![Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (33), bobbles, but catches a pass, during the 10th organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_6000,h_3375/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01jxqnffy686b9c6a6fz.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (33), bobbles, but catches a pass, during the 10th organized team activity at Miller Electric Center Wednesday, June 4, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a loaded backfield, which means that rookie Bhayshul Tuten has somewhat of a steep hill to climb to earn a featured role next season. Heck, head coach Liam Coen said during mandatory minicamp that the first-year running back must work on his pass-blocking skills. But despite the hurdles, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports believes he's in a position to get a key role.
Trapasso put together a list of rookies drafted after the first round who could earn a key role with their respective teams and chose Tuten for the Jaguars, pointing out that he had a fumble problem at Virginia Tech but possesses the physical traits to potentially seize the RB1 job in the Jacksonville backfield.
"Yes, Tuten had a fumbling problem at Virginia Tech," Trapasso wrote. "Nine of them in his two years with the Hokies. I don't really care. Fumbles are kind-sorta like drops for a receiver. They happen. They're rarely predictive of future fumbles. Everything else about Tuten's game screams future franchise runner."
Trapasso continued, "He's clearly ridiculously fast. And Tuten was a side-to-side wonder eluding defenders at the ACC the past two campaigns. He forced 60-plus tackles in consecutive seasons, quite the feat for any ball-carrier. He made the jump from North Carolina A&T look effortless. And Tuten has the game to not only register as a blip on the radar in Jacksonville... but push Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby for the lion's share of the carries in Liam Coen's offense.
Tuten posted the fastest 40-yard dash among running backs at the NFL Scouting Combine. Similarly, his vertical jump of 40.5 inches and his 1.49-second 10-yard split were position bests. On the other hand, his nine fumbles the past two years were most definitely a red flag. You won't get much playing time if you cannot hold onto the fumble.
Fortunately, it doesn't seem like that's been an issue for the former Hokie in the offseason, aside from his first rep in rookie minicamp. Having said that, he won't have a clear path to the top of the depth chart.
What's preventing Bhayshul Tuten from earning the starting job with the Jaguars?
Following the draft, a report surfaced that the Jacksonville Jaguars weren't high on either Travis Etienne or Tank Bigsby. This meant that Bhayshul Tuten could have a realistic shot to start as a rookie. However, he has a long way to go.
Etienne was the subject of trade speculation in the offseason, but Liam Coen made it clear that it's not in the team's plans to move on from him, at least not now. On the other hand, Bigsby has had a strong offseason, and there are no signs he's at risk of tumbling down the depth chart. Meanwhile, Tuten has mostly taken reps with the second team.
It's also worth noting that the coaching staff won't be able to truly asses the roster until players put the pads on in training camp. Then, Tuten will have the chance to make a strong impression, but for the time being, it looks like he's behind Bigsby and Etienne on the depth chart. Could that change? You bet, but it looks like seizing the staring job won't be a walk in the park.
All things considered, the Jacksonville Jaguars should be thrilled about how stacked their running back group is. While there's a chance someone will come out on top, it wouldn't be shocking to see them ultimately opt for a backfield committee.