This past weekend it was revealed that the Jacksonville Jaguars are open to trading one of their top offensive weapons in running back Leonard Fournette, which definitely could mean his chances of returning are bleak. If the Jags already have it in their minds that they are moving on, they likely have a plan to find a replacement for him through the upcoming draft, too.
When looking at the prospects at the running back position, there is a variety of rushers to choose from. Here are some names the Jags could be interested in within the top-3 rounds if they trade Fournette:
Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1 – Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
While the Jags are unlikely to take a running back in round one, what is their not to like about the ultra-productive Jonathan Taylor? He’s pretty much everything fans want in a running back.
Taylor is the definition of a human highlight reel and proved to be a workhorse back while at Wisconsin, accumulating 12 games with 200 yards or more during his career. Part of the reason he was able to do that was because of his size as he is built like an NFL tailback at 5-foot-10, 226-pounds.
Additionally, he cuts well, shows great burst as a former track runner, and can garner yards after contact — all of which makes him as the perfect player to place Fournette should the Jags trade him.
Round 2 – Cam Akers, Florida State
Despite Florida State’s struggles during his time there, Cam Akers was a player who brought it week in and week out. He finished his career with 586 touches, 2,875 rushing yards, and 27 touchdowns, which is quite impressive when looking at how the team looked under Willie Taggart and their sporadic run blocking.
At 5-foot-10, 217-pounds, he has the size to be a No. 1 running back in the NFL. On film, his instincts, ability to cut, and ability to get yards after contact stand out, and I’m sure the Jags have seen more than their fair share of him in person with Florida State being down the road.
Round 3 – Zack Moss, Utah
If the Jags trade Fournette and can’t land a running back in Rounds 1-2, the Hialeah Gardens, Fla. native just might get a call from them in the third-round. While he’s a tad shorter than the previous two mentioned running backs he’s not lacking in the size department at 5-foot-9, 223-pounds.
While with the Utes, Moss was super-productive, finishing his career with the most total touchdowns (41) and rushing touchdowns (38) in school history. He was also able to become the only player in school history to accumulate three 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
As for the best elements of his game, he’s a tough runner who is hard to bring down (because of his height) and keeps his feet and body going through contact. Pairing Moss with Ryquell Armstead would give the Jags an interesting tandem and one Doug Marrone and his staff could certainly work with. Additionally, he’d give the team the tough type of runner they covet as they try to build an identity on offense.
