The Philadelphia Eagles selected Miles Sanders in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Penn State product was expected to come in and make an immediate impact because of the Eagles' need at running back. Philadelphia made a trade for Jordan Howard before the season and the two split time.

When Howard went down with a shoulder injury, Miles Sanders was given a bulk of the snaps. And he did not disappoint. He finished the season with 818 yards on the ground with three touchdowns. Sanders added 50 catches for 509 yards and three more touchdowns.

His best game of the season came in a 37-27 win over the Washington Redskins in Week 15. Miles Sanders had 122 yards and two total touchdowns, one receiving.

Miles Sanders was a key part of a 9-7 team that won the NFC East and got to host a playoff game. Looking back at his rookie season, the Eagles have to be pleased with their rookie running back.

What to Take Away From Sanders First Year

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It was a strange year for the Eagles. They had high expectations entering the season. Many saw the Eagles as a double-digit win team who could contend for a Super Bowl. The Eagles started out 302 but eventually hit their mid season slump. Injuries were a huge reason why the Eagles' season did not reach the lofty expectations.

Miles Sanders was one of the very few who stayed healthy throughout the year. He was just a one year starter at Penn State but his play was impressive. Sanders built a reputation in college of being a tough runner and absorbing contact well. He has great hands which makes him a capable receiver. Sanders proved that he can one day be an every down back in the NFL.

A big knock on Miles Sanders coming into the league was his speed. He proved to be faster than expected and this helped him in the open field. Not to mention, he is extremely shifty. At 5'11, Sanders is tough for his size and a hard player to bring down. There is a lot to like when looking at Sanders' first season in the NFL.

Philadelphia has themselves a good player. He has potential to be an every down back but he is not there yet. The Eagles will have to keep multiple running backs on the team but Sanders should get the bulk in 2020. If he keeps this up, there is no doubt that Sanders will turn into one of the fan favorites in Philadelphia.