Ray's Replies: Polk, Brown are low-risk RBs

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Q. I like the Chris Polk signing and the Bryce Brown pick in round seven is a low-risk shot at a kid with major potential. As a Seminoles fan, I remember when Florida State was recruiting (Brown) as the No. 1 high school running back in the nation but lost him to Tennessee. Hopefully, his maturity level catches up to his talent level.

--Eric Blasick

A. Polk was a productive player at the University of Washington where he was the second leading all-time rusher (4,049 yards). Many fans were surprised that he went undrafted and the Eagles were able to sign him as a free agent.

The reason Polk was passed over was because he was a workhorse in college (almost 900 touches) and thats a lot of wear and tear on a 5-10, 215-pound body. The scouts felt Polk was showing signs of breaking down (two shoulder surgeries, one knee surgery) and did not figure to last long in the NFL. But as a free agent, he is worth a shot.

On the other hand, there is no concern about Brown being overworked. He spent one year at Tennessee and part of one year at Kansas State (two games) before quitting the team in a dispute over playing time. He was considered either the best or second best running back in America coming out of high school (Trent Richardson was the other) and at 6-0, 220-pounds, he has the tools to be an impact player. But is he willing to pay the price? Thats the question.

Many NFL teams did not even have Brown on their draft board. As one personnel man said: Hell never make it (in the NFL), he wont work hard enough. That may be true, but the Eagles feel with a seventh-round pick, what do they have to lose?

Have a question for Ray? E-mail him at viewfromthehall@comcast.net

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