Former SMU running back TJ Harden is gaining NFL Draft attention after meeting with the Jaguars at Pro Day, giving the power back late-round momentum.
SMU running back TJ Harden may not have left Pro Day with blazing speed headlines, but he still gave NFL teams something to think about.
The former Mustangs back is beginning to generate real NFL Draft buzz after meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars following his workout, putting himself firmly in the conversation as a possible late-round pick.
Harden has the kind of frame and play style NFL teams still value, especially when they’re looking for depth, short-yardage muscle, and developmental upside.
At Pro Day, Harden measured around 6-0 and 218 pounds, then posted a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and a 7.40 three-cone. Those aren’t eye-popping testing numbers, but they do help paint the picture of what he is ... a bigger-bodied runner built more for contact than pure explosiveness.
That’s where Jacksonville becomes an interesting fit.
The Jaguars have already reshaped their running back room after losing Travis Etienne in free agency, and they still have Bhayshul Tuten, DeeJay Dallas, Chris Rodriguez, and LeQuint Allen in the mix.
That doesn’t scream urgent need, but it also doesn’t rule out adding another runner who can fill a specific role.
Harden’s appeal is pretty clear. He’s the kind of back who can lower his pads, grind out hard yards, and help near the goal line.
He may not be the player a team builds its offense around, but he does look like someone who could carve out a niche if given the opportunity. NFL teams often spend late draft picks on players with one standout trait, and Harden’s size and physicality give him that chance.
The Jaguars don’t need to force a running back pick early.
Still, if they want to keep adding competition and toughness to the backfield, TJ Harden makes plenty of sense. For the former SMU standout, Jacksonville’s interest could be the start of a very real NFL opportunity.
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