BYU football: Jamaal Williams to the Philadelphia Eagles?

BYU football’s Jamaal Williams is currently participating in the NFL Combine. Apparently he’s garnering attention from the Philadelphia Eagles.

BYU football’s all-time leading rusher might be heading from Provo to Philadelphia.

Jamaal Williams is working out at the NFL Combine today, and the Eagles have reportedly spent quite a bit of time with him.

That makes sense, because the Eagles will be looking for a running back this offseason.

Philadelphia’s lead back last season was Ryan Mathews. Mathews ran the ball 155 times for 661 yards and eight touchdowns, but it wasn’t a successful year in Philly.

He had ball security problems and injury issues – leading many to think the Eagles will eventually cut him to save about $4 million.

Behind Mathews, Darren Sproles amassed 865 total yards as a dual-threat/third-down back. While Sproles was still effective, he’s too old (33-years old) and too small (5-foot-6) to be a lead back.

Wendell Smallwood and Kenjon Barner each averaged more than four yards per carry, but Philadelphia doesn’t seem sold on either of them being feature backs.

The Eagles are interested in former Kansas City Chief Jamaal Charles, but he wouldn’t be a long-term solution either.

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Williams gives the Eagles a nifty, mid-range option in the backfield. It’d be an affordable contract for a player with a lot of upside. Granted, it would’ve been nice to see the former BYU football star put up better numbers at the Combine, but all is not lost.

Williams’ film speaks for itself. He’s got great vision, good leg drive and runs through contact. Those are all elements that NFL teams look for. High jumps and shuttle times don’t mean much on Sundays.

The Eagles aren’t the only team that might be eyeing Williams in the draft. We’ve already covered the Patriots, Colts and Packers. Next up for him is BYU’s Pro Day in late March.