How does the Jacksonville Jaguars running back unit as a whole compare to the rest of the NFL?
Pro Football Focus’ Dalton Wasserman recently ranked each team’s running back units from best to worst, and the Jaguars landed right in the middle at No. 25.
“Travis Etienne Jr. took a major step back last season, recording a career-low 62.8 PFF rushing grade and forcing only 17 missed tackles on the ground,” wrote Wasserman. “He ceded work to Tank Bigsby, who earned a 74.6 PFF rushing grade but slowed down as the season progressed. Those two will need to be better behind a hopefully improved offensive line to add balance to Jacksonville’s offense.”
Being more efficient in the run game will be a must for the Jaguars this season. For one, that’s a key element of Liam Coen’s offense, and having that multiplicity element, but in addition to that, a strong running game keeps an offense out of obvious passing situations.
How things are going to shake out playing time-wise at the running back position for the Jaguars remains to be seen.
Etienne averaged just 3.7 yards per rush last season; however, under Coen, there does seem to be a greater emphasis on finding ways to get him the ball in space where he can be at his best.
Bigsby, meanwhile, showcased his big-play abilities in 2024, ranking 11th among all backs in PFF’s breakaway run percentage. But he put the ball on the ground as well.
Bhayshul Tuten, with his 4.32 speed, brings added playmaking potential–although he dealt with fumbling issues of his own. Seventh-round pick LeQuint Allen could potentially carve out a niche role in the passing game, where he has ample experience from his time at Syracuse.
There are certainly some unknowns with this unit, but one can also see how this Jaguars’ running back room could be much more productive this season in the new-look offense, along with the offensive line unit being reshaped as well. The performance of that unit last season didn’t do the running backs any favors.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Where does PFF rank Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back unit in 2025?
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
