Jaguars grab RB Ryquell Armstead from Temple
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars added depth at the running back position by grabbing Ryquell Armstead from Temple in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.
The Jaguars did a lot of shifting in the running back run this offseason. The addition and subtraction of players continued on Saturday when the team added Ryquell Armstead of Temple.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Ryquell Armstead is a solid runner who will move with authority in the NFL.
"“Face-first runner who doesn’t appear to care that brakes come standard with the vehicle. Armstead’s feet fire like pistons from the beginning of the snap all the way through his physical finishes,” Zierlein wrote.“While he’s not classically elusive, he does find his own yards by slithering through tight quarters or stacking yards after contact. His size, decisiveness and effort in pass protection should land him work as a backup, but his play traits could help him find more carries than expected as a pro.”"
More from Jacksonville Jaguars News
- Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
- Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
- Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
- Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
- Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways
The running back position, which was a weakness last season, could now become one of the team’s strengths once again this coming season.
Leonard Fournette has come back this offseason healthy and in better shape than last season. The team released Carlos Hyde before free agency and T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant left this offseason. In free agency, Jacksonville added Benny Cunningham and Alfred Blue as free agents.
"Per John Oehser of Jaguars.com, “Armstead (5-feet-11, 220 pounds), rushed for 2,812 yards and 34 touchdowns in four seasons at Temple. He rushed for 1,098 yards and 13 touchdowns on 210 carries this past season… He caught 29 passes for 175 yards in four seasons.”"
At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, he is a big back who can become part of the Jaguars passing game on the next level. He ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine.
Ryquell Armstead of the 73rd Temple football player ever drafted in the NFL.
Fournette led the team with 439 yards on the ground despite missing the equivalent of eight games last season. Jacksonville’s rushing game finished 19th in the league with 107.7 yards a game after finishing 1st in the NFL in 2017.