Draft guru Todd McShay has Eagles making uncharacteristic first-round choice

The Philadelphia Eagles haven't selected a running back in the first round of the NFL draft in over 30 years, but that's precisely what ESPN's Todd McShay predicts the team will do four months from now. 

McShay believes that general manager Howie Roseman will not only shy away from his long-established draft history but has the Eagles as the first team to take a running back off the board, picking Texas' Bijan Robinson. 

Eagles' starting running back, Miles Sanders, is having a breakout season, already establishing career-highs in rushing yards (1,068) and touchdowns (11). However, the 25-year-old is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, which McShay believes opens the door for the Eagles to make an uncharacteristic move in the draft, calling the pick a "luxury."

"I know the 'it's too early for a running back' arguments are coming, and I agree 99% of the time," McShay wrote. "But why spend heavily on re-signing Sanders or bringing in another back in free agency when Robinson — who is an upgrade — is available here on a rookie deal?"

Robinson would be a massive addition to an Eagles' offense that already boasts quarterback Jalen Hurts, tight end Dallas Goedert, and wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Last season, Robinson led the Big 12 in rushing yards (1,580), rushing touchdowns (18), and yards from scrimmage (1,894). But, as tempting as choosing Robinson might be, Roseman and the Eagles have proven time and time again that they value the running back positions less than others. 

The last running back selected in the first round by the Eagles was Keith Byars, who they chose No. 10 overall in 1986. Though, since 2010 under Roseman, the Eagles have only picked eight running backs in the draft, seven in the fourth round or lower. The highest back selected by Roseman? Sanders, 53rd overall (second round) in 2019.