In the second day of my offseason position analysis, I’m going to look at the runningback position. This position was easily the strength of the offense, finishing 8th in rushing yards per game. Brian Westbrook had a career year, while Correll Buckhalter was great in a relieving role. However, with both backs aging and collecting injuries like trading cards, the birds don’t have much of an insurance policy or future at the position. Can third round draft choice Tony Hunt be that future?
Brian Westbrook
Westbrook proved he could be an elite NFL runningback this season, leading runningbacks in yards from scrimmage. He set the Eagles’ single-season reception record with a career-high 90 receptions for a career-high 771 yards. He was arguably the most complete back in the league this year, making rushing, receiving and pass-blocking look easy. On top of that, he can deliver a big punt return in a pinch. There’s not enough I can say about B-West. He is easily the most talented player the Eagles have had in years.
The verdict: Expect one or two more Pro Bowl-caliber years out of Westy before injuries catch up with him.
Correll Buckhalter
Buckhalter could have started for the Eagles this year and gotten the job done, although he would not have been nearly as dynamic. Buckhalter has seen what could have been a terrific career ruined by knee injury after knee injury. However, he never gave up. He still delivered some exciting plays this year, with 4 rushing touchdowns and and a 5.0 yards per-carry average. He proved he could be reliable, rushing for 103 yards on 17 carries in his only start.
The verdict: Buckhalter is a solid backup, but he’s an injury waiting to happen. Would he be able to recover from yet another major injury?
Tony Hunt
When the Eagles drafted Hunt, I liked the pick. I thought he could become the goal-line threat the Eagles need. Early in the season, it looked like he could have done that. Hunt took the ball in the endzone for his first career touchdown in his first career game. Then, he disappeared completely. Word on the street is that Hunt has looked lost ever since he reported to training camp.
The verdict: Although Hunt had an awful rookie campaign, he obviously still has time to come around. Look for the Eagles to try and inspire him by bringing in some competition, most likely through the later rounds of the draft.
Ryan Moats
Moats spent the year on Injured Reserve after looking awful in training camp. The speedy Moats has become a human fumbling machine after a promising rookie season.
The verdict: Not much to say here. Moats has shown he has what it takes to do something in this league, but seems to have lost it somewhere. Maybe battling with Hunt and a rookie for a roster spot will remind him of what he can do.
Reno Mahe
Why is this guy still in the NFL? There wasn’t a better return man ANYWHERE?? Reno would be a lot better if he wasn’t so slow.
The verdict: Poor Reno will not be on a team nor in the NFL next season and likely the rest of his life.
Thomas Tapeh
Tapeh is a solid lead blocker, but that’s about it.
The verdict: The Eagles could stick with Tapeh, but Reid likes a fullback who can catch out of the backfield. The Eagles could very likely try and upgrade either through the draft or free agency.
That’s all for runningbacks. Stay tuned for my in-depth look at Wide Receivers and Tight Ends!
