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The Jaguars chose to release Leonard Fournette after not being able to find a suitor. That’s 30.6% of Jacksonville’s yards from last season gone along with 79% of the workload in the backfield.
Where will all those carries go? Ryquell Armstead? He has been on the Reserve/COVID-19 list and hasn’t got a chance to practice with the team. Chris Thompson? He hasn’t seen more than 68 carries in a season and is more of a pass catcher out of the backfield. How about Devine Ozigbo?
Who Is Devine Ozigbo?
Ozigbo is an undrafted free agent from Nebraska that the Jags picked up in 2019 after he was released by the New Orelans Saints. During the preseason for the Saints he put in a fine effort resulting in 21 carries for 92 yards and nine receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. The Jaguars snatched him up before the start of the regular season, however he only saw significant snaps in Week 17 versus the Indianapolis Colts where he had nine carries for 27 yards and three receptions for 23 yards.
Ozigbo and Armstead have a similar running style, but Ozigbo is a bit heavier while Armstead has better speed. Armstead saw 120 more snaps than Ozigbo last season, so everything points to Armstead inheriting a majority of that volume.
Why Ozigbo?
With Armstead having to sit out Ozigbo has taken advantage in camp. On drills he’s been hitting holes with power and explosion, however what I was most impressed to see was his route running where he managed to score in redzone drills. He’s displayed playmaking ability the last couple weeks and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him lead in carries Week 1.
Now am I saying he is going to be a fantasy sleeper and is a must draft player? Heck no! If you’re in a dynasty league then that’s a different story, but I would stay clear of the Jaguars backfield. What I am saying is there will be competition in this backfield and I can see a path where Ozigbo ends up with the most work.
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