Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 training camp preview: Running backs

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a dynamic running back tandem.

Here’s how the Jaguars’ running back depth chart could look in Week 1.

1. James Robinson
2. Travis Etienne
3. Carlos Hyde
4. Dare Ogunbowale

Regardless of who’s the starter, James Robinson and Travis Etienne will see the field a lot. Keep in mind that Jaguars’ offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell likes to run the ball a lot. Also, the Jags will most likely build their offense around the running game until they take the training wheels off rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

You could even think of Etienne and Robinson as running back 1A and 1B. The rookie may be the better receiver of the two, so he could see plenty of time in passing situations. However, he will be more than just a third-down back. He was a dual-threat at Clemson and the Jaguars expect him to have a similar role in the NFL.

For that reason, it will be interesting to see how the team split Robinson’s and Etienne’s carries. After all, the former averaged 4.5 yards per carry in 2020 even though opposing defenses stacked the box against him. Also, the Jags’ will have an improved passing game with rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence behind center. This could create more opportunities for both Robinson and Etienne to run against lighter boxes.

With the duo splitting most of the workload, there won’t be many carries left for Hyde, and the fourth running back will most likely see time on special teams. Hyde will only have a big workload if either Etienne or Robinson miss time with injuries.

Running back is one of the Jaguars’ strengths ahead of the 2021 season. Even though this will eventually be Lawrence’s team, Robinson and Etienne will be key to the Jags’ success.