The fifth-round of the 2021 NFL Draft is coming to a close, and the Philadelphia Eagles have made their selection.
At No. 150, out of Memphis, the Eagles draft running back Kenneth Gainwell.
THE RUNNING BACKS’ STATS
Kenneth Gainwell started as running back during his freshman year for the Tigers before redshirting.
With just one full season, 2019 was explosive. Gainwell finished with 1,459 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He also caught 51 passes for 610 yards and three touchdowns.
The running back was also the only player with 85.0+ PFF receiving and rushing grade two seasons ago.
Gainwell opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, he made quite the impact before leaving. Eagles scout Daniel Jeremiah stated Gainwell was the last player remaining on his top 100 board before Philadelphia’s pick.
NFL’s Lance Zierlein also added, “One-year stater 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 read 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.”
…AND A HOME IS FOUND
The 22-year-old, 5-foot-8, 201-pound running back will now join Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Jordan Howard.
For Eagles’ new head coach Nick Sirianni, Gainwell is an exciting addition to his offense as he could potentially be the No. 2 option behind Sanders.
Gainwell will also join his cousin, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox who is an Eagles’ legend. Though Gainwell has a lot to live up to, it sounds like he’ll get the job done.
The Eagles pick again at No. 189.