The Philadelphia Eagles added to their backfield by signing Kendall Milton as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft. In order to learn even more about Philly’s new running back (who showed promise during spring practices), I reached out to SB Nation’s Georgia blog: Dawg Sports. Bulldogs writer Jeremy Attaway was kind enough to answer my questions.
1) Can you recap his college career?
Milton came to Georgia as a four star recruit and the #9 ranked tailback in a stacked 2020 class. As a true freshman, he split carries early before a nagging ankle injury sidelined him for three games of the shortened season before returning for the bowl game.
That rookie campaign was a harbinger of things to come. Milton would miss six games during the 2021 national championship season before returning to play in the semifinals against Michigan and the title game against Alabama. He also was limited during his junior season by nagging injuries, though he finished with 592 yards rushing on 85 attempts (an eye-popping 6.96 yards per carry) and 8 touchdowns.
2023 was the first and only season during his time in Athens when “KMilt” was able to stay on the field for an entire season. Despite splitting carries in a talented backfield, Milton still ran for 790 yards and 14 touchdowns on only 121 attempts. In contrast to prior seasons, he actually became more of a factor as the season wore on, breaking the 100 yard mark in three of Georgia’s last five games. It was a pleasant show of force for a guy who spent most of his UGA career on the cusp of a breakthrough.
2) What are his strengths?
Milton is a power back. At 6’1, 225 lbs, he doesn’t shy away from contact and will be a solid option on the goal line, but also has better than expected speed in the open field. He’s also an asset as a blocker, unafraid of contact in blitz pickup.
3) What are his weaknesses?
In addition to the durability concerns noted above, Milton isn’t particularly adept as a receiver, something he wasn’t often asked to do because Georgia had a series of other backs who were exceptional receivers out of the backfield. And while he has decent speed at the second level, he isn’t terribly elusive.
4) To what extent are you surprised he went undrafted?
Not especially. For one, this was a draft that, while light on can’t-miss running backs, had solid depth at the position. Eleven tailbacks ended up going in the first four rounds. That included several guys with better measurables than Kendall and some who were more consistently productive in college.
5) How do you see his NFL career playing out?
I would expect Milton to be a compelling option in short yardage as a rookie and to also be a contributor on special teams (Kirby Smart is maniacal about his starters playing in the kicking game, and Milton was actually in the kickoff return lineup during his time in Athens). Assuming he can stay healthy and round out his game by developing as a pass catcher, he’ll be a solid option for a team that wants a big, fall-forward tailback who can pick up tough yards.
6) Anything to know about him off the field?
A few things. For one, he was pretty much born to be an elite athlete. His dad and older brother played college football, his mom was a collegiate track athlete, and her brother Kevin Hardy was the #2 overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft.
Also, Milton is known for being a car guy and wants to own a dealership and/or custom shop when his playing days are done. In fact, as part of his NIL package, he once did a racing experience with a lucky fan bidder at the BMW Performance Center. He’s also reputed to be a huge taco fan. But then, who isn’t?
