Jaguars’ rookie report card a mixed bag ahead of Week 13

Jaguars’ rookie report card – Travis Etienne – 1st round, 25th overall

The Jaguars made the unconventional decision to draft Travis Etienne with the 25th overall pick. Although you can always acquire a good running back in later rounds, the team’s brass thought the former Clemson Tiger would give the offense a boost, and they were into something.

Etienne showed explosiveness and burst in training camp but he then suffered a Lisfranc injury that ended his rookie campaign before it started. It’s hard to hand him a grade when he hasn’t played a down this season. The Jags could certainly use E-T-N right now, as James Robinson is dealing with a heel injury and isn’t 100 percent healthy. They will have to wait until next year to see what kind of impact Etienne can have on the field.

Grade: N/A

Jaguars’ rookie report card – Tyson Campbell – 2nd round, 33rd overall

Rookie Tyson Campbell is a clear example of why it’s the preseason is not an indicator of future success. Sure, it’s important for players to get as many reps in preparation for the regular season, but you can just base your evaluation solely on their preseason performance.

Even though Campbell struggled in the preseason, he was a Day 1 starter. He didn’t perform well in the season opener but has steadily improved, becoming a mainstay of Jacksonville’s secondary along the way. The former Georgia Bulldog logged his first career interception against the Atlanta Falcons and posted the highest Pro Football Focus grade among Jaguars’ defenders.

The Jaguars are most likely thrilled with Campbell, who’s only going to get better.

Grade: B+