Jaguars: 5 players whose stock is on the rise following minicamp

3. Travis Etienne – running back – Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars threw a curveball at everyone when they drafted Travis Etienne 25th overall in this year’s selection meeting. At the time, the move raised a few eyebrows. Why would you draft a running back in the first round? Also, why did this Jacksonville team took the Clemson product when they already had rookie sensation James Robinson on the roster? E-T-N is a playmaker, that’s why.

Some prospects do great in college only to fall flat in the NFL. In theory, the Jags added a dual-threat to their roster when they drafted Etienne. In practice, it looks like he is everything the team’s brass expected, as the early reviews are positive. Hays Carlyon of 1010XL says the former Tiger has looked explosive in practice.

John Shipley of Jaguar Report notes that Etienne looks “like a natural receiver, running crisp routes out of the backfield” and adds that “his burst is evident”. Moreover, passing game coordinator Brian Schottenheimer recently spoke to the local media and said he’s a big play waiting to happen.

Robinson will most likely be the Jaguars’ feature running back in 2021 but there will be some sort of committee and Etienne will have a significant role on offense. After all, the Lousiana native might be a better receiver out of the backfield and may have a higher ceiling than Robinson. Head coach Urban Meyer says he’s seen flashes of the player he saw in college. If that’s true — he doesn’t have a reason to lie — the Clemson standout will see significant playing time this upcoming season.