4 Jaguars rookies that could push veterans in 2021

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne is too good to stay on the bench.

The Jaguars threw a curveball at everyone when they took running back Travis Etienne with the 25th overall pick in this year’s draft. This was particularly perplexing for two reasons. First, you should never draft a running back in the first round.

Thirty years ago, it would have made sense to draft a running back in the first round but offenses are no longer built around them the way they were back when Emmit Smith and Barry Sanders roamed the field. They are still an important part of an offensive, but you can get one in the second or third round. You can even wait and sign one after the selection meeting. The Jags know this better than anyone else, as they signed James Robinson as an undrafted free agent in 2020.

Speaking of Robinson, he quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL. His 1,414 scrimmage yards in 2020 were the most ever by an undrafted rookie. He also showed he could withstand a heavy workload as he had 86 percent of the Jaguars’ total carries in 2020. Nevertheless, Jacksonville still took E-T-N.

Robinson is a grinder but Etienne may have a higher ceiling. Moreover, the Clemson product is probably a better receiver and can give the Jaguars’ offense another dimension. Robinson will be the starter on Day 1 but don’t be surprised if Etienne gets more carries as the season progresses.