Organized Team Activities (OTA's) start up again this week, but it's still the dead zone. I figure it's that time to do the oh-so-way-too-early roster breakdown, and handicap the positions. We'll go position by position on the football team and look at who's competing for a roster spot, who's a lock, and who's on the bubble.
Last time we did fullbacks.
Now we'll stay the backfield and look at the running backs.
Lock On the Roster
Maurice Jones-Drew: I don't think I need to say much about the fantastic runningback that is Maurice Jones-Drew. He'll be on the roster, he'll get the majority of the carries, and he'll once again be the spark plug for the Jacksonville Jaguars offense.
Likely On the Roster
Rashad Jennings: Jennings got off to a slow start last season and looked like he might be a disappointment. He got stronger as the season went on though, showing good vision, burst, and ability to catch out of the backfield. This off-season in mini-camp and OTA's, he looks even more fluid. He should get some more carries this year, as his ability to block was a big blow to his playing time last year, but by all accounts he's been improving in that area.
Deji Karim: Karim has put on a show so far in OTA's and in mini-camp he definitely flashed. One thing is for sure, the kid has speed and more speed. He reminded me a bit of our first look at Maurice Jones-Drew when he was a rookie, and not just because of his similar stature. Karim should see the field on passing downs when Drew needs a breather and potentially as a kick returner.
Destined for the Practice Squad:
Chad Kackert: Kackert is the classic talented runningback from a small school. He's smaller at only 5'9", but we in Jacksonville have learned height doesn't matter. Kackert has speed and experience running out of the shotgun. He's a long shot to make the roster, but I have a feeling he may stick on the practice squad, especially if he can show something in the return game.
Our very own Adam Stites did a profile of Chad and also setup a live-chat back in May.