Miles Sanders

Sanders may have preferred to stay in Philadelphia, where the running is easy and the touchdowns plentiful, but with the Panthers he'll make more money and have a secure rushing workload. Whereas the Panthers appear dependent on Sanders for regular production, the Eagles had a variety of options at their disposal and would sometimes go away from Sanders in the game plan. He'll likely have a a worse per-carry average and lower TD rate with the Panthers, but he may also get more overall touches after averaging 13.5 to 16.4 per game in four seasons with the Eagles. It could be a worthwhile tradeoff, especially if new coach Frank Reich can get the Panthers offense into some kind of shape. Chuba Hubbard looms as a capable alternative, but he's not as gifted of a runner as Sanders and might get the bulk of his work on passing downs, where Sanders is less useful. While that might come with risk of getting phased when the Panthers abandon the run, it's also possible Sanders gets more involved in the passing game (only 20 catches last year) on early downs as a check-down for rookie QB Bryce Young.

Injuries limited Sanders to 12 games both of the past two seasons, following a 16-game rookie campaign with 1,327 total yards. He did average a career-high 5.5 yards per carry last year behind a strong offensive line, but spotty usage cratered his fantasy value all the same as Sanders failed to score a touchdown all season. Now entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 2019 second-round pick has another shot in the starting role after the Eagles opted against any high-profile additions to their backfield in the offseason. However, Sanders averaged only 11.4 carries and 2.8 targets per game as the starter last year, and he again figures to lose some touches to veteran Boston Scott and 2021 fifth-round pick Kenneth Gainwell. Beyond that, the Eagles have a dual-threat QB who eats up a lot of volume on the ground, and their passing game could be emphasized more with WR A.J. Brown joining WR DeVonta Smith and TE Dallas Goedert. It all points to a modest ceiling for Sanders, who could see the Eagles looking for an upgrade once his contract expires.

Sanders didn't quite have a breakout in 2020, but on a per-game basis his rushing numbers took a big step forward from his rookie campaign. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to play a full 16 games, as lower-body injuries cost him Week 1, Week 17 and two games in between. Sanders has proven he's a dangerous big-play threat, reeling off three carries of 40 yards or more last year, and his 5.3 yards per carry was fifth among RBs. His receiving numbers tumbled significantly compared to his rookie year - in part due to seven drops - but the Eagles' quarterback turmoil was a huge factor. Whether he sees more targets in 2021 is a big question as Jalen Hurts takes over at QB and a new coaching staff takes the helm. Sanders did take 46 carries for 236 yards and three TDs in the three games he played last season with Hurts as the starting QB, adding nine receptions for 74 yards on 13 targets. The late-season surge will surely be noted by new offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, who had no problem getting the ball to Austin Ekeler (when healthy) with the Chargers. While receiving volume and overall quality of the offense are major concerns, Sanders appears secure as the lead runner in Philadelphia.

Stuck behind Jordan Howard to begin the season, Sanders claimed the top spot in the Eagles backfield after the team's Week 10 bye, and his pace in the final seven games would prorate to 1,100 rushing yards over a full season. The 2019 second-round pick also proved to be a capable receiver, with his 8.1 YPT good for third in the league among RBs behind Austin Ekeler and Dalvin Cook. Sanders dealt with nagging shoulder and ankle injuries during the year but still suited up for all 16 games, and he added an MCL sprain to his medical chart in a wild-card loss to the Seahawks. Barring a late addition to the depth chart, the Eagles seem content to roll into 2020 with only Boston Scott and Corey Clement to back up Sanders - a situation that could lead to a big workload if he can hold up under it. On the other hand, coach Doug Pederson has a long history favoring committee backfields, often involving three runners in his weekly game plans. Tough competition or not, Sanders could find himself capped south of 20 touches per week.

Sanders only got a chance to start for one year at Penn State after Saquon Barkley left, showing enough in his final collegiate season to get drafted in the second round in 2019. A smooth, natural runner, Sanders doesn't flash any elite traits but at least shows above-average elusiveness, balance and vision, allowing him to navigate traffic and get to the second level with consistency. He can also contribute in the passing game. At 5-11, 211, Sanders doesn't display a lot of power or burst, and, according to scouts, can dance too much in the backfield, a habit he'll need to break quickly to thrive in the NFL. Sanders joins an Eagles backfield now topped by former Bears bulldozer Jordan Howard, along with holdovers Darren Sproles, Josh Adams, Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement. Given the competition, the rookie needs to make a strong impression in camp to avoid being buried on the depth chart. Assuming he holds his own, Sanders could provide an effective complement to Howard, ceding short-yardage carries to the bruiser but making a strong case for regular work in other situations. Running behind an excellent offensive line as part of a potent offense, Sanders could put up useful numbers even without an official starting role.