5 Best Running Backs in Jacksonville Jaguars History

Nope, no Leonard Fournette here. Yes, he had two 1,000-yard seasons, but Fournette never felt like even an above-average running back during his three years in Jacksonville.

Going No. 4 and only playing three seasons with that team is unacceptable, and it proved to be the determining factor here.

Stewart never rushed for more than 931 yards in Jacksonville, so did he really warrant a spot over Fournette? Considering that he scored 38 touchdowns from scrimmage in five seasons, absolutely.

This is why we make it immediately clear that context must matter when compiling these lists. Contributing that heavily to two playoff teams is far better than three mixed seasons and getting cut before your rookie contract ends

4. James Robinson (2020-2022)

Undrafted in 2020, Robinson immediately won the starting job and rushed for 1,070 yards on 4.5 yards per carry.

He was also a bright spot during the infamous Urban Meyer-led 2021 season, picking up 786 yards and eight touchdowns on 4.7 yards per attempt.

The good times wouldn’t last forever, though. Robinson tore his Achilles in December 2021 and was out of the NFL by 2024. However, he recently resurfaced in the UFL and helped the Louisville Kings knock off the DC Defenders in the United Bowl.

3. Travis Etienne Jr. (2022-2025)

Regardless of what some social media users might insist, Etienne doesn’t qualify as a “bust,” even relative to his draft status.

We can’t credibly pin such a title on someone who had three 1,000-yard seasons and averaged nearly 1,300 yards from scrimmage over a four-year period.

The knock against Etienne, though, is the Jaguars declining his fifth-year option ahead of the 2025 season. Little did they know that he’d rush for 1,107 yards — the most since his rookie season — and score 13 all-purpose touchdowns for the AFC South champions.

2. Maurice Jones-Drew (2006-2013)

Maurice Jones-Drew was one of those running backs you never wanted to face in fantasy football, and not solely because he ranked among the league’s best during his prime.

At least with stars like Adrian Peterson or Clinton Portis, you could talk yourself into the idea that they’d look human — by their standards, at least — and fail to deliver.

That wasn’t the case with Jones-Drew, though. Take it from someone who had him in fantasy football at least twice. Despite clocking in at only 5-foot-7, there was no stopping Jones-Drew in his prime.

After becoming the full-time starting running back in 2009, he rattled off 4,321 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns over the next three seasons, leading the league with 1,606 yards in 2011. 

But for as fun as MJD was, we had to give the No. 1 spot to his predecessor. 

1. Fred Taylor (1998-2008)

Even we late-millennials/early Gen Z’ers who only caught the end of Taylor’s prime knew he’d be a lock to place atop the list.

Nearly two decades after leaving the Jaguars, he remains the team’s all-time leading rusher with 11,271 yards, racking up seven 1,000-yard seasons in an 11-year period.

Incredibly, he made the Pro Bowl only once, with a 1,202-yard season in 2007 that also earned him second-team All-Pro honors. Taylor’s 62 rushing touchdowns trail only Jones-Drew’s 68, though the former played in significantly more playoff games.

As for whether or not Taylor should be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, that’s a conversation for another day.

More Jacksonville Jaguars Rankings

• 5 Best Quarterbacks in Jaguars History
• 5 Best Wide Receivers in Jaguars History