Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby getting glowing reviews, already dubbed a draft steal
• The pick is already getting lots of praise
![Aug 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4). Aug 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (4).](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3600,h_2025,x_0,y_40/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01h8a1g7gn1ag8va5tjx.jpg)
The Jacksonville Jaguars had a pretty good running back in Travis Etienne. However, they still felt their backfield could use reinforcements, which is why they used a third-round pick in this year's draft on Tank Bigsby. So far, the decision seems to have paid off, as Bigsby has shown in two preseason games that he can make plays. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report has gone as far as calling him a draft steal.
Kay put together a list of 2023 draft picks that are already shining and included Bigsby, noting that he's made the most of his preseason snaps and that he can be a great complementary back to Etienne.
"The Jacksonville Jaguars rounded out their running back platoon by selecting Tank Bigsby in the third round of the 2023 draft. The big-bodied Auburn product can serve as the thunder to starter Travis Etienne Jr.'s lightning.
Bigsby is already making waves this offseason, recently leading the team with nine carries for 52 yards in the team's preseason debut against the Dallas Cowboys."
Kay rightfully goes on to say that Bigsby won't probably get much playing time behind Etienne but he should still be productive when he's called upon. Also, Kay thinks his 6-foot, 213-pound frame could be of great help in the red zone.
A four-star recruit out of high school, Bigsby went on to rack up 540 for 2,903 yards with 25 touchdowns at Auburn. The decision to draft the former Tiger was originally met with skepticism. After all, the Jags had just signed D'Ernest Johnson in free agency and given JaMycal Hasty a two-year deal.
However, Bigsby quickly proved the Jags right. He was one of their stars in training camp, often making plays and showing the ability to break big runs that he consistently displayed at Auburn.
Although training camp may not have a big role in the bigger, it's important when discussing Bigsby because it goes to show that he's more than just a preseason darling. Based on everything he's done over the last few months, it's easy to project him to be a key cog on the Jaguars' offense for the 2023 season.
The Jaguars have a a dynamic RB tandem in Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby
Heading into the preseason, Tank Bigsby was behind Travis Etienne on the depth chart. And after two games, it's fair to say that he's solidified his spot as RB2 for the 2023 season. Following his productive outing in the opener, he racked up 70 yards on 13 carries against the Detroit Lions in Week 2.
Etienne, who totaled more than 1,400 yards from scrimmage last year, will still get most of the workload but Bigsby will also get his fair share of carries. As a matter of fact, having Bigsy on the mix will help Etienne stay fresh.
Due to the presence of Bigsby, Etienne might not be able to reach the 1,600/1,700-yard threshold as head coach Doug Pederson previously suggested. However, he should have no trouble crossing the 1,000-yard mark in the 2023 season.
Not only do the Jacksonville Jaguars have a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence but they also have a dynamic running back tandem to complement the passing game. As tight end Evan Engram said not long ago, opposing defenses will be forced to pick their poison in the 2023 NFL Season.
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