By Tucker Bagley, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
It has been 31 years since the Philadelphia Eagles spent a first-round pick on a running back. In 1986, the team took Ohio State running back Keith Byars with the 10th overall and he went on to accumulate 54 career touchdowns in a 12-year career.
However, the Eagles haven't exactly had the most success with running backs in the first round. Outside of Hall-of-Famer Steve Van Buren, the Birds have never drafted a running back in the first round who went on to have a 1000-yard season. That's not good.
But now, as the Eagles search for a running back who can complement Carson Wentz's skillset, a trio of 'backs are entering the draft, each one worthy of a top selection. Leonard Fournette has the pedigree of a pure-bred race horse and Dalvin Cook's tape makes him look like the second-coming of Jamaal Charles. But, perhaps the most tantalizing prospect is Stanford's Christian McCaffrey.
Before the scouting combine, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had this to say about the former Heisman runner-up:
Multi-dimensional runner with flex appeal for teams looking for a player who can carry the ball 20 times or catch it 10 depending on the game plan. McCaffrey's size, power and speed are just average, but he is able to create yardage for himself with his vision and elusiveness. McCaffrey's ability to return punts and kicks could be the value sweetener that pushes his name into the first round.
However, an impressive showing at the combine may have proved McCaffrey is far from an average athlete. He was among the best at his position in five events: 40-yard dash, vertical jump, three-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle; and his draft stock has sky-rocketed as a result.
Once viewed as a borderline first-rounder, McCaffrey has now solidified his status in the top round and may not be a reach at 14.
Perhaps McCaffrey's best trait is his versatility. The Stanford product led the nation in all-purpose yardage in 2015 and 2016, catching 99 passes for 1206 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career, while also racking up 3922 rushing yards at an impressive clip of 6.2 yards per rush.
His versatility would make him a perfect fit in Doug Pederson's west coast offense. Just like Brian Westbrook, McCaffrey could line up in the backfield, in the slot or out wide. He could even help out on special teams as a returner. Dave Fipp and his unit are a high priority in the Eagles organization. Adding McCaffrey into the fold would be a huge bonus, especially since Darren Sproles's days seem numbered.
McCaffrey seems like a perfect fit for the Birds, so much so that Todd McShay had him going to the Eagles in his latest mock draft:
McCaffrey has a ton of versatility: He can handle 10 or so carries per game, catch passes as a slot receiver and contribute in the return game. He had an exceptional week at the combine, showing off his straight-line speed and short-area quickness.
It still seems likely that the Eagles will add a defensive player in the first round, but McCaffrey's talent and fit just may be too much to pass up.
