Doug Pederson Doesn't Rule Out Jordan Mailata as RB in Future

The Eagles are 4-4, they just acquired a Pro Bowl receiver and they play their biggest division rival on Sunday Night Football. 

And Doug Pederson was asked about everybody's favorite player who has never played football: Jordan Mailata. 

Specifically, Pederson was asked if the former Australian rugby player could ever be used the future as a running back, a la William "The Refrigerator" Perry. 

Here was his answer:

That's a good question. I don't know. He's definitely used to carrying a larger football. Do they call it a football? I don't know what they call it. A ball? Very athletic guy. It's intriguing. It's not out of the question.

OK, this is a fun idea, but don't count on this happening anytime soon. After all, Mailata is still learning how to play one position in a sport he's never played before. And he has been active just one time in eight games this season.

The Eagles are rightfully treating Mailata as a long-term project. That's what he is. 

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But we've all seen his rugby highlights and it's hard not to make this natural connection: 

Is there anything the Eagles can take away from the rugby video? 

"Give him the ball on the goal line," head coach Doug Pederson interjected with a smile before Joe Douglas gave his answer shortly after the Eagles drafted Mailata.

"What you saw on the YouTube , I'm sure you all have seen it," Douglas said. "You've seen a big man that people are bouncing off of. We also brought in Adam Zaruba last year, so we weren't averse to go into the rugby pool. That was impressive. It definitely was an eye-opener, watching the YouTube."

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