Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 realistic expectations for RB Travis Etienne in 2021

After taking quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars could’ve gone several directions with their second-round pick, the 25th overall.

Did the Jags bolster their offensive line? Did they address the tight end position and take Pat Freiermuth? How about fortifying their defensive front by drafting someone like Christian Barmore? Nope. By now you should know they threw a curveball at most mock drafts and selected Clemson running back Travis Etienne.

Looking back, the decision to draft Etienne 25th overall got mixed reactions but the truth is that even though the team had several options, the former Tiger could become a difference-maker in Jacksonville right off the bat.

Could the Jags have taken a running back later in this year’s selection meeting? Yes. Could they have addressed other position needs? Absolutely, but when assessing Etienne’s selection, you have to consider the impact he can have on the Jaguars’ offense.

Think about it, even though Jacksonville had rookie sensation James Robinson on the roster, the team’s brass believed Etienne could bring something else to the table, and they weren’t wrong. As good as Robinson was last season, their running game ranked 28th in yards and 31st in rushing touchdowns.

Just like most position groups, their running back room needed a boost and the Jags got a dual-threat in Etienne. Heading into the 2020 regular season, what should the team expect from the Clemson standout? Here are three realistic expectations for Etienne in 2021.