When the Jacksonville Jaguars traded running back Tank Bigsby to the Eagles for a pair of late-round draft picks, there were certainly questions remaining about whether they'd have enough depth in the running game. However, they were quickly answered.
While Travis Etienne Jr. played well enough in Week 2 to continue to cement his spot as the No. 1 running back in the backfield, rookie Bhayshul Tuten also had himself a game.
Physicality has been the new defining word for the Jaguars. Perhaps it's one of those special attributes that new general manager James "Intangibly Rich" Gladstone keeps harping on. It certainly seems like it, the way Tuten ran the ball this last Sunday. He earned a stellar 3.55 yards after contact, abusing defenders as he fought for every yard.
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Jaguars rookie Bhayshul Tuten claims he's always been an aggressive back
Tuten turned heads at the combine with his impressive numbers. He finished first among running backs in three categories: the 40 (4.32), vertical jump (40.5 inches), and ten-yard split (1.49). He also finished second in the broad jump with a respectable 10-foot-10 leap. But it wasn't just his numbers that caught Jacksonville's attention. Tuten runs with aggression and physicality.
"I...run the football with a strong and aggressive mentality," Tuten told Justin Melo of The Draft Network. "I’m going to be a dominant back in the league. I’m going to inflict pain on defenders in all phases of the game."
His mindset hasn't changed in the NFL. In a next-day interview with Jaguars' media after Week 2, he said, "Yeah, I'm a fast running back, but I also like to run between the tackles. I don't shy away from contact; I've always been like that."
"I don't shy away from contact, I've always been like that."@bhayshul wants all the smoke 💨 pic.twitter.com/tqVieJKwDu
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) September 15, 2025
While his speed seems to make him ideal for jet sweeps or misdirection, Tuten also scored a receiving touchdown in the Jaguars' Week 2 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite it not being what he was specifically drafted for, he's been talking about his skills in the passing game since the combine.
"I can run routes and catch the ball coming out of the backfield," he told Draft Network. "I have pretty good hands. I’m comfortable working against linebackers and safeties in the open field. That’s my thing. I’m prepared to play a pass-catching role at the next level if they want me to. I look forward to working out of the backfield some more."
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Final thoughts
The Jaguars may have hit the lottery with rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten. He's fast, physical, and can work from the backfield as a runner, blocker, and receiver. Expect to see the Virginia alum get more touches as the season continues.