General Info

5'11", 232 lbs. 24 years old
Louisiana State

Toefield was 4th round draft pick in 2003 for the Jaguars. He was the 132nd overall player selected in the draft, and the 11th running back taken. He posted solid numbers as a rookie backup to 'Fragile' Fred Taylor (52-212 rushing yards 2 TDs, 14-101 Receiving yards 1 TD), but the selection of Greg Jones in the 2nd round of this years draft makes Toefield's future questionable in Jacksonville.

Mike Anderson's Thoughts

2004 Outlook

As a Fred Taylor owner, I would hate for it to be the case, but RB LaBrandon Toefield could have some major value in 2004. Please join me in a prayer for Taylor's health, but it's true that "Fragile Freddy" has a history of injury, that fortunately hasn't flared up in a few seasons, but could become an issue at any time.

If that happens, Toefield, who has a strong history of injury himself, becomes the starting RB for the Jacksonville Jaguars. There are most likely fantasy owners out there that believe the new flavor of the year, RB Greg Jones, will take over for Taylor in the event of injury, but that is just not the case.

First, the talented Toefield is a virtual Taylor clone in size, speed, and running size. He is in tune with the offense, and would be a slam-dunk replacement for Taylor this season. Secondly, Greg Jones is just not what the Jaguars thought they were getting at this stage in his development. Jones has a world of potential, and we will get to that in the 2007 outlook, but in 2004, he is just not ready to step in as a starting RB. His performances so far this summer have been weak at best and horrific to the Jaguar front office at worst. He is not the answer to replace Taylor in 2004 if it comes to that.

So, in 2004, should Taylor be out for an extended period of time, Toefield would step right in, and perform well as a NFL starter.

2007 Outlook

Fred Taylor is not going to be the starter in Jacksonville in 2007. At 31, he might not even be in the NFL. His replacement is already on the team.

It really comes down to what camp you are in. A strong case can be made either way, and I myself have flopped on this a few times this summer alone. Either Toefield is a Taylor clone, and the heir apparent, or Greg Jones has a world of talent, and his Jerome Bettis style of running is the future in Jacksonville.

Toefield truly is a Taylor clone. He has tons of skill and talent, a similar running style, with a similar history of major injuries. If the Jaguars wish to stay with the same offensive philosophy, and do what has been successful, then Toefield is the starter by 2007, and enjoying a good season.

Greg Jones, although a disappointment so far in his very short career, has major talent. He has more talent than Toefield, and if he can harness all that skill, he could be a top runner in the NFL. Certainly his size, which gives him a major edge in the red zone, can only help his cause.

I am going to go with Jones as the future of the Jaguars, meaning that Toefield is either a backup, or on a different team. Toefield's injury history is a big part of this, I can't see him as the long term answer with so many issues. It is fair to point out that many people said that about Taylor just a couple of seasons ago. This needs to be watched closely over the next couple of years. Between Jones and Toefield, there is a NFL starter just waiting for an opportunity. One of them is going to have a great 2007 season.

Final Thoughts

If you need to handcuff Taylor in the immediate future, you need to get Toefield. He will have a great season if pressed into service. Over the course of the next 3 seasons, either Jones or Toefield is going to become a valuable Fantasy player for some owners. Watch it closely.

Chris Smith's Thoughts

2004 OUTLOOK

LaBrandon Toefield will likely have minimal impact for the Jaguars in 2004. He already was in behind a superstar running back in Fred Taylor which limited his value in both redraft and dynasty leagues alike. However with Taylor's past durability issues, there was always the possibility that Toefield could see some action in relief of Taylor and at the very least he would see action as a goalline option for the club.

Fast forward to this season and the Jaguars drafted a very talented running back in Greg Jones that look like a surefire first round draft choice after the 2002 collegiate season. Jones fell from favor a little after a subpar season with Florida State in 2003 but that was due to a knee injury he suffered in the prior season. In his nine games in 2002, Jones rushed for 938 yards and the Jaguars came away with awesome value with the 55th pick in the draft.

Jones has looked awesome so far during camps and has often appeared as a man amongst boys despite his youth. His uprising has likely bumped Toefield down to the 3rd option at running back and his only action may come as a third down back this year. Toefield has great size at 5-11 and 232 pounds and had a productive rookie campaign last year with 212 rushing yards, 14 receptions and 3 touchdowns. This year, unless Taylor has injury woes, I don't expect much more than that out of Toefield at best. I have him rushing for 154 yards, catching 20 passes as a 3rd down specialist and scoring twice.

2007 OUTLOOK

Toefield is an interesting player to gauge long term. He was always loaded with talent with the LSU Tigers but had a horrible time staying healthy throughout his collegiate career. Last year he had no problem staying healthy, but he had limited duty throughout the season.

I don't believe he has much of a future with the Jacksonville Jaguars as their future likely lies now on the broad shoulders of Greg Jones. However I wouldn't be surprised to see Toefield in another city by 2007 competing for playing time as a starting running back. The kid has size, quickness and a great burst through the line of scrimmage and could surprise a lot of folks if he gets an opportunity. I believe his career could mirror the career of former Jaguar, James Stewart. He may only see a season or two as the go-to guy in an offensive attack but he'll make the most of it when given the opportunity. Definitely keep an eye on this guy or perhaps even keep him on your dynasty roster if you can afford to keep a 6th back on your squad. His long-term value may help you out a great deal.

Final Thoughts

Don't expect too much from Toefield in 2004 but he has enough talent to become an impact player somewhere else if he finds the right situation. His size and quickness have never been in question, only his durability and some team out there will give him a chance to be the man at some point in the next four years.

Quotations from the Message Board Thread

To view the Entire Message Board Thread, Click here.

WinningisEverything:
I was feeling good about Toefield. Great RB size, good at the goal line, #1 back up to a RB that looses goalline looks. Then the nightmare begins: The Jaguars draft Greg Jones. I guess there is still hope that Toefield can be the #1 back up but I do not see it. Jones is clearly the more talented runner and is even bigger. With Toefield having a cap friendly number, and with his return skills, I do not see him changing teams anytime soon.

ExtraPoint:
If the Jags thought they had somebody special in Toefield would they have traded up to get Jones? I think not. Toefield isn't likely to start for anybody unless someone in front of him gets hurt. In the case of the Jags that could very well be two people now. I'd drop him off the map at least until 2006 unless Fred does go down. By 2006, Toe might not even be remembered. Recommendation: Sell or Dump

The Houston Stallions:
Keep in mind that Toefield was considered the best RB on the team in college at LSU. His teammate was none other than Dominic Davis. They were both banged up at LSU from time to time.