A lot of experts act as if former seventh-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars Rashad Jennings is somehow just jumping onto the scene with the lengthy holdout of Maurice Jones-Drew. That really couldn't be further from the truth. Jennings, a Liberty prospect, has had previous success in the National Football League.
In fact, there are some that will compare him to Michael Turner when the Pro Bowl running back was stuck behind Ladainian Tomlinson with the San Diego Chargers.
Jennings has recorded nearly 1,000 total yards on just 165 touches for an average of six yards ever time he got the rock. Despite missing the 2011 season due to injury, it must be noted that Jennings did put up over 700 yards while starting three games for the Jaguars back in 2010. He has had previous success and his 6'1”, 234 pound frame suggests that he can shoulder the load throughout an entire season.
What makes Jennings a fantasy sleeper is the current contract stalemate between Jacksonville and Maurice Jones-Drew. Things have taken a turn for the worst in recent days and reports are starting to float around that the reigning NFL could miss the start of the season.
While this would be a dramatic setback for Jacksonville, it could possibly give Jennings the platform to show that he can indeed be a starting running back in the National Football League. Jennins is set to become a free agent following 2012 and an impressive season could make him one of the most sought after running backs on the market.
Jacksonville has a few solid run-blocking interior linemen, which will help Jennings between the hashes. Running the football successfully in the NFL is a team game, not an individual one. This means that Jones-Drew has had to have some help from the big men up front. You can expect Jennings to get that same type of help should he be inserted in as a starter when the season gets going in September.
There is no reason to believe that Jennings wouldn't be able to compile 1,300 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns should he get a shot.
Why not take a flier on this guy in the later rounds and see if you come up with gold. If the situation presents itself, I will.