Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Trade Rumors: Team Will Meet Top Running Back Prospects This Week
After ranking in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards last season, the Jacksonville Jaguars knew that they could use an upgrade at running back.
T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory did a respectable job last year, but since this year's draft class is loaded with talented running backs, the Jaguars will get an opportunity to pick a player who can potentially come in and make an impact right away.
According to the Florida Times-Union's Ryan O'Halloran, the Jaguars are planning to bring in Louisiana State University's Leonard Fournette, Florida State's Dalvin Cook and Oklahoma's Joe Mixon for a pre-draft visit. O'Halloran also reported that the team will host Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett and Alabama offensive lineman Cam Robinson as well.
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Well, Garrett will probably be the first player off the board in the draft, so they probably just want to see what he can do. But Fournette is a legitimate option for the Jaguars. He's the top-rated running back prospect in this year's draft and his unique combination of size, speed and strength are just too good to pass up. They can use the fourth overall pick to select him if he's still available and he can step up and contribute right away.
Cook is an option as well if the Jaguars decide to trade down. He's not as highly touted as Fournette and his off-field issues will scare away some teams. However, his versatility as a running back cannot be overlooked and he can be an effective offensive weapon for the Jaguars if they draft him.
"Fumbles and arrests are a bad combination. He's got a lot of ability but he's got on the field problems with ball security and multiple arrests off of it. You have to decide if he will be responsible with more money and more time on his hands. If you have any doubts, just wait around for another running back because there will be plenty this year," a National Football Conference (NFC) executive said on NFL.com.
Mixon has seen his fair share of off-field problems as well, but he's definitely talented. The Jaguars can use their 35th overall pick on him if he's still available.
