Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in mid-April

Round 3: Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State

Kalen Ballage is a speedy big back to complement Fournette. At Arizona State, he rushed for 1,984 yards with 27 touchdowns and caught 82 passes for 684 yards with two touchdowns. His statistics reflect less wear and tear on his body.

Ballage stands 6-3, weighing 230 pounds. He is taller and heavier than recently released Chris Ivory. Ballage’s speed is the difference. He runs through the line of scrimmage quicker than Yeldon or Ivory.

Ballage ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. Walterfootball.com gives a report of his skillset:

"To go along with size, Ballage is surprisingly fast. He has a real burst with first-step quickness to hit the hole before it closes. … he is more elusive in the open field than a power runner who runs through tackles. As a receiving back for the NFL, … He has soft hands to make receptions and runs good routes."

Many NFL teams are employing the “running back by committee” approach. The Jaguars have adopted this approach in recent seasons. Yeldon and Ivory have not performed consistently.

Fournette garnered the bulk of the carries in 2017. He rushed for 1,040 yards. Fournette out rushed Yeldon, Ivory, and Corey Grant combined. Ballage will have better production in the Jaguars offense.

Fournette and Ballage will be a good duo in goal line formations. Opposing defenses will have to account for both running backs. Ballage could take snaps in the wildcat formation, as well.

Ballage adds to the offensive attack and gives Bortles another weapon. Let’s see which position is addressed next.