Brian Leonard of Rutgers - the missing piece to a championship puzzle?

Brian Leonard of Rutgers may have the best hands of any running back in this year's NFL draft. He is 6' 1", weighs 238 lbs., and runs a 4.5 40 yard dash. If Andy Reid had a chance to "design" the perfect fullback for his West Coast offense, in my opinion he would create Brian Leonard.

The matchup problems Leonard would cause opponents when added to weapons in Philly like Westbrook, L.J. Smith, Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown, would have to excite Andy Reid and his offensive coaching staff. How many fullbacks are actually legitimate deep threats in the passing game? You can line Leonard up outside the numbers, flexed out as a receiver. He and Westbrook would instantly be the best pass catching backfield in the modern NFL era. The Eagles could run their no-huddle offense, and just as easily go into a "5 wide" look, with no lack of athleticism, as they could run a power running play out of I formation. What would defenses do? If they stay in base defense, with 3 linebackers, they simply can't cover Westbrook, Smith and Leonard adequately with just LB's and safeties. If they go nickle or dime, they risk getting plowed under in the running game by the big offensive line and Leonard as a sturdy lead blocker.

I think the Eagles would have to move up to near the top of round 2 in the draft to get Leonard. Its a move they really should make. He can solve the "big back" and "short yardage" dilemma, while adding real firepower for many years to come to an already explosive offense. It may take giving up a 5th rounder to do it, or slightly more by way of an existing player or future draft pick. What really has to have Andy & Co. licking their chops is Leonard's talent catching screens - a staple in Reids West Coast Offense. Leonard is an underrated runner, with surprising elusiveness for his size. He has relatively loose hips, and can make the first man miss. He can cut back, and change direction well with the rock in his hands. He ran for 2,779 yards at Rutgers, for a 4.1 average, and found the endzone 32 times as a ballcarrier. He caught 207 passes in his college career, for a 9.1 yard average, with 13 TD's.

There are not may negatives with Leonard. He has extremely high character on and off the field. He is as unselfish a talented player as will ever enter the NFL. Objectively, though, he will be an effective, but not devasting, lead blocker in the running game. You lose a little power at the point of attack as a run blocker to gain his skill and versatility. He is a polished pass blocker, and slides well to pick up edge pass rushers. Hopefully we will hear Leonard's name called as a new Eagle this Saturday. Watch his resume here - http://youtube.com/watch?v=qgWptGJauog