5 Best Jacksonville Jaguars rookie seasons of the 2010s
By Adam Laviano
![Linebacker Josh Allen (41) of the Jacksonville Jaguars. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fblackandteal-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F17118764-850x560-919a74877e20531a6ee0c8ee380112c6210f37fd87537d47543dd7f0cc22879f.jpg "Linebacker Josh Allen (41) of the Jacksonville Jaguars. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]")
No. 3 Jaguars best rookie season of the 2010s: Leonard Fournette, 2017
Leonard Fournette, the stud running back from LSU next makes the list with his superb rookie outing. The former Tiger had plenty of hype coming out of college, as he routinely made highlight reels with his physical play and outstanding speed. In fact, he was the first running back draft in what was a pretty deep class.
Fournette showed the league why he was worth such a high draft pick as he rushed for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns. The running back also added another 36 receptions for 302 yards and one receiving touchdown. He broke free for 90 and 75-yard runs, making big-time highlights along the way. Here’s his 90-yard touchdown run against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. It starts at the 7:50 mark.
His large frame and pure athletic ability helped him contribute heavily to the team’s offense. Fournette routinely challenged defenders to bring him down with his physical style of play and fearless attitude. Many fans remember him waving at Pittsburg Steelers safety Mike Mitchell before he lowered his shoulder to initiate contact with the defender.
The decision to draft Fournette so high turned out to be a positive one for Dave Caldwell and Doug Marrone, as Fournette’s arrival to the offense coincided with some excellent free agency acquisitions.