The Jaguars are blessed with depth at the running back position but lack
the playmaker that can be the difference maker and force the defense out of what it wants to do. With
Fred Taylor on the downside of his career, it may be time to start looking for that replacement to bring along.
But don't expect the Jaguars to jump into the free agency market to find
that player. Most running backs are used up at the end of their first contract, so signing one to a long term contract is
risky no matter how they performed in the past. Early in the draft is where that running back can be found, and now is the
time if we want to nurture one to take over when Fred's contract expires in two years.
Fred Taylor
We are not going to cut or trade Fred Taylor. Let's get that out of the way
off the bat. Fred is signed for two more years. His base salary for both years is $2.55M and he has $3.2M left in unamortized
bonus. He is still the Jaguar's best running back. As he heads toward the downside of his career, he will have to share more
carries in the backfield. This will likely aid him in his attempt to stay healthy.
Taylor is no longer the threat to take it to the house if he breaks the line of scrimmage. He is more
likely to turn that carry into a fifteen or twenty yard run. He is slightly at odds with the coaching staff on running style.
Fred still wants to dance and cut back in the backfield. The Jaguars however have changed their run blocking style such that
this is no longer feasible. The quick hit to the intended hole is what's required and Fred needs to change his style.
Greg Jones
The Jaguars list him at running back and fullback; however he is not a prototypical fullback. He is
however a willing lead blocker. He has more value to the Jags as a hard nosed inside running back and a fine change of pace
to Fred Taylor. Look for him to share more carries with Taylor as the Jaguars follow other teams to a two running back system.
He will also see time as the short yardage and red zone running back.
Greg Jones is not confused about the Jaguars run blocking scheme. Hit the hole hard if it's there or
not. If it's not there, make one. Get him in the secondary and defensive backs turn into bull fighters. Ole!
Jones is signed for three more years at very reasonable salaries and cap numbers.
Alvin Pearman
Pearman is penciled in to a third down back and returner role. He has good hands to catch the swing
or screen pass, but not good enough to hold onto it when hit. There is not much time left for him to prove he can hold onto
the ball. For Del Rio as with most NFL head coaches, turnovers equal benching.
LaBrandon Toefield
Remember this guy. He has been lost on the bench. Toefield has a history of injury problems in college
with ACL surgeries on both knees. The few times he has played he has proven versatile. His lack of excellence in any aspect
of the game may make him the odd man out here. A restricted free agent, the Jaguars won't go very high to match an offer he
receives.
Derrick Wimbush
Special teams' terror and Greg Jones clone. Like Pearman he has a fumbling problem to correct. If he
corrects it he will move up the depth chart at running back, if not he will be more exclusively a special teams' player. Cheap
and young and willing he is in the Jaguars depth plans.
Rich Alexis & Lee Webb
Both of these guys are training camp fodder and insurance against injuries. They are candidates for
the practice squad. Alexis is a running back and return man, while Webb is the only true fullback on the roster.
Running Back Summary
More this year of what we saw last year. Committee RBs Fred & Greg with Pearman in on 3rd downs.
Toefield may lose his position to a high draft pick that will be brought along as Fred Taylor's eventual replacement. That
could happen in this years draft or next year. Don't look for a big free agent here. Most RBs are on their downside after
their first contract (four or five years) and are a huge risk no matter how they have performed recently.
