Breaking Down Jacksonville Jaguars' Competition at Running Back

The Jacksonville Jaguars have recently created a serious sense of competition and given the team depth that it didn't have in previous years, and at no position is that truer than running back. There are multiple backs who have the potential to take the starting job in Jacksonville, and there's no clear frontrunner.

The process through which the Jaguars built their current team has literally taken years. Focusing on the draft is finally starting to pay off, evidenced by the tough decisions general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley have to make regarding who will start.

The running back position is especially tough. There are three backs who have shown that they're capable of being starters. Between Denard Robinson, Toby Gerhart and now Bernard Pierce, there is a dilemma to decide who will be the lead ball-carrier.

Let's start off with Robinson. 

Robinson offers something that both Gerhart and Pierce cannot, and that is blistering speed. Robinson loves to get to the outside, and if he's given enough space, he can break away for huge runs.

While Robinson is known for his speed, his vision was something that he improved going into 2014. Robinson's cuts and decision-making greatly improved from the struggles of 2013, and that refinement along with his improved speed made for a nice combo in 2014.

However, despite Robinson's improvement, he still has injury issues and may not be big enough to last in the NFL at 6'0" and 197 pounds. If Robinson can't get on the field, he's no help to the Jaguars. 

2015 will be a telling year for Robinson, and whether he's a starter or not, I expect more of his 2014 success. He has to bounce back after his foot injury last season, and if he doesn't, his glimpses of greatness in 2014 may turn into memories.

Next we have Gerhart.

Gerhart was one of the biggest signings of last offseason, but he failed to impress with a meager 3.2 yards per carry and no real runs of substance. Gerhart is a power back through and through, but the lack of any kind of quickness has many fans in doubt of his ability.

Gerhart is a strong, physical back who looks to run over defenders rather than speed by them. He's not going to bounce to the outside. He's much more likely to truck a safety than juke him, and while that's awesome and exciting to see, he didn't produce in 2014.

But before we completely write off Gerhart, we have to keep in mind that he needs a strong, aggressive offensive line. All running backs do, but Gerhart can't escape the backfield if his lane collapses.

While with the Minnesota Vikings, Gerhart was a great backup for Adrian Peterson and was able to pick up yards because of a good, consistent offensive line.

The Jaguars offensive line should be healthy and improved once the season rolls around. This will be Gerhart's chance to prove his worth, but it could also be the burying factor that keeps him off the field.

There is also the new "kid" on the block, Pierce.

Besides the fact that he was recently arrested and got a DUI, I'm not completely sold on Pierce on the field. He's gotten chances recently with the Baltimore Ravens after Ray Rice dealt with his fiasco, but he hasn't always taken advantage of his opportunities.

Pierce, like Gerhart, is a burly, bruising back who has to shake off defenders rather than race by them. Pierce seems to be a little quicker than Gerhart at times, but they aren't too different from one another in terms of running style.

Pierce has had games, specifically in 2012, in which he was able to use that body to get yards and score, but 2013 and 2014 have been different stories. Pierce averaged 4.9 yards per carry in 2012 compared to a 3.4 combined mark over 2013 and 2014.

Pierce's production has significantly dropped, but with the Jaguars not having a single fullback on the roster, this may be the position that Pierce will play. He can block decently well and his big body would be a good fullback option at the goal line. 

Finally, there is Storm Johnson.

Johnson was a seventh-round pick in last year's draft, and while he's not a terrible player, he is indeed a distant fourth from the cluster that is the aforementioned three. Johnson may get his chance this season, but it would take injury and underperformance from all three backs before that happens.

Gail Burton/Associated Press

The Jaguars have quite the situation on their hands: three players who have no proof that they can be the starting running back for a full season and excel, as well. 

It doesn't help that the Jaguars are thought to look at running backs in this year's draft. Adding another player to the mix may not seem like the best move, but the Jaguars seem determined to get a certain starter before this next season.

Having missed out on DeMarco Murray in free agency, the Jaguars are now in a precarious spot. The available options in free agency aren't worth the money or risk, although the claiming of Pierce has somewhat remedied the situation.

Despite the addition of Pierce, however, there is no certain future at running back for the Jaguars. They still might take a running back in the draft, and there still may be injuries or other issues to occur.

Despite the foggy outlook, the situation could be worse. There were times over the past couple of years when the starting running back couldn't be decided until midseason, and even the best of the group wasn't up to standard.

There are many months and events before the season begins, and we'll see where the Jaguars go with the running back position. It ought to be a fun ride.

Who do you think should start for the Jaguars this season? Answer in the poll below and post your opinions in the comments section!

All stats were provided by ESPN.com, unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanreier.