Of interest to Jaguars? 4 Mid-round RB options who ESPN draft analyst likes
Running back will likely be a position that we see the Jacksonville Jaguars address at some point in the NFL draft, and Jordan Reid of ESPN provided a few mid-round options at the position that he really likes.
The Jaguars currently have only three running backs on their roster in Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and 2024 draft pick Keilan Robinson. So, at a minimum, more depth is needed.
However, this year's running back class is extremely deep, meaning that going beyond depth, the opportunity to add an impact player when the Jaguars are on the clock at some point will likely exist.
The running game, in general, is also going to be a key part of Liam Coen's offense, not to mention that the running backs being able to impact the passing game will be an important element as well.
Reid would mention that he has a whopping 32 backs with draftable grades. In 2017, 30 running backs were drafted, and Reid says we could see more this year.
The need at running back for the Jaguars isn't so strong that they have to prioritize spending an early-round pick on the position, but once they get to Round 3 and beyond, a selection at this position very much seems in play, and if that's the case, here are the backs that Reid likes in the middle rounds.
DJ Giddens, Kansas State: Giddens averaged 6.0 yards per carry over his final two seasons, including 6.5 yards per rush in 2024. He also has 72 targets in the passing game during that span as well.
Devin Neal, Kansas: Neal has rushed for over 1,200 yards in each of the last two seasons and has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for three straight years. He's averaged 5.7 yards per attempt over his career and has 49 touchdowns. In the passing game, he's hauled in 72 receptions over the last three seasons at a very solid 9.2 yards per catch.
LeQuint Allen, Syracuse: Allen has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, averaging 4.5 yards per rush during that span and scoring 25 touchdowns. He's also been a massive part of the passing game, which includes totaling 64 receptions in 2024.
Brashard Smith, SMU: Smith has totaled over 1,200 rushing yards this season at an impressive 5.9 yards per carry. He's also often been targeted in the passing game, with 37 receptions for 313 yards with four more scores.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 4-mid-round-running-back-options-jaguars-espn-draft-analyst-likes
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