3 Running Backs the Jacksonville Jaguars should target in the 2020 Draft

Will the Jacksonville Jaguars find the same kind of production from a running back to replace Leonard Fournette if the team looks to trade him this weekend?

The Jacksonville Jaguars are cleaning house once again with reports from Adam Schefter that the team is looking to move on from fourth-year running back Leonard Fournette.

This comes as Jacksonville continues to find a trade partner for pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue and the team moving on from cornerback A.J. Bouye and defensive end Calais Campbell. With many players being moved, it looks like another rebuild for the Jaguars.

With the 2020 NFL Draft days away the team could be looking to move Fournette soon for more draft capital. Jacksonville can also be looking for a replacement running back that will provide similar production to Fournette, who averaged four yards per carry in his career with the organization.

Bringing in a new running back will move the team from Fournette’s $4.16M salary for 2020, as well as some fresh legs with a new offense under offensive coordinator Jay Gruden.

Here are three running backs the Jaguars should consider drafting.

D’Andre Swift, Georgia

D’Andre Swift is the consensus number one overall running back in this year’s class but is still looking to be either a late first-round pick or second-rounder. Even behind Nick Chubb, Swift made an impression early on and showcased his talent with 2,885 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in three seasons.

Swift is sized to be a quality starting running back in the NFL, with a strong lower body and legs. He also possesses a great IQ for a rookie back, who will pick up blitzes and understand schemes. There is no question in Swift’s ability at running the football and providing insurance in the receiving game.

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Jacksonville could be able to score on Swift if trading Ngakoue gives them a late first-round pick, or if he falls to the team at pick 42. Swift will be an immediate starter on the Jaguars offense if Fournette is moved.

Zach Moss, Utah

If the Jacksonville Jaguars are unwilling to spend a first or second-round pick on a running back, the team can look for one in the third round and beyond. Utah’s Zack Moss is a player with plenty of college production whose price tag won’t be as hefty as a player like Swift or Fournette.

In four years with the Utes, Moss rushed for 4,067 yards and 38 touchdowns. Moss had his best year in 2019, with 1,416 yards and 15 touchdowns. Moss balances power with patience, a rare combination for someone barely entering the league.

With the 73rd pick, Jacksonville can take a chance on it’s potential running back of the future. Moss has injury concerns, but his tape shows he can be a true starting running back.

Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State

With multiple picks in the fourth round, Jacksonville can use one to find a running back like Darrynton Evans, who can provide immediate relief alongside Ryquell Armstead.

Evans rushed for 2,884 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns in three seasons with Appalachian State. Evans is fluid and a quick runner who does not lose control of the football once in his mitts.

This draft is filled with a deep running back class, so Jacksonville does not need to address the position immediately and wait until day three to use a pick that will be low-risk in comparison to a day one or two pick.

If the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to trade Fournette, the team will need to address the position to alleviate some stress off quarterback Gardner Minshew in his second season.