3 mid-round running back prospects Jacksonville Jaguars can consider

The Jacksonville Jaguars wasted no time and have taken advantage of the NFL’s free agency period, having made a few splash signings and adding depth to a roster that was devoid of it last season. While the Jags focused on fortifying their defensive line and secondary, they also made a few additions to the offense, with running back Carlos Hyde among them.

The Jags signed Hyde to a two-year contract. While the move won’t get national coverage, the Ohio State product will be a solid addition to a running back room that already includes sophomore James Robinson.

The Illinois State product had a successful rookie season, tallying 240 carries for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns. Moreover, he was a candidate for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after totaling 1,414 scrimmage yards, the most by an undrafted rookie in NFL history. On the other hand, he had 86 percent of the Jaguars’ total carries in 2020, and the team should manage his load in 2021 if they want to avoid overworking him. That’s where Hyde comes in.

A 2014 second-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers, Hyde spent the 2020 season with the Seattle Seahawks after playing for the Houston Texans in 2019. In the last two years, he has averaged 4.4 yards per carry and has racked up a solid 1,426 yards and ten touchdowns. He could spell Robinson from time to time and take his place in case he had to miss a few games.

With Hyde as the primary backup, the Jaguars don’t need to invest a pick early in the draft. However, they should still draft a running back prospect with a mid-round pick, and here are three they should consider targeting.