Jacksonville Jaguars RB James Robinson snubbed ahead of 2021 season

After amassing over 1,000 rushing yards last year, you would think that Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson would be a household name ahead of the 2021 NFL season. However, a recent social media post shows that’s not the case. Pro Football Focus recently asked on social media which second-year running back would have the best season in 2021, Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts), Claire Edwards-Helaire (Kansas City Chiefs), or Antonio Gibson (Washington Football Team). Conspicuously absent from the post is Robinson.

There’s no doubt Taylor and Gibson showed out in their respective rookie campaigns and the case could be made both were more productive in 2020 than Robinson even though he finished with the most yards from scrimmage of the three. The point is that the Jaguars running back can be as productive as his counterparts and should be among the top second-year running backs.

Last season, Robinson finished seventh in rushing yards, toting the rock 230 times for 1,070 yards and seven touchdowns. He also hauled in 49 receptions for 344 yards and three receiving touchdowns. Taylor was third with 1,169 yards and Gibson was 20th with 791 yards. Both Taylor and Gibson scored 11 rushing touchdowns, that’s where they edge Robinson.

Meanwhile, Edwards-Helaire logged 181 carries for 803 yards and four trips to the endzone. However you look at it, Robinson was better than the Chiefs running back. Why was the Illinois State product snubbed? Maybe it was an oversight but regardless of the reason, his omission is puzzling. Here’s the post in question.

Jacksonville Jaguars RB James Robison can be even better in 2021.

Robinson has spent the offseason working in his conditioning and feels faster and stronger than he did last season. Last year, he had 86 percent of the Jaguars’ carries. It’s clear he can carry a big workload. Still, the Jaguars drafted Travis Etienne 25th overall in 2021 because they wanted them to have a running back committee. Alas, the Clemson product is effectively out for the year after suffering a Lysfranc injury in the preseason. Thus, Robinson will once again be Jacksonville’s workhorse back.

Working in Robinson’s favor is the fact that Trevor Lawrence is now the Jaguars’ quarterback. With the top overall pick in the 2021 draft behind center, the passing game should get a considerable boost. Last season, three different signal-callers took snaps for the Jags, and the inconsistency at the position affected the offense as a whole. Without a competent passing attack, opposing defenses frequently stacked the box against Robinson.

That will no longer be the case. Lawrence should have no trouble stretching the field and finding all the weapons he will have at his disposal. This in turn will help Robinson face lighter boxes more often. Moreover, the Jaguars signed Carlos Hyde in free agency. the 2014 second-round pick is a dependable back that can spell the sophomore from time to time and even start a few games if necessary.

Robinson isn’t in the same echelon as Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, or Dalvin Cook. Nevertheless, he will play a key role for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. Also, don’t be surprised if he has the best season of any second-year running back.