Raheem Mostert Deserves Strong Consideration as Eagles' No. 4 Running Back | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

The Philadelphia Eagles' leader in yards from scrimmage this preseason wasn't Jordan Matthews or Nelson Agholor. It wasn't DeMarco Murray or Darren Sproles, either. It wasn't even Kenjon Barner, fan favorite to win the No. 4 running back job, should such a role even exist.

It was Raheem Mostert, and it wasn't even close. All told, the undrafted rookie out of Purdue racked up 351 yards from scrimmage in four games—157 rushing, 194 receiving and 217 more total than anybody else on the team.

Yet Barner has garnered the bulk of the attention this summer, largely based on punt returns of 92 and 68 yards for touchdown. However, as impressive as those plays were, Mostert has arguably shown more value to the Eagles overall, meriting strong consideration for a roster spot if one happens to be available.

You see, while Barner has those highlight-reel returns, Sproles went to the Pro Bowl as a return specialist last season, and Agholor—a first-round draft pick—had four returns for touchdowns his final two years at USC. The Eagles don't necessarily need to save a roster spot for another return man.

Mostert, meanwhile, was out there blocking on both of Barner's touchdowns. In fact, Mostert filled a number of roles on special teams this summer, from contributing on coverage units to returning kickoffs. That versatility would seemingly give the 23-year-old the edge.

But the battle is close, and if playing time in Thursday's final preseason game was any indication, Barner will make the club. The veteran was used only sparingly against the New York Jets, typically a sign of a player whose roster spot is safe.

A 2013 sixth-round pick, Barner was acquired from the Carolina Panthers in a "trade" last summer. Technically, the Eagles surrendered nothing in the swap, as it was a conditional seventh-round pick based on playing time. Barner wound up being waived/injured and eventually landed back in Philly on the practice squad.

An standout at Oregon under now-Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, Barner has six career carries in the NFL for seven yards to go along with two receptions for seven yards. This preseason he ran 15 times for 57 yards—a 3.7 average—with a touchdown, plus he hauled in four passes for 72 yards, including a 50-yard gainer.

Not bad, but not Mostert good.

After Thursday's heavy workload, Mostert had carried 39 times for 157 yards—a solid 4.0 average. He ran hard, followed his blocks and showed vision. He also turned out to be a huge weapon in the passing attack, leading the Eagles with 15 catches for 194 yards through the air. All that is missing from this line is a score.

In addition to Mostert's strong preseason, his measurables are off the charts, particularly speed. A Big 10 100-meter and 200-meter track champion, Mostert clocked in at 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash at his pro day, according to Mike Carmin for the Indianapolis Star. His acceleration is evident nearly every time he touches the ball.

To put that in perspective, Barner timed at 4.52 seconds at the combine in 2013, according to NFL.com. Mostert also has the 26-year-old beat on size—5'11", 190 pounds to 5'9", 185.

Mostert is bigger, younger and faster than Barner. Barner has also done little with his first two years in the NFL, whereas Mostert is just now breaking into the league. Combined with the versatile special teams contributions, which player would you say has more upside?

Observers will continue to focus on Barner's returns, and truth be told, that may have cemented a job for him—if the Eagles keep four running backs, that is. With Murray, Sproles and Ryan Mathews already in the fold, it's not a given Kelly needs either player to fill out the 53-man roster.

Both Barner and Mostert have made compelling cases, though, and it would be a shame to see either one get away. It's possible Mostert would at least clear waivers, allowing the Eagles to stash him on the practice squad. Then again, it appears he might be able to help the team now, which begs the question whether putting him out there is worth the gamble.