Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-Round 2018 mock draft post-free agency
By Larry Brake
Round 3: Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State
Kalen Ballage is a good value pick in the third round. He will give the Jaguars a larger power type running back as well as more speed. Ballage ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine this February.
Ballage would be the tallest running back on the Jaguars roster. He stands six foot three inches tall weighing 230 pounds. Imagine Ballage and Leonard Fournette in the goal line offensive set.
NFL.com gives a draft profile report of Ballage’s strengths:
"Versatile player who has experience as an off-set runner, a pass catcher out of the backfield … Has experience returning kicks. Plays with adequate burst between tackles … Has secondary power to find a tough yard near end zone. Clean hands as pass catcher."
Ballage is similar to former San Diego Chargers running back Chuck Muncie. Muncie was the featured back in the Don Coryell offensive scheme. In Buffalo, Doug Marrone ran the Air Coryell offense.
At Arizona State, Ballage ran for 1984 yards and 27 touchdowns. He caught 82 passes for 684 yards with an average of 8.3 yards per catch. His versatility, as a receiver and a power back, will pay dividends for Jacksonville.
After selecting offensive players in the first three rounds, let’s see where the Jaguars go next.