Jacksonville Jaguars draft: 3 running back targets in round 2

The Jacksonville Jaguars could add another weapon to the passing game.

Depending on who you ask, Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell could go as early as the second round or slip to the four. Nevertheless, he’s the kind of running back NFL teams would want on their roster.

Although Gainwell has a limited body of work after opting out in 2020, he showed the ability to make plays as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield as a redshirt freshman in 2019, finishing the season with 231 carries for 1,459 yards and 13 touchdowns and 51 receptions for 610 yards and three trips to the end zone.

At 195 pounds, Gainwell may not have the size to be a three-down running back in the NFL. Nevertheless, his ability to line up in the slot and his superb route-running skills could entice the Jaguars or another NFL team to take him with a draft pick in the second round.

While it doesn’t make much sense for the Jaguars to use the first pick of the second round on Gainwell, they have an extra selection, the 45th overall, and could use it on the Memphis running back if they like him enough and think he won’t last until the third round.