The Jacksonville Jaguars took a look at the roster after the 2024 season and realized that they had several intriguing pieces but not enough to win games on a consistent basis. That's why, after cutting ties with several veterans who no longer fit their vision, they spare no expense to make upgrades to nearly every position. Running back was among the ones that got the biggest boost with the arrival of Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen.
Tuten and Allen join a group that includes Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus believes that sorting out the running back position will be the Jags' biggest offseason question.
Locker posed a question for each NFL team after the NFL Draft and wonders who'll emerge as RB1 in the Jacksonville backfield, noting that all their potential answers come with an asterisk.
"Travis Etienne Jr. enters his fourth season after a disappointing 2024 campaign, recording only a 62.8 PFF rushing grade with just 2.48 yards after contact per carry," Locker said. "Tank Bigsby (74.6 PFF rushing grade) showed flashes as Etienne's backup last year, but his tendency to fumble (five in his first two years) is worrisome."
Locker continued, "Much of the same thinking applies to fourth-round pick Bhayshul Tuten, who is explosive (34 rushes of 10 or more yards) but lost the ball nine times since 2023. Liam Coen wasn't afraid to experiment with later-round rookies last year in Tampa Bay, as evidenced by Bucky Irving, and a similar committee could form in Duval County."
As Locker noted, Etienne is coming off an injury-hampered season. The fact that he ran behind a porous offensive line didn't help matters. Then again, that didn't impede Bigsby from coming through. The truth, though, is that both are capable running backs who should be more productive with a beefed-up offensive line. On the other hand, the new regime doesn't appear to be sold on either one, which is why they drafted Tuten in Round 4.
The former Virginia Tech Hokie posted the fastest 40-yard dash, along with the best 10-yard rush and vertical jump, among running backs in the Scouting Combine. However, his nine fumbles the past two years are most definitely a reason for concern. The good news is that it's a correctable issue.
Etienne had five fumbles in 2022 but only one the last two seasons. It's fair to assume that with proper coaching, both Tuten and Bigsby could also fix the issue. 67ty
Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and Bhayshul Tuten give the Jaguars a good problem
Sure, Travis Etienne, Tnak Bisgby, and Bhayshul Tuten all come with questions, but the trio also has plenty of pros. It will be up to the Jacksonville Jaguars to sort out the running back depth chart.
Etienne has already posted two 1,000-yard seasons and showed an affinity for breaking tackles in 2023. On top of that, he's a fine receiver out of the backfield. However, he's not that good of a pass blocker and is entering a contract year. The Jags could move on from him in the upcoming months and try to get a draft pick in exchange for him. Conversely, he would serve as insurance in case neither Bigsby nor Tuten makes an impression.
Bigsby, for his part, broke off several big runs in 2024 but doesn't offer much as a pass catcher, which limits the way the coaching staff can deploy him. Last but not least is Tuten, who may be the favorite to start when you take into account that the new regime handpicked him. Of course, he'll need to take care of his struggles to hold onto the football if he wants to have a realistic shot at being RB1 in 2025.
The bottom line is that the Jaguars' running back is currently in flux, but it should take shape in the upcoming months. They have three intriguing options in place, and one should be able to come out on top.