Simple question. You've got the greatest selection of running backs for years in this draft.
Which one do you like the most and which round do you pick him in ?
Really, I wouldn't mind any of the options that you have listed. Obviously, every guy has their things to like and things to be concerned of. I would lean Coleman from R2 and beyond because he can be a workhorse and has game-changing play-making ability. He's good enough in blocking and receiving out of the backfield that I like him even more.
If T.J. Yeldon is there in the third round, go for it. If Todd Gurley's injury keeps him on the board that long, he's a no-brainer in three.
I am of the opinion that if Todd Gurley were available at Pick 36, then he would be the pick despite any delay in his playing time, which would be the basis of his fall on most draft boards.
I also believe that the Jags would jump at the chance to take Melvin Gordon at Pick 36, should he fall.
I have been advocating the selection of Tevin Coleman at Pick 36 should both Gurley and Gordon be off the boards.
I would not be disappointed if the Jags took Duke Johnson with Pick 36 or if they decided to jump up and take him late in Rd 2 using the Jags Rd 3 and Rd 4 picks.
Ideally, the Jags would take Maxx Williams at Pick 36 and then move back into the latter part of Rd 2 and grab the RB, be it Coleman or Johnson using the Jags Rd 3 and Rd 4 draft picks to make the trade up. This assumes that Gurley and Gordon are not available.
I voted for Jay Ajayi.
I think if Gurley appears in the second round we have to take him, but I doubt he gets that far.
I don't think we need a speedy, shifty back like Coleman, Johnson or Abdullah, because I think DRob does that job.
But I do think we need a runner who can burst through tackles and grind out yards through the middle (sorry Toby). And while the comparisons with Marshawn Lynch sound a little flattering, Ajayi is the sort of runner we need.
My second choice for that role would be Cobb. Again, not a flashy home-run hitter. But he is another player who is built to grind out tough yards.
I voted for "nobody worth picking" because we need to fix our run blocking first to even see if picking a running back is necessary. Horrible run blocking made our running backs look worse than they are. So we need to put off picking one and see if better blocking fixes the problem along with more runs by Blake Bortles. It does not make any sense to draft a running back three straight years when the real problem is on the offensive line.
Quote:I voted for "nobody worth picking" because we need to fix our run blocking first to even see if picking a running back is necessary. Horrible run blocking made our running backs look worse than they are. So we need to put off picking one and see if better blocking fixes the problem along with more runs by Blake Bortles. It does not make any sense to draft a running back three straight years when the real problem is on the offensive line.
It's not possible to improve both the OLine (through free agency maybe ?) and take a running back ?
So no votes for Melvin Gordon or Duke Johnson? The SEC bias is real.
Quote:So no votes for Melvin Gordon or Duke Johnson? The SEC bias is real.
No Gurley is just that good
Quote:It's not possible to improve both the OLine (through free agency maybe ?) and take a running back ?
It is not possible to pick Todd Gurley after round 2, which is the best time to pick a tight end or right tackle.
Quote:No Gurley is just that good
I would agree except Yeldon had a vote before either in my original post.
Playing devils advocate...are the Jags in a position talent wise to use a high 2nd round pick on Gurley, who will basically redshirt his rookie year and playing a position where careers are averaging about 4 years or would they be better off drafting a RB with the 2nd round pick (in this scenario) who will be ready to come in and play immediately?
If he is available at the top of the fourth I would pick TJ Yeldon. We already have the explosive boom or bust player in Denard, we just need a reliable player to compliment him. Yeldon is a good at running, good at pass protection, good at receiving, and good at picking up short yardage, the kind of player we need to compliment Robinson.
This is coming from an Auburn fan too.
Edit- I like Duke Johnson also, but if the D-Rob we get next year is the D-rob during his 3-4 game hot streak I just don't see the point. If that was a fluke however bring on Duke.
I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Gurley's career ends up similar to Darren McFadden's. I don't think he is worth the risk that early in the draft.
Quote:It is not possible to pick Todd Gurley after round 2, which is the best time to pick a tight end or right tackle.
I love how you speak in such absolutes.
Gurley is one bad physical from being a third-round pick.
Quote:It is not possible to pick Todd Gurley after round 2, which is the best time to pick a tight end or right tackle.
Totally agree
How do you feel about Barksdale RT and Clay TE as free agents?
Quote:If he is available at the top of the fourth I would pick TJ Yeldon. We already have the explosive boom or bust player in Denard, we just need a reliable player to compliment him. Yeldon is a good at running, good at pass protection, good at receiving, and good at picking up short yardage, the kind of player we need to compliment Robinson.
This is coming from an Auburn fan too.
Edit- I like Duke Johnson also, but if the D-Rob we get next year is the D-rob during his 3-4 game hot streak I just don't see the point. If that was a fluke however bring on Duke.
I agree Yeldon in the 4th would be a steal. Bama did not have a great line this year and he still had a good year. I like Gordon to but I have a feeling he is going to be to rich for where we want to pick a RB
Quote:I would agree except Yeldon had a vote before either in my original post.
Yeldon is also a good back
I want to see Yeldon run at the combine. If he can run sub 4.5. I will take him in a heart beat. Great size too