The Eagles did not sign any running backs during free agency or draft any running backs through the seven rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. They did, however, sign two undrafted free agent running backs shortly after the draft ended. Those two backs are Michael Warren from Cincinnati and Adrian Killins from UCF.
Unfortunately, the MockDraftable measurables are not available for either player. But there is plenty of information available to help evaluate their profiles and potential fit with the Eagles. Let’s start by taking a look at Michael Warren and his chances of making the final roster in Philadelphia.
Michael Warren, RB, Cincinnati
- HEIGHT: 5′ 9″
- WEIGHT: 226 lbs
- ARMS: 29 1/2”
- HANDS: 9 1/8”
Lance Zierlein’s overview from NFL.com:
Burly, interior runner who faced his fair share of foggy boxes and early traffic but used footwork and contact power to create yards for himself. Warren’s touchdown production is a product of build and running demeanor. While he lacks the burst to consistently gain yards outside the tackle box, he should be able to keep doing his thing between the tackles thanks to vision, footwork, balance and power. He has pass-catching talent and can be activated as a basic route runner, but isn’t trustworthy enough in protection to secure third-down duties. He has a shot as an early down backup with short-yardage ability who can grab a catch here and there.
Joe Marino from The Draft Network:
Cincinnati running back Michael Warren enters the league of two productive seasons as the feature back for the Bearcats where he displayed an impressive skill set that blends power and elusiveness together. While he isn’t going to be confused as a jitterbug, Warren has impressive footwork and shiftiness for back of his stature. He is a true tank that is dominant through contact and he challenges defenders on every touch while competing for every inch. Warren has the upside to become a top-two back in an NFL stable while offering a fairly versatile skill set.
Kyle Crabbs from The Draft Network:
Michael Warren projects as a potential lead back in a rotational stable in the NFL. Warren offers viable pass catching skills on swing routes and when isolated against linebackers and his foot quickness will allow him to produce broken angles in pursuit and be an effective zone runner on inside runs. He lacks the long speed to be a home run hitter, yet Warren’s rushing skill and play making should warrant a chance at some point to take sizable snaps. Possible low-end starter.
The early comp for Michael Warren in Philadelphia has been Jordan Howard. And while the reasoning for that comp is obvious, Warren appears to be much more elusive with much niftier footwork. His highlight video shows a runner with good balance who changes direction smoothly, even without that explosive burst. Give it a watch:
Can he make the roster?
In short: yes. The Eagles have Miles Sanders entrenched as their starter and are also bringing back Boston Scott and Elijah Holyfield. Scott is a near-lock to make the roster as a backup after a breakout season, but Holyfield was a late-season addition who never even saw the field.
Outside of those three, the Eagles only have Corey Clement, who signed re-signed with the team on Wednesday, Warren, and fellow undrafted free agent Adrian Killins. Of that group, Warren is the only one who fits the kind of bruising LeGarrette Blount or Jordan Howard mold that the Eagles typically like to have on the roster. Of the 12 undrafted free agents the Eagles brought in, Warren might have the best shot out of any of them at cracking the final roster.
