Jaguars Draft: Powerhouse Travis Etienne joins talented RB room

With the 25th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select running Travis Etienne.

The Jacksonville Jaguars opened up the draft as expected and selected franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson. Etienne now follows Lawrence from Clemson to sunny Jacksonville, Florida.

It was a three-hour wait to see how the Jaguars would follow up their crucial decision at number one. Many expected the Jaguars to select a defensive player at 25th overall while some thought they could snag an offensive lineman. Instead, the Jaguars decided to build up their running back room to help bolster their offense.

Did the Jaguars make the right choice by drafting Travis Etienne?

Travis Etienne is an incredibly solid pick that may confuse some Jags fans. The Jaguars already have 2020 undrafted rookie breakout star James Robinson and they also added veteran Carlos Hyde in free agency.

So why would they feel the need to add Etienne to the mix?

Leading up to the draft, Meyer stated that he wanted to build the running back room around Robinson and that’s exactly what he’s doing. One big thing to note is that Robinson, Hyde, and Etienne are all “multi-dimensional” backs who can run the ball efficiently and be a factor in the passing game.

Travis Etienne was one of the best running backs in college football these past two years. Many thought he could have declared for the 2020 NFL Draft but he decided to stick around at Clemson for another year. You could say it worked out for him.

In 2019, Etienne rushed for 1,614 yards and 19 touchdowns. Through three fewer games in 2020, he rushed for 914 yards and 14 touchdowns. That’s pretty productive if you ask me.

Etienne is a patient but fast runner who isn’t afraid to pounce when he finds an open hole. He has great short-area quickness, strong contact balance, and football IQ.

Now, Jacksonville gets the speed that they wanted at running back.