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A football player from the University of Notre Dame runs with the ball as Oregon State University players get blocked during the 90th Annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game held at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas, Dec. 29, 2023. Fort Bliss supports this event annually to provide an opportunity for people from across the U.S. to connect with their Army. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. David Poleski) A football player from the University of Notre Dame runs with the ball as Oregon State University players get blocked during the 90th Annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game held at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas, Dec. 29, 2023. Fort Bliss supports this event annually to provide an opportunity for people from across the U.S. to connect with their Army. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. David Poleski)
For a moment in time — the Eagles 2024 season looked as if it was hanging by a thread. The additional of new Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore hadn’t been especially impressive move through four games — and the Eagles were heading into the bye week at 2–2 having suffered a 33–16 loss to the team that had ended another run in the NFC Playoffs nine months earlier. The subsequent change that was then made — propelled the Eagles to a 14–3 record and an eventual second Lombardi Trophy.
The Eagles began to run the ball.
We are now less than eight weeks away from the 2026 NFL Draft and while running back probably isn’t a position that is high on the Eagles list of needs going into 2026 — Philly has never been shy about stockpiling talent at any position — especially when game-changing potential is available for Howie Roseman and the Eagles Draft Room.
On the surface — it’s hard to remember that Saquon Barkley did eclipse 1,000 yards this past season with the difficulty that he encountered game after game. But indeed he was a 1,200 yard rusher. Behind him — newly acquired Tank Bigsby was a nice change of pace — bringing fresh legs to the Eagles offense while a myriad of injuries slowed Clemson product Will Shipley after an impressive rookie season which included a 77-yard game in the NFC Championship Game.
But Saquon Barkley has just turned 29 and Jalen Hurts is now 27. Protecting Hurts with a solid running game will be key to allowing him to thrive next season. Even with the prospect of Bigsby returning this season — the Eagles must be deep at running back and in 2026 — once again allow the ground-game to setup the offense.
The two top options on most NFL Draft Boards are Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Love and Jadarian Price. It’s a one-two punch that got Notre Dame into the National Championship Game in 2025. In that season — the two combined for over 2,400 yards and 36 touchdowns. Love is the all-time touchdown leader at Notre Dame.
Who knows if either will be available with the 23rd pick. At least one of them.
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