve around his offseason recovery.
With the trio of Howard, Sanders and Clement seemingly cemented as the top three running backs on the roster, last year’s leading rusher, Josh Adams, and perennially overlooked utility tailback, Wendell Smallwood, are competing for a job at the bottom of the depth chart.
Below are the four running backs competing for a depth spot behind Howard, Sanders and Clement:
Wendell Smallwood
While he has seemingly been on the roster bubble in each of the last three offseasons, Smallwood has not only earned a roster spot but also maintained a solid workload during that span.
Last season, Smallwood filled in admirably as the Eagles dealt with a plethora of injuries during the playoff push. Smallwood has the best third-down attributes in this competition. One could argue that he is also the most proven special teams player as well.
Josh Adams
Adams had a tough ending to his rookie season. The former undrafted free agent injured his shoulder during the team’s playoff push and struggled down the stretch, especially in short-yardage situations. Still, Adams led the team in rushing and flashed potential during a five-game stretch in the middle of the season.
With development, the Eagles could look at Adams as an eventual successor to Howard if the veteran moves on next offseason during free agency. Adams is cheap, young and still has upside. Adams underwent offseason labrum surgery, so he will need to recover before taking part in the offseason competition.
Boston Scott
Scott was brought in during last year’s playoff push to serve as the team’s kick returner. While his role will probably be defined by his special teams ability, Scott was a standout at running back at Louisiana Tech.
While he is a bit undersized, the Eagles could use a Darren Sproles replacement in the rotation. Scott could be that guy.
Donnel Pumphrey
Entering his third offseason competition, Pumphrey has yet to live up to his fourth-round pedigree. However, the Eagles are giving Pumphrey another opportunity to earn a job in the running back rotation this summer.
Pumphrey was used as a returner during the first organized team activities workout last week, which should help his chances of earning a roster spot. That said, the battle for the fourth running back spot features three players who were on the 53-man roster last season. Pumphrey was on the practice squad while the other three suited up on Sundays. He will need a big offseason to supplant Smallwood, Adams and Scott on the depth chart.
Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye. Find NJ.com on Facebook.