5 biggest X-factors for the Jaguars heading into the 2023 season

No. 3 biggest X-factor for the Jaguars in 2023: D'Ernest Johnson, RB

After finishing last season with over 1,441 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns, you would think that there's no way Travis Etienne can be better in 2023 but he's putting in the work to do precisely that.

For that reason, it wouldn't be surprising to see Etienne flirt with getting close to 2,000 scrimmage yards and over 15 total touchdowns next season but there's an equal chance he'll lose some carries to the other running backs on the Jaguars' roster. More specifically, D'Ernest Johnson has a realistic chance to get ample playing time next season.

After going undrafted in 2018, Johnson had to play in the Alliance of American Football before getting a shot with the Cleveland Browns in 2019. He proceeded to make the most of it by racking up 738 yards on 141 carries and a staggering 5.2-yard-per-rush average in limited playing time. Heading into 2023, it's fair to wonder if he can produce at that level if he were to have an expanded role.

Rookie Tank Bigsby is gaining lots of steam in the Fantasy Football community as a potential workhorse and rightfully so, even the arguments for his potential impact in 2023 are a bit misguided. However, it could be Johnson the one that gives the Jaguars' rushing attack a boost next season.

The fact that Johnson can also contribute on special teams could end up solidifying his spot on this year's final 53-man roster. Similarly, nobody would bat an eye if he passes sophomore Snoop Conner and last season's RB2 JaMycal Hasty on the depth chart.