Jacksonville Jaguars: Grading 2021 draft class ahead of regular season

The Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 early draft picks are a work in progress.

2. Travis Etienne, RB, 25th overall pick, first round.

The case can be made for and against taking a running back in the first round. But Travis Etienne was having an outstanding offseason regardless of the position he played. Throughout the summer, he showcased the burst and athleticism that made him a playmaker at Clemson. Heading into the regular season, the Louisiana native figured to play a key role on the Jags’ offense. Alas, he suffered a Lisfranc injury in Week 2 of the preseason and is now out for the year.

Injuries are an inherent part of the game, and you can’t blame the Jags for Etienne’s lesion. He will now have to wait one year to show what he can do on the football field.

Grade: D

3. Tyson Campbell, CB, 33rd overall pick, second round.

The Jaguars revamped their cornerback room earlier this year, and it looked like Tyson Campbell would have to wait to get his chance. However, the Jags traded Sidney Jones to the Seattle Seahawks and Tre Herndon is nursing an MCL injury. Even though he’s been limited in practice in the week ahead of the season opener, head coach Urban Meyer has announced the rookie will play.

Campbell’s athleticism and speed have carried over to the pros but he needs to do a better job of playing and finding the ball. In the preseason, he gave up two touchdown receptions. On the bright side, the Jaguars’ coaching staff is working with him to improve his ball skills.

Grade: B-