Darren Sproles finished with more receptions than carries in three of his last four seasons.

No matter how it all plays out in 2014, Sproles will be a vital addition to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles acquired Sproles, 31, in the offseason from the New Orleans Saints to bolster their offense.

Coupled with LeSean McCoy, the Eagles' backfield will be quite dangerous.

"There's no doubt that Darren is a running back," running backs coach Duce Staley told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Darren, his quickness is unbelievable. … I've seen him make some cuts in OTAs, like, wow, this guy looks like a rookie. He's able to put his foot in the ground and can get upfield. I already have one that can do that. To have two is a blessing."

Sproles compiled 2,696 all-purpose yards in 2011, which set an NFL single-season record. In the following two seasons, his numbers declined.

But Sproles remains confident heading into this season.

"When a line raises up, (defenses) can't see me until the last minute," Sproles told the Inquirer. "Linebackers are really guessing where I'm going to be at."

Whether he’s labeled as a running back or a receiver, Sproles must be watched at all times.

Just ask defensive coordinator Bill Davis.

"When you put Sproles in that role of coming out of the backfield on linebackers, you need help somewhere," Davis told the Inquirer. "He's such a receiving threat and an open-field threat. You put him in the box between the tackles, OK. You put him in space against some of our defensive backs? That man is tough."