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Who is this Tank Bigsby in the Jaguars backfield for the 2023 NFL season?

The Jaguars rookie RB continues to turn heads in Duvall
Beau Adams
Beau Adams

Black and Teal

Jacksonville Jaguars v Detroit Lions / Nic Antaya/GettyImages

The preseason is a time of anticipation and excitement for football fans. It's an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the up-and-coming talents and assess the potential of each team. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, one player who has been making waves during the preseason is running back Tank Bigsby.

With impressive performances and a standout training camp, Bigsby is ready to make a significant impact for the Jaguars in the upcoming season. Let's dive into his camp and preseason production.

Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby Shines in Preseason Games

Tank Bigsby's preseason performances have been nothing short of impressive. In the Jaguars' first two preseason games, Bigsby showcased his skills and potential as a running back. Against the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions, he has carried the ball 22 times for 122 yards, averaging an exciting 5.5 yards per carry.

In a season-long projection, that's 1,028 yards on 171 carries. Pretty nice for a third-round rookie running back, right? These numbers show his ability to break tackles, find running lanes, and make significant gains on the ground, all the things the Jaguars need to elevate their running game to be unpredictable and challenging to game plan for.Β 

It's great to say Bigsby's performances have not gone unnoticed. He has been a standout player throughout training camp and has even earned first-team reps. This level of recognition speaks to the coaching staff's confidence in his abilities and potential to impact the field.

As a result, it seems like Bigsby has already secured his spot as the Jaguars' RB2 on their most recent depth chart.

Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby's Skill Set

Tank Bigsby brings a unique skill set to the Jaguars' backfield. Standing at 6'0" and weighing 204 pounds, he possesses the size and strength to power through defenders and gain extra yards after contact. His physicality and tenacity make him a force to be reckoned with in short-yardage situations.

However, Bigsby is not just a bruiser. He also possesses impressive agility and quickness, allowing him to make defenders miss and break off big runs. His ability to change direction and accelerate quickly makes him a threat in open space and on outside runs.

Furthermore, Bigsby has shown promising receiving skills during training camp, adding another dimension to his game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and contribute in the passing game will make him a valuable asset for the Jaguars' offense.

A third-round pick in the 2023 draft, drafting Bigsby seemed like a wasted pick. Jacksonville had just signed D'Ernest Johnson in free agency and brought back JaMycal Hasty on a two-year deal. It looked like they had their change-of-pace back in the mix. However, the front office saw something we didn't and couldn't pass up the chance to add a talent of Bigsby's caliber.Β Duvall is beyond excited general manager Treng Baalke did.

The Scary Jaguars Backfield and a potential ROTY look

The emergence of Tank Bigsby adds another dynamic element to an already impressive Jaguars backfield. With the presence of rookie sensation Travis Etienne Jr., the Jags now have a formidable duo in their running game.

Etienne, known for his explosiveness and versatility, complements Bigsby's power and agility, creating a well-rounded and balanced backfield.

The combination of Bigsby and Etienne has the potential to give opposing defenses nightmares. Bigsby's ability to break tackles and gain tough yards, paired with Etienne's speed and elusiveness, creates a dynamic and unpredictable rushing attack. This duo has the potential to be a game-changer for the Jaguars and could elevate their offense to new heights.

As Tank Bigsby continues to impress during the preseason, the future looks bright for the young running back. As noted before, his performances have most likely solidified his position as a top-tier RB2 in the Jaguars' offense and have raised expectations for his rookie season.

While it will be hard to outperform Bijan Robinson or Jaymir Gibbs in the stat lines, considering they will get 15-22 carries a game; however, Bigsby's role is now expected to expand as he continues you produce. He is ranked as the 23rd favorite for the ROTY Award, +7500, but any injury to Etienne and he will rocket up that list.Β 

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Beau Adams

Beau Adams

After a lengthy battle with cancer left me disabled and unable to walk, I took up a life long dream of writing about baseball.