Jaguars add running back depth this week
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars added to their running back corps this week with the announcement they have signed Alfred Blue and Bennie Cunningham.
Earlier this week, I was commenting on how the running back position for the Jacksonville Jaguars was thin and in need of bodies for both depth and competition. I’m not saying the organization listened to me, but the position room did get a bit more crowded with the signing of both Alfred Blue and Bennie Cunningham, the team has announced.
Blue, a former Houston Texan, was the first to put pen to paper, hoping to become Leonard Fournette’s backup. Cunningham comes over from the Chicago Bears. The moves may have also helped the Jaguars special teams unit as well.
"“I’m just excited to have the opportunity,” Cunningham, a seventh-year veteran from Middle Tennessee State University said. “I feel like this place will be home for me. I’m excited to get started. …"
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"“There are pieces in place that this team can win the Super Bowl. I just want to be part of something special.”"
Cunningham may fill the role of Corey Grant – a change of pace back, who can also become a threat in the return game and on special teams.
"Per Jaguars.com, “Cunningham (5-feet-10, 218 pounds), who originally signed with the St. Louis Rams as a collegiate free agent shortly after the 2013 NFL Draft, has rushed for 797 yards and four touchdowns on 191 carries in six NFL seasons. He has 1,001 yards and three touchdowns on 114 career receptions.”"
Blue is a bigger back who should be able to step in and give Fournette a breather from time to time, the former LSU product mainly served as a backup in the Texans offense. He ran for 499 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Over the course of his career, Blue rushed for 2,407 yards and eight touchdowns.
Blue has shown some ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which may make him a valuable commodity in John DiFilippo’s offense this coming season. He has 69 career receptions for 470 yards and two touchdowns.
He is a big back at 6-foot-2 and 229 pounds, and should continue to be able to follow the Jaguars philosophy of ground and pound between the tackles, much like the team uses Fournette as the featured back in this offense.
Next. Why the Jaguars should draft D-Line in the first round. dark
The Jaguars now have five running backs on the roster with David Williams and Thomas Rawls as well. The team may also look to add another running back at some point in the NFL Draft.