Category: Leonard Fournette

MJD slots Leonard Fournette at No. 13 spot of RB rankings

Leonard Fournette landed outside of the top-10 of NFL.com’s RB rankings, however, his new coordinator could make him a top-10 backs again.

Love him or not, it appears Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette will be the team’s No. 1 running back heading into 2020 and they need him to come up big. As a former top-4 selection, the Jags clearly felt he’d be a primary weapon for the team, and with jobs potentially on the line they need him to play like an elite draft selection more than ever.

Someone who would know about the pressure that comes with being a running back for a smash-mouth team is Jags great Maurice Jones-Drew, who now is an NFL.com analyst. The former Jags pro bowler recently put together a list ranking each NFL’s team’s No. 1 running backs. Unfortunately, Fournette didn’t crack the top-10, but he did land within the top-13.

13. Leonard Fournette, Jacksonville Jaguars

2019 stats: 15 games | 265 att | 1,152 rush yds | 4.3 ypc | 3 rush TDs | 76 rec | 522 rec yds | 0 rec TDs

Fournette bounced back last season after a down 2018, but he wasn’t used much in the red zone. With the addition of offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, I expect Fournette, whose fifth-year option wasn’t picked up, to get plenty of touches in an effort to protect QB Gardner Minshew and help set up big-play opportunities off play-action. One thing I know for sure is that it’s imperative that the Jags get their bell cow going if they want to have any type of success this season.

It appears Fournette’s lack of trips to the end-zone hurt him here, but had that not been an issue, he definitely would’ve cracked the top-10.

With Jay Gruden as the Jags new coordinator, it’s possible Fournette could get about the same amount of carries he did in 2019 (265), as Gruden has had several rushers accumulate 250-plus carries like Adrian Peterson, Cedric Benson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Alfred Morris. However, it’s worth noting the Jags have several new offensive pass-catchers, too, who could collectively take carries from Fournette. Still, fans should like Fournette’s chances to get over 1,000 yards and double his touchdown total of three from 2019.

As pointed out by Jones-Drew, Fournette will also be motivated by his fifth-year option being declined, and when adding in the fact that other teams will be evaluating him as a pending free-agent, fans shouldn’t discount him. Of course, that would improve the offense in general and possibly make them a top-10 rushing unit again.

Listen: Discussions on Jags’ record predictions, Minshew, Fournette, defensive additions

Jags Wire’s James Johnson joins Fox Sports 1150 AM’s “Afternoon Drive” to talk Jags and more.

There were a lot of questions surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars heading into the 2020 offseason and fans will soon start to get some answers with the team set to return to camp on July, 28. The biggest ones concerned whether Gardner Minshew II would be given the nod to start, pin pointing the amount of wins the team could acquire, Leonard Fournette’s future, and the defense getting overhauled.

These were some of the topics discussed with Phil Jones of Fox Sports 1150 AM Valdosta as Jags Wire joined “The Afternoon Drive” to update the people of South Georgia on Cardiac Cats. The conversation was a pretty in-depth one that lasted over 12 minutes as we went deep into how Minshew became the Jags QB1, why the Jags could exceed expectations, and much more.

Leonard Fournette listed among players under most pressure in 2020

While fans are well aware of the pressure the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff and front office is under, there are also some players who will enter the season under pressure, too. As is always the case, certain players will be on a contract …

While fans are well aware of the pressure the Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff and front office is under, there are also some players who will enter the season under pressure, too. As is always the case, certain players will be on a contract year, and if they have a solid season, it could turn into a big payday next spring.

Ruining back Leonard Fournette is one player who is on that boat, and as a result, he made NFL.com’s list of top players who are under the most pressure in the league. Coming in at the No. 9 spot, analyst Adam Schein believes Fournette not only needs to produce, but also prove he’s maturing as an all-around professional.

Time and patience are running out when it comes to the fourth overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. And remember: The Jaguars drafted the running back over Christian McCaffrey — as well as Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson. Whoops.

I still think Fournette is talented, having shown enticing flashes over his first three NFL seasons. He did just finish seventh in the league in rushing, after all, with 1,152 yards. But does he really get it? Is he ready to lock in as a mature professional? Can he help the Jaguars win in 2020? What’s the future hold after this season?

Jacksonville declined his fifth-year option. The Jaguars have been dangling him on the trade block this offseason, but no one’s biting. It’s high time for Fournette to change the narrative.

While Fournette has produced a pair of seasons where he rushed for over 1,000 yards, his career has come with its share of incidents here and there — albeit some were minor. Just to name a few, there was his physical altercation with Shaq Lawson in 2018, and according to sources of NFL insider Mike Garafolo, punctuality and Fournette’s actions in team meetings have been issues to come up, too.

When considering this, it’s possible the Jags could be already viewing 2020 as Fournette’s last year in the back of their minds, as a change of scenery might be what the young running back needs. Additionally, when weighing the rocky path they’ve gone down with him, they may feel his production isn’t worth the other issues that have come with him, especially if he’s not significantly impacting the win column.

Another thing to consider is something we’ve pointed out earlier this week in our post highlighting the Jags’ most important 2020 free agents. A majority of the league’s 1000-yard rushers from 2019 (six out of nine) were drafted outside of the first-round. In other words, the Jags could save themselves a lot of money by turning to the draft if the running backs class is favorable.

Ultimately, time will tell where Fournette’s future will be, but in all likelihood, he’ll suit up for the Jags in 2020. Maybe a phenomenal season could entice the Jags to keep Fournette afterward, but again, a change of scenery feels like the better option.

Leonard Fournette on fight for equality: “This is bigger than me, this is bigger than football”

Leonard Fournette shared a powerful message with city of Jacksonville about equality as the nation seeks justice for George Floyd.

Last Friday marked a monumental off-the-field moment in history for the Jaguars and the city of Jacksonville as both came together to march for one huge cause: raising awareness for racial injustice. The organization garnered a group of over 300 to march to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and share powerful messages condemning racism and preaching camaraderie.

Unfortunately, star running back Leonard Fournette wasn’t able to attend as he was training from his home state of Louisiana, so the young running back decided to put together another protest for Tuesday with anyone welcomed to join. Fournette’s own protest successfully provided another great moment for the city, this time bringing together residents, the law enforcers of Jacksonville, and mayor Lenny Curry.

“This [battle for equality] is bigger than me, this is bigger than football,” Fournette said to those who gathered at the Jacksonville City Hall. “We’re going to continue coming together praying, coming together and doing what we have to do for our kids, the next generation.

“Black Lives Matter. Let’s keep fighting, y’all.”

Fournette’s protest is one of many that have occurred since George Floyd’s death, a case which sparked large-scale demonstrations against racial injustice and police brutality across the entire world leading up to the arrest of four former Minneapolis officers involved in Floyd’s arrest: Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng, and Tou Thao. Chauvin was filmed with his knee on Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes who repeatedly said he couldn’t breathe. Not long after, Floyd was pronounced dead.

Since the death of Floyd, systemic racism in America and issues with police brutality have been brought into renewed focus, with politicians, athletes and celebrities alike condemning racism and calling for change. Protests like the one Fournette held Tuesday and others that have taken place across the country over the past two weeks have garnered the nation’s attention. In fact, prior to Fournette’s protest, the city had a Confederate monument moved from Hemming Park after it was mentioned by receiver Chris Conley during the Jags’ march on Friday. Jacksonville residents had also been calling for action to have it and others around the city removed.

“This is one action,” Curry said to those who protested. “There is more work to come. Yesterday, there was a confederate monument in the park. It’s gone. And the others in the city will be removed as well.

“We hear your voices. We have heard your voice.”

With the help of an NFL franchise to provide a platform for players like Fournette to speak out against racism and the voices of local activists, Jacksonville has worked to take some of the necessary steps towards change. But, as players and residents alike have said, there is still a lot of work left to be done. If this week is any indication, players on the Jags’ roster like Fournette understand that, which means the fight will undoubtedly continue.

Leonard Fournette links up with Jacksonville mayor Lenny Curry, police during protest

It was another monumental day for the Jags off the field after Leonard Fournette organized another peaceful protest for Downtown Jax.

Tuesday marked another monumental day for the Jacksonville Jaguars off the field as running back Leonard Fournette organized a protest with teammates and key figures in the city, including mayor Lenny Curry and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Fournette informed the public of the process last week and eventually set the time for 10 a.m. ET, and like the protest his comrades had last Friday, things went fluidly.

Fournette’s protest comes as many athletes have stepped up to speak for the black community (and minorities in general) after the death of George Floyd, who was a victim of police brutality. In the process of being detained, Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin was seen in a disturbing video kneeling on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes. Despite Floyd declaring that he couldn’t breathe several times, Chauvin continued to kneel on his neck and it resulted in his tragic death.

Chauvin and officers Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng, and Tou Thao, who were also on the scene for the detainment, were all charged. Chauvin received second-degree murder (was initially third-degree) and manslaughter charges, while his accomplices received aiding and abetting charges on the counts that Chauvin received.

As previously mentioned, Fournette’s protest marked the second by a Jag representative. Friday, the organization gathered a group of about 300 that included players (present and former), coaches, front office personnel, and more for a march from TIAA Bank Field to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office down the road.

When they arrived at the police precinct, former Jags player-turned-police officer Ernest Wilford, running backs coach Terry Robiskie, and Chris Conley all shared powerful messages about racism and coming together. Conley’s message especially seemed to garner the attention of local officials as a nearby Confederate monument was removed before Fournette’s protest after Conley made mention of it Friday.

The teammates who joined Fournette on Tuesday included linebacker Myles Jack, running back Ryquell Armstead, safety Ronnie Harrison, and receivers Keelan Cole and Conley, to name a few. It was one of many showings by NFL athletes which involved the players personally protesting with the public.

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Leonard Fournette schedules peaceful protest with Jags fans, citizens for Tuesday

Leonard Fournette revealed a date for the peaceful protest he mentioned last week and it take place Tuesday by the Jacksonville City Hall.

Last week, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette announced that he’d be holding a peaceful protest soon, and we now have an official time on it. The fourth-year player revealed that he’ll be holding his demonstration Tuesday in front of the Jacksonville Town Hall at 10 AM ET.

Fournette’s protest will come after his teammates marched downtown in solidarity, too. A group of 21 players were joined by coaches (Doug Marrone included), general manager Dave Caldwell, and others involved with the organization as they marched in solidarity from TIAA Bank Field to the nearby Sheriff’s precinct downtown. They showed support for the black community by donning Black Lives Matter shirts and were joined by Jacksonville sheriff Ernest Wilford, who also played for the Jags for seven seasons.

When the Jags arrived at the sheriff’s precinct, Wilford, running backs coach Terry Robiskie, and receiver Chris Conley all spoke and shared powerful messages about racism, systematic injustice, and police brutality.

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Fournette is one of many players who has expressed himself against police brutality on social media like many of his teammates. With such a positive influence on the Jags’ fanbase, his demonstration will undoubtedly have a great turnout and many of his teammates will likely join the cause.

Of course, when it happens we’ll be sure to put up a post as well as provide fans with any additional info that comes out from Fournette’s end about the event.

Leonard Fournette to hold a peaceful protest in Jacksonville in wake of George Floyd’s death

After witnessing the murdering of George Floyd on May 25, many athletes have been doing their part to shed light on America’s problems with racism with some even participating in protests. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, K’Lavon Chaisson, Ronnie …

After witnessing the murdering of George Floyd on May 25, many athletes have been doing their part to shed light on America’s problems with racism with some even participating in protests. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, K’Lavon Chaisson, Ronnie Harrison, Joe Schobert, Shad Khan, and Tony Khan are amongst those who’ve at least spoken out on the matter with more to certainly come.

Running back Leonard Fournette has also spoken out on America’s issues against African Americans and minorities on several occasions and will now be holding a peaceful march in Jacksonville to further do his part. Wednesday night, the fourth-year running back took to social media to announce he’ll be holding the protest sometime next week and welcomed people in Jacksonville to join him.

The nation’s protests sparked after Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin was filmed with his knee on Floyd’s neck who made it clear that he couldn’t breathe in the process. After being taken to the hospital he was pronounced dead by what medical examiners and a family-commissioned autopsy confirmed to be asphyxiation. That led to Chauvin being arrested and charged with third-degree murder (upgraded to second-degree) and manslaughter.

Fellow officers Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng, and Tou Thao were also part of the detainment and were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.

In addition to the various Jags who have spoken out about racism, coach Doug Marrone and his family have been active, too, attending a Jacksonville protest held in the San Marco area, per Mark Long of the Associated Press. The march consisted of a crowd of about 3,000 protesters who walked until about 8 PM.

Fournette’s protest will provide yet another moment for Jacksonville to peacefully come together and will undoubtedly be successful. We’ll be sure to update our readers with a date and time for those who would like to join him.

Watch: Leonard Fournette works on footwork and agility in workout video

Leonard Fournette posted his first workout video of the year and it’s one that should get fan pumped about the upcoming season.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette will be coming off another 1,000-yard season in 2019 and will look to put together a stronger season in 2020 as it will be a contract year for him. He was also able to accumulate a career high in yards per carry with 4.3, though he unfortunately had a career-low in touchdowns with just three.

With COVID-19 causing complications for the nation and world, players are having to get ready for the upcoming season away from their respective facilities, which has provided the web with a lot of workout videos. Fournette released one of his own Tuesday displaying his agility, footwork, and reflexes, which should really get fans pumped about the season.

Jags head coach Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell will be fighting for their jobs this season and will undoubtedly need help from Fournette to avoid being fired. Second year quarterback Gardner MinshewII will need some help from the fourth-year rusher, too, as he could help open up the offense with a successful season on the ground.

Podcast: Who is the Jags’ best player, biggest new addition, has the most to prove?

Jags Wire’s James Johnson and Phil Smith preview the outlook on who is the Jags’ best player, who willed to move themselves and more.

With another week in the books comes another episode of “Bleav in the Jags.”

For episode 17, Jags Wire contributor Phil Smith and I took a page from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Twitter following and discussed the outlook for the team with five important questions:

  • What players could fall short of expectations in 2020?
  • Who is the Jags’ best player?
  • Who is the team’s biggest new addition?
  • Who will take the biggest leap?
  • Who is on a prove-it year?

Beforehand we also discussed the contract of running back Chris Thompson and what he brings to the table, as well as the Jags trying to work their way back to TIAA Bank Field as the coronavirus pandemic continues to be an issue for the sports world.

Feel free to listen to the archived episodes of “Bleav in the Jags,”too, and subscribe via Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

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Jags depth chart prediction: Running back

The Jags weren’t able to trade Leonard Fournette this offseason which mean he’ll likely be the guy leading their group of tailbacks in 2020.

With our depth chart predictions for the quarterback position out of the way, it’s time to move on to the running backs.

Here’s how we see things shaking out at what could be the second most important position for the Jags’ offense this regular season:

RB1: Leonard Fournette

This offseason the Jags at least were open to trading Leonard Fournette but we’re now past the draft and he’s still on the roster. Simply put, that means he’s going to be a Jag in 2020 in all likelihood and will also be their top running back.

Fournette will enter 2020 as one of the Jags’ top weapons after accumulating career-highs in rushing yards (1,152) and yards per carry (4.3) in 2019. He only had three touchdowns on the season, however, so hopefully coordinator Jay Gruden can help him find the end-zone more.

RB2: Ryquell Armstead

Just as he was in 2019 during his rookie campaign, Ryquell Armstead could enter 2020 as the Jags No. 2 running back. Unfortunately, he received limited carries (35) and only registered 108 yards on the ground as a result.

Granted his history with injuries, Fournette could benefit from sharing the load with Armstead but it’s unknown if the Jags will reduce his carries and utilize the second-year tailback more. Additionally, Fournette’s future with the team past 2020 is murky so it’s clear Armstead needs more snaps on the field.

RB3: Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson could be the No. 2 behind Fournette just as Armstead could, but I gave the edge to Armstead because Thompson is more of a threat in the passing game with 1,194 career receiving yards. He does know the system better than any running back on the team, however, as he spent several years under Jay Gruden in Washington so he has the edge over Armstead in that regard.

RB4: Devine Ozigbo

The Jags barely used Devine Ozigbo last season after acquiring him off the waiver wire after final cuts. He only registered nine carries for 27 yards and was only active for 10 games. He’ll be fighting to make the roster this year as a bubble player and will be the tailback who has to fend off the new incoming rookies.

RB5: James Robinson

This young undrafted rookie is a sleeper to make the roster in my opinion. He was a player who some scouts felt was a draftable prospect out of Illinois State as he was ultra-productive for the Redbirds, garnering 4,444 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns.

RB6: Tavien Feaster

Tavien Feaster is a Southeastern Conference product from South Carolina, so he’s played against the highest level of competition available. Before that, he spent three years with the Clemson Tigers. He’ll enter his rookie year with 2,002 career rushing yards and 20 touchdowns and could be a practice squad candidate with a good preseason.

RB7: FB Connor Slomka

Connor Slomka is listed as a fullback on the Jags’ site but Gruden hasn’t carried a fullback on his roster in recent years. That said, the Jags might be looking at Slomka more as an H-back. Regardless, he’s a long shot to make the final roster though practice squad is a possibility.

RB8: Nathan Cottrell

Nathan Cottrell was a teammate of sixth-round pick Tyler Davis at Georgia Tech. While there he wasn’t super-productive, garnering only 640 career yards and four touchdowns throughout four seasons. For that reason, it’s hard to see him making the final roster, but again, practice squad could be an option for him like the other undrafted running backs.

Listen to the latest from Jags Wire’s own James Johnson and Phil Smith on their podcast “Bleav in the Jags.” Subscribe via Apple podcasts and check out our archived episodes via Bleav Podcasts.

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