The Jacksonville Jaguars are taking the Boy Scout motto, “always be prepared,” to a new level at the running back position. Based on the history of injuries to Leonard Fournette (3.7 career yards per carry), the recent moves by the front office make sense. Or do they? Undoubtedly, fielding a competitive NFL team is a strategic chess match. But did the Jaguars front office make the right moves with veterans, rather than the draft to be competitive?
Jordan Howard (4.3 career YPC), formerly of the Chicago Bears, was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Or perhaps Tevin Coleman (4.4 career YPC), who has more tread on his tires because of sharing the load in Atlanta the last four years. Unfortunately, he is now out West with the San Francisco 49ers. Furthermore, there are several running backs in the 2019 NFL Draft that could have been potential targets for the Jaguars. However, it looks as though the franchise’s front office is content with Fournette and the below average group of outcasts to lead the ground attack in 2019.
Taking a Look at the Jacksonville Jaguars Running Backs
Thomas Rawls (4.3 career yards per carry)
In January 2019, the Jaguars signed Rawls to a futures contract. It’s important to acknowledge that Rawls did not play one snap on offense in 2018. That’s right, not one. What are the Jaguars expecting from him? A return to his rookie season?
In 2015, Rawls splashed on the scene in Seattle due to injuries to star Marshawn Lynch and other running backs ahead of him on the depth chart. As a rookie, he shattered several franchise rookie records prior to succumbing to injuries. Despite a successful rookie campaign, injuries began to riddle Rawls and he struggled to find opportunities in 2016 and 2017. His critics, including Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson, are quick to point out his inconsistencies in pass protection. Hard to believe he will be called upon often to protect the Jaguars newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles.
Alfred Blue (3.6 career yards per carry)
On April 1, 2019, the Jaguars signed former Houston Texans backup running back Alfred Blue. No, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke. This really happened. After five pedestrian seasons in Houston, Blue will try to make a difference as a backup in Jacksonville.
Dating back to his LSU days, Blue has always been a backup. Serviceable, yes. But always a bridesmaid in the backfield. Early in his professional career, he flashed during a few games, including a couple against his new team. If he makes the team, he can be looked upon as an above average receiver out of the backfield for Foles. However, temper your expectations for any breakout games from Blue. Most likely Blue’s only contributing factor will be trading gumbo recipes with fellow Bayou Bengal, Fournette.
Benny Cunningham (4.2 career yards per carry)
Similar to Rawls, Cunningham has not seen the playing field very often the last two seasons. He is more of a third-down receiving back than a bruising runner. He has tallied 114 career receptions for 1,001 yards as a situational running back. Not too shabby. However, he lacks the breakaway speed and wiggle of a player like current free agent and former Jaguar Corey Grant. He needs to shore up his tendency to lose fumbles if he plans to compete with Rawls and David Williams for a roster spot.
Last Word
That’s it, Jacksonville. There’s your stable of running backs. Nobody to challenge the starter in Fournette. Nobody to feel confident to replace him during his inevitable injury stint. Time to hold your breath for a few more weeks to see if the front office surprises the fan base with a running back selection in the draft. But don’t count on it. The stable seems full of mediocrity.
