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Jags should model offense around Fournette's strengths

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Leonard Fournette of LSU poses with Commissioner of the National Football League Roger Goodell after being picked #4 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

  • After selecting former LSU running back Leonard Fournette fourth overall in the 2017 draft, it would make sense for the Jacksonville Jaguars to play to his strengths, and what he is familiar with.
  • In 2016, the Jaguars didn't run the ball once in 21 personnel (two running backs, one tight end, two receivers), but that was the personnel grouping where Fournette saw nearly 40 percent of his carries this past year at LSU.
  • Considering that, it's no coincidence the Jaguars spent their seventh-round pick on Miami (FL) fullback Marquez Williams, who finished ninth among draft-eligible fullbacks with a PFF run-blocking grade of 74.1 in 2016.
  • Between 21 and 22 personnel (two backs and two tight ends), Fournette had nearly 60 percent of his 2016 carries come with another back on the field with him. The Jaguars as a team had just 2.3 percent of their rushing attempts occur in that scenario.
  • The Jaguars in 2016 ran over 60 percent of their run plays in 11 personnel (one back, one tight end, three receivers) compared to just 20 percent of Fournette's LSU carries coming within that formation.
  • While the Jaguars are unlikely to completely overhaul their preferences for Fournette, the addition of Williams is a sign that two-back sets should be more commonplace in 2017.

Leonard Fournette

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