(02-15-2018, 01:44 PM)knarnn Wrote: I'm of the belief that if we decide to roll with Bortles for another season we must insure our running game is consistent from game to game and not hit and miss as it was last season. Part of our issues in the running game last year were injuries to Fournette, inconsistent blocking upfront, and inconsistent play from others (Ivory and to some extent Fournette). I've come to the conclusion that the way Fournette plays as a hard downhill runner, expecting him to play a full 16 game season is going to be unrealistic. I expect O-line to be a priority this offseason and with Ivory most likely being a cap casualty this year, and Yeldon on the last year of his contact, now may be the time to start looking at the future. I was browsing the eligible draft prospects this year and it appears this years running back class is pretty deep. Here are my personal rankings so far:

1. Saquon Barkley | Penn State
2. Sony Michel | Georgia
3. Derrius Guice | LSU
4. Rashaad Penny | San Diego State
5. Nick Chubb | Georgia
6. Ronald Jones II | USC
7. Royce Freeman | Oregon
8. Bo Scarbrough | Alabama
9. Kerryon Johnson | Auburn
10. Mark Walton | Miami
11. Kalen Ballage | Arizona State
12. Josh Adams | Notre Dame


Even though it may be considered a luxury pick, I think now is the time to draft a developmental running back who can not only spell Fournette but can start for a few games in the inevitable event Fournette is unable to go. If a guy like Freeman or Ballage is still available in the 3rd or 4th rounds I believe it would be in our best interest to pull the trigger.