July 27, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Montell Owens (24) during the first day of training camp practice at Florida Blue Health

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a glut of running backs these days and it might not get pretty when it comes time to make the cuts.  Running back is an increasingly devalued position but the Jaguars’ offensive will likely still run through Maurice Jones-Drew and his primary backup, who figures to be Justin Forsett right now.  While rosters swell at this point in the year, the Jaguars seem to have a disproportionate amount of decent running back talent on their roster.

Currently under contract at halfback and fullback are:

• Maurice Jones-Drew
• Justin Forsett
• Denard Robinson
• Montell Owens
• Will Ta’ufo’ou
• Jordan Todman
• Richard Murphy
• Lonnie Pryor
• Jonathan Grimes

It’s a given that MJD, Forsett, and Robinson will make the team. That’s pretty much a given based on previous success, free agency, and the draft.  However, the other spots seem up for grabs.  Can the Jaguars really carry four halfbacks and two fullbacks?  I don’t think so.

For that reason I think that the halfbacks will be capped at three and we’ll see MJD, Forsett, and Robinson in the lineup for week one.  This cuts Murphy (who I thought was underwhelming last season), Todman, and Grimes.

Fullback seems to be wide open.  Owens proved that he could run well last year (five yard average per attempt) despite being considered just a special teams player.  I think he’ll be brought back purely because he’s worth it on special teams and worth it as a reliable backup running back.  If Owerns makes it back on the team, then do the Jaguars carry two fullbacks?  That is the real question for the Jaguars.  Ta’ufo’ou has been a body with the team for a while but has never been given the chance, but I think he might lose out to Pryor.  Pryor, an undrafted rookie, is cheap and offers upside while Ta’ufo’ou is more of a low ceiling known commodity.

Either way, as we look at the Jaguars’ logjam of running back talent, the team is going to be getting rid of a familiar name or two.  I hope they keep Owens and Pryor, but if they only carry one fullback expect Owens to get the nod and become more involved on offense.

- Luke N. Sims

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November 22, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Houston Texans running back Justin Forsett (28) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the 1st half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Newly signed running back Justin Forsett had a live chat with Jacksonville Jaguars fans on March 20th.  He answered questions about his number (21), why he came to Jacksonville, and working with Maurice Jones-Drew now that he’ll be with the team.  Through all of his answers you could feel the excitement from Forsett about his new place of employment.

His enthusiasm was almost on Gus Bradley levels, it was pretty impressive.  He was excited to work with Maurice Jones-Drew, excited about his role with the team, excited about what Bradley and GM  Dave Caldwell have going on here.  All in all, the man is excited to be a Jacksonville Jaguar.

Perhaps more importantly, he wants to win.  He is coming to Jacksonville to be a winner on a team, not to lose.  ”I don’t consider it rebuilding. I expect to win. I don’t come into any situation expecting to lose. I want to win,” he said when asked about coming to a rebuilding team.  All players want to win and Forsett really has an opportunity to help the Jaguars get over some of the struggles that they had in 2012: running depth behind MJD.

I’m excited to have Forsett in Jacksonville and I’m glad he is too.

- Luke N. Sims

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December 17, 2011; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Alan Ball (20) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday the Jacksonville Jaguars added three pieces to their massive rebuild.  Running back Justin Forsett was the headliner to go with defensive tackle Roy Miller and defensive back Alan Ball.  I am pleased with all of the signings, but how do they grade out?  Like any good football fan, analysis goes much deeper than grades but resisting the superficial assigning of a letter to a transaction is irresistible.

Justin Forsett’s signing was big news for the Jags.  While bigger name players have been signing with contenders for relatively cheap money, Forsett was the biggest name the Jags have attracted in free agency thus far.  He is a great backup running back who doesn’t slack off when stepping into the starting role.  I can’t grade Forsett’s signing as anything less than an A because of his versatility, experience starting, extensive change of pace experience, and ability to succeed in different systems.  How do you grade him?

Roy Miller could be a real dark horse signing that pays off big for the Jaguars.  You aren’t going to see a lot of numbers next to his name, but Miller will create situations for the entire defense to be successful.  He is a run stopping defensive tackle that takes up space and allows linebackers and other linemen to make plays.  I like his addition to the Tyson Alualu and C.J. Mosley tandem and think he can outplay Mosley for the second starting spot.  Right now he looks like a guaranteed strong rotation man and possible starter.  I the signing at a B because he doesn’t create enough push to collapse the pocket on passing downs, but that could easily change if his influence is more pronounces than it was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  How do you grade him?

Alan Ball is the less impressive signing of the three from Friday.  I like his versatility and experience starting at free safety as well as cornerback.  Ball shouldn’t be confused for a player that is a game changer but he does have the ability to play in the league and be serviceable when called upon.  He can be an effective depth player at all defensive back positions and will be a strong fourth corner.  If he proves to be more physical, which is possible based on his past experience, he could be a strong candidate for the nickel corner spot.  Like Miller, I want to see how he transitions but I like the signing as a B overall.  What about you?

- Luke N. Sims

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You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims