An Offensive Overhaul in Jacksonville
Times are changing for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ backfield. The team is likely to release running back Carlos Hyde just months after trading away a 5th-round selection in the 2019 draft to acquire him. While this is a head-scratching move by itself, the team also appears likely to allow running backs T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant to walk in free agency.
Yeldon was the Jaguars’ workhorse for much of 2018 when Leonard Fournette missed time due to a hamstring injury, and Grant appeared primed for a big role in the offense before suffering a Lisfranc injury in Week 3 against the New York Jets.
With the departure of these three running backs, the only notable name left on the roster at the running back position is the often injured Leonard Fournette. Obviously, the Jaguars need to have a backup plan in place in case Fournette misses more time, so here are some options in free agency and the draft that could make sense for the Jaguars in 2019.
Free Agents
Mark Ingram
If the Jaguars decide to spend some money on the running back position in free agency, they will likely consider Ingram, who is a good downhill runner and offers a lot of the same skillset that Leonard Fournette does. He would be a great option to play alongside Fournette or fill in for him if another injury occurs.
Frank Gore
Gore is 35 years old and just won’t quit. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry for the Dolphins in 2018 and likely wouldn’t require a lot of money on the open market. He’d be an excellent target for the Jaguars to help give Fournette a breather.
Bilal Powell
Powell is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and would fill in nicely as a third down back for the team. He would also demand significantly less money than T.J. Yeldon would on the open market while still offering a similar skillset.
Draft Options
While the Jaguars likely won’t spend high draft capital on the position in 2019, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them select a running back in the middle to late rounds.
Devin Singletary from Florida Atlantic and David Montgomery from Iowa State are both excellent options in the middle rounds. Singletary is more of a scat back type of player who would be a great replacement for Yeldon or Grant in the passing game. Montgomery, on the other hand, can do it all; he is one of the best all-around backs in the country and has been compared to a more agile James Conner.
The Jaguars will have some new faces at the position in 2019, so don’t be surprised if one or more of these players are in Black and Teal.
