Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Countdown: Making the Case for Jay Ajayi

The Jacksonville Jaguars seem to have just a few needs left to take care of before the season begins, and one of them is at running back. They have depth, but there is no clear-cut starter, and the Jaguars may be able to find one in Boise State's Jay Ajayi.

The Jaguars haven't had a top running back since Maurice Jones-Drew's three 1,000-yard seasons from 2009 to 2011. While other needs have been more important to fill, the Jaguars are now without a definite starter at RB.

There's no guarantee they can even find one in this year's draft, but the Jaguars would be smart to get a RB on Day 2. The top of the class, Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon and Georgia's Todd Gurley, won't be available to the Jaguars unless they trade. 

But trading for Gordon or Gurley may not be necessary, in fact, they can keep their first-round pick for a "Leo" or wide receiver and find a potentially great back on the second day in Ajayi. The former Bronco has been one of the top backs in college football but hasn't been in the spotlight as long as some of his peers.

Ajayi has averaged 5.6 yards per carry over the past three years and has a total of 3,796 yards and 50 touchdowns through his three years in Boise. And 1,823 yards and 28 touchdowns came last year, when Ajayi took on the biggest workload of his career.

A lot of people's favorite stat from Ajayi is his his 535 yards receiving and four receiving touchdowns in 2014, which made him the first running back in FBS history to have 1,800-plus rushing yards and 500-plus receiving yards.

He's a versatile player with a lot to offer to the Jaguars offense. Being a fantastic runner and a threat out of the backfield could really be a strong weapon in quarterback Blake Bortles' arsenal, and the fact that he can attack in a variety of ways could open up some offensive options.

Ajayi really didn't become a top option until this past offseason due to an incredible combine performance. He was a top performer in four drills, and his all-around athleticism drew a lot of interest from various NFL teams.

Ajayi isn't the fastest running back available, but he's definitely speedy. His foot movement is quick and instinctive, but his body size (6'0", 221 pounds) and tough running style is what earns him his yards.

As good as Ajayi is, he's still not perfect. He struggles at blocking and has issues getting outside, and he can be taken down in pursuit due to a lack of speed and prowess on the outside.

His knee is not one of the actual issues with his game, however. Ajayi's October 2011 knee injury was brutal, but recent concerns about his knee should be dismissed. He's been improving each year with the Broncos and is now looking like a better player than many expected him to be.

Ajayi is not without his issues, but he could be a really smart, effective selection in the second round. He's a powerful, intelligent back who, with the right development and focus on his different strengths, could become a long-term success for the Jaguars.

He offers too many options and has too good of a career to pass up if the Jaguars are looking for a back in the second round. If Gurley or Gordon is available, it's up in the air, but if they aren't, and I don't think they will be, Ajayi is the top draft choice at RB.

Do you think the Jaguars should draft Ajayi? Or do you think there is someone in the second round who would work out better? Answer the poll and leave your thoughts below.

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.