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Should Denard Robinson be the Jaguars’ starting running back?

By Luke Dahlgren

Sep 14, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Denard Robinson (16) runs after a reception as Washington Redskins linebacker Perry Riley (56) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Denard Robinson (16) runs after a reception as Washington Redskins linebacker Perry Riley (56) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Robinson, the Jaguars’ backup running back from last season, told the Florida Times-Union that he deserved to be considered the team’s starting running back.

Last season was more of the same for the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the team failed to avoid double digit losses for the fourth straight season. They finished the year at 3-13, largely behind a toothless offensive attack and a loose pass defense.

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One of the few bright spots for the Jaguars was the play of Denard Robinson, the former University of Michigan quarterback who was transferred to halfback in the NFL when he joined the Jags in 2013. In his limited duty last season, Robinson led the team with 582 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, providing the team with their best hope to generate a consistent offensive output and take pressure off then-rookie quarterback Blake Bortles.

And Robinson knows he is the team’s best offensive weapon at running back, although that hasn’t made him complacent.

From Jacksonville.com:

"“I think I should be a No. 1 guy,” Denard Robinson said. “That’s how I have to look at it. But I have to show them that. Words don’t mean anything. It’s all about showing them.”"

As the Jaguars roster stands right now, he is clearly the team’s No. 1 guy. It helps that his competition is Toby Gerhart, Jordan Todman and Storm Johnson. That being said, keeping Robinson solidified as the starter would not be a smart move for the Jaguars

In this year with a deep crop of running back talent, it would be foolish for the Jaguars to miss out on the possibility to jump into the mix and select a running back in the draft. Choosing third in the first round, any running back would be a major reach in the first, but subsequent rounds could end up being value picks for the Jaguars.

Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah, Miami’s Duke Johnson and Indiana’s Tevin Coleman would all be available to the Jags in the second round (and possibly still be there in the third), and would likely provide an immediate upgrade at the running back position over Robinson. Even Boise State’s Jay Ajayi or Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon would fit the bill.

Robinson’s skill set doesn’t fit particularly well with what the Jacksonville Jaguars require out of a starting running back. Robinson has the speed and vision of a valuable change of pace back, but he hasn’t shown the ability to stay on the field in short yardage situations. Finally, Robinson hasn’t been a reliable option for the Jaguars, showing a tendency to loose control of the ball.

The best option for the Jaguars would be to take one of the running backs in the second or third rounds and start the season with them behind Robinson in the depth chart. Robinson has done enough to consider himself the starter right now. But he hasn’t done enough to avoid stiff competition.

[H/T: Jacksonville.com]

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