With offseason programs now behind us, let’s take a position-by-position look at where things stand for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Next up are the running backs.
If you missed our review of the quarterback position, you can find that here.
Naturally, a lot of eyes will be on Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ passing game. But as Lawrence described after the season, having a strong running game to lean on will help put the passing game in advantageous situations.
When an offense has a running game to help shoulder the workload, it helps keep that unit ahead of the sticks and out of predictable passing situations, which can then help open up opportunities through the air.
That consistency on the ground was an element that the Jaguars were missing in 2024. Now, a big part of that was the play of the offensive line, but more from the running back position is needed as well.
How does playing time shake out at the running back position for the Jaguars?
This will be the big question surrounding this unit during training camp. My guess is that Travis Etienne, Tank Bigbsy, and Bhayshul Tuten are all involved throughout the season, but who ends up as RB1, RB2, and RB3 based on touches remains to be seen.
Etienne struggled with efficiency last season, averaging just 3.7 yards per rush. However, under Liam Coen, I anticipate that we will see a greater emphasis on getting Etinne the ball in space, such as on jet sweeps or screens, where he is at his best.
Bigbsy displayed some big-play potential last season, but also put the ball on the ground. Tuten, meanwhile, brings impressive speed to the backfield, but had fumbling issues of his own in college and is adjusting to an NFL offense and the speed at this level.
How many running backs make the final roster for the Jaguars?
Along with the playing time being sorted out, another question at this position is whether the Jaguars keep three or four running backs. LeQuint Allen, who the team drafted in the seventh round, will be vying for that fourth roster spot.
Typically, around the NFL, it is common practice for teams to keep only three running backs. It can be difficult to get three running backs regular playing time, let alone four, which means using a roster spot on a player who ends up being inactive on Sundays.
With that said, the Jaguars may not want to risk Allen getting claimed by another team while on their practice squad. He also has the ability to carve out a niche role in the passing game, where he was a big factor during his time at Syracuse, which included 78 targets just this past season, along with lining up in the slot.
Impacting the passing game from the RB position will be important in Liam Coen’s offense
Last season as the offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, running backs Rachaad White and Bucky Irving caught 102 passes between the two of them for over 800 yards and seven touchdowns.
Among their position group, White ranked ninth among all running backs in receptions, and Irving was 10th. White would also finish ninth in yards, and Irving 11th, according to PFF.
Having this element within an offense creates another dimension that defenses have to be worried about, and can further open up the playbook for Coen. Allen and Etienne are two of the backs who could thrive in this capacity.
Also, not to be forgotten when talking about the passing game and the running back position, the ability to hold up in pass protection is a must as well.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jacksonville Jaguars position review after offseason programs: Running backs
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
