Jacquizz Rodgers

Rodgers handled lead-back duties for Tampa Bay early in 2017 while Doug Martin served his suspension, and while he had a couple solid performances - including 108 scrimmage yards against the Giants in Week 4 - he was mired on the bench the rest of the year, seeing more than three carries in a game only once after that. The former Falcon and Bear didn't even factor much into the passing game, a role he specialized in during his Atlanta tenure. Rodgers may have lost half a step at 28 years old, but his skill set still seems suitable for a depth role. Redundancy might be an issue, as he isn't a better pure runner than second-round pick Ronald Jones II or Peyton Barber, and isn't a better receiver than Charles Sims. Barring a couple of injuries ahead of him on the depth chart, snaps will very be tough to come by for Rodgers in 2018. He may even need to compete for a roster spot, though his experience on special teams should help in that regard.

Cut loose by the Bears prior to the start of the regular season, Rodgers wound up in Tampa Bay and proved to be a godsend for the Buccaneers. With both Doug Martin and Charles Sims hurt, Rodgers took over starting duties and piled up 255 rushing yards in two games before a foot injury in Week 8 ended his run at the top of the depth chart, but he'll return to Tampa firmly entrenched in the No. 3 spot. His small stature and exceptional ability as a receiver had Rodgers typecast as a third-down back when he began his career, but his low pad level and surprising burst allow him to produce between the tackles when called upon. With Sims the primary option on passing downs, Rodgers may find himself as more of a change-of-pace back, but Martin's three-game suspension to begin the season should open up touches for both of them.

Following a four-year run as the Falcons' change-of-pace back, Rodgers joined the Bears in 2015, seemingly headed for a similar role. However, a broken arm ended his season in October, leaving him with just 15 touches in five games. Rodgers hasn't shown much running ability (3.6 YPC) in his five-year career, but he's proven to be a capable receiver (156 catches) when called upon. Nonetheless, Rodgers landed on the wrong side of the roster bubble at final cuts, with the Bears opting to keep only three running backs -- Jeremy Langford, Ka'Deem Carey and Jordan Howard.

A 5-6 scatback with exceptional pass-catching skills, Rodgers joined the Bears in free agency after four years of modest production off the bench in Atlanta. Despite his short stature he's not a burner, instead relying on his burst, balance and elusiveness to get to the second level, and his low pad level to drive forward for extra yards. New Chicago head coach John Fox has vowed to reduce the workload of Matt Forte, which could open up some third-down snaps for Rodgers, but he's joining a crowded backfield that also features fourth-round pick Jeremy Langford and second-year power back Ka'Deem Carey. Even if Forte were to get hurt, it seems unlikely that Rodgers would end up seeing a big increase in touches.

Rodgers received a career-high 96 carries last season and caught 50-plus passes for the second straight year, but posted a sub-4.0 YPC for the third time in three years and saw his yards per reception drop as well. Though he got some good work early last year while Jackson was hurting, especially in the red zone, Rodgers didn't see a single goal-line carry after Week 5, when he scored two touchdowns from in close against the Jets. He's in line for another season as the backup and passing-down complement to Steven Jackson, but could be challenged for those duties by rookie Devonta Freeman.

Rodgers saw his touches nearly double in his second season from 78 to 147, but the 5-6, 196-pound scatback failed to increase his touchdowns, finishing with two again. The beefy Michael Turner is gone, but new arrival Steven Jackson is expected to take the goal-line carries, likely leaving Rodgers in his usual role. Rodgers also could see fewer targets, as Jackson likely will catch more passes than did Turner. Keep in mind, however, Jackson is 30 and has logged 2,395 career carries, so an injury or steep decline from Jackson would hardly be shocking.

Rodgers totaled 393 yards during his rookie season, nearly half of which came as a receiver. He managed just 3.6 YPC and for someone 5-6, 196, surprisingly saw a handful of goal-line carries, punching in one of them. He’s expected to take on a bigger role for Atlanta in 2012, though even if Michael Turner were to suffer a serious injury, Jason Snelling would likely take over as the team’s lead back. Rodgers is more of a role player, with much of his action seen as a receiver out of the backfield.

The Falcons traded up to draft Rodgers in hopes he can become what Jerious Norwood never could, a change of pace element to the bruising Michael Turner. Rodgers is an exciting back capable of breaking big plays, but he’s also just 5-6, 196, so if Turner were to suffer an injury, expect Jason Snelling to take over as the lead ballcarrier. Rodgers should be productive when on the field, but expect his opportunities to be limited.