Jaguars 3-round 2022 mock draft: Post NFL Combine edition

Jaguars mock draft: 3rd round, 70th overall pick – Pierre Strong, RB.

With Travis Etienne and James Robinson suffering season-ending injuries last year, the Jaguars’ brass needs to add depth to their running back group this offseason. While signing Sony Michel or Marlon Mack in free agency are solid (and affordable) options, Jacksonville should find a handful of quality prospects in the third and fourth round of the 2022 draft.

One player that generated buzz at the Scouting Combine was South Dakota State’s Pierre Strong and after a solid outing, he could see his draft stock go up. Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report highlighted Strong’s performance, running the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds, tied with Isaih Pacheco for the fastest mark among running backs.

You could argue that the Jaguars shouldn’t pour many resources into their running back room after drafting Etienne 25th overall and signing Carlos Hyde but the former is coming off a Lisfranc injury and the latter wasn’t very effective when he was on the field. Also, Robinson may not be ready for the start of the season after tearing his Achilles.

Last season, Strong racked up 240 carries for 1,686 yards with 18 touchdowns. He could give the Jags’ backfield a boost and see the field often in case Etienne has to miss time or Robinson isn’t 100 percent. Running back isn’t nearly as high as other positions in the Jaguars’ list of needs but that doesn’t mean they should outright ignore it. Drafting Strong would take care of that.