Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Khalil Herbert declares for 2021 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to keep an eye on Khalil Herbert.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have many roster needs, but running back isn’t one of them as they have one of the best ones in rookie James Robinson. Nevertheless, they need to find someone who can spell him from time to time. If the team decides to add one running back via the draft, Virginia Tech’s Khalil Herbert could be it.

Herbert recently announced his decision to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft on social media. In his lone season with the Hokies, he racked up 155 carries for 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 7.7 yards per carry and hauled in 10 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown. Moreover, he will partake in the 2021 Reese Senior Bowl, which will be a crucial part of his evaluation process.

Khalil Herbert could be a reliable backup for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jaguars already have Robinson, so there’s no need to allocate too many resources to their running back room. However, they can’t neglect it either and need to add depth. It would be too much to sign a top free agent or spend an early draft selection on a running back, but the team brass could use a mid or late-round pick on one.

At this point, it’s uncertain how early (or late) Herbert will go, but he could provide plenty of value for the ‘Jags’. Even though he won’t be the most elusive running back in 2021’s draft class, he is an asset in the passing game, both as a blocker and as a receiver. Having a solid performance in the Senior Bowl could solidify his spot on Jacksonville’s draft board.

Once the Jaguars take care of other more pressing needs, such as quarterback and defensive end, early in the draft, they can turn their attention to fortifying and adding depth to other position groups and Herbert should be on their radar.