The Jacksonville Jaguars are focusing on improving their running back position ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. With a strong offensive performance last season, they aim to enhance their roster further to build on their success.
Key points
Jacksonville Jaguars ranked sixth in points per game last season
The team had a 13-4 record and won the AFC South
Liam Coen is the head coach of the Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence significantly improved under Coen
Five running back targets are being considered for the 2026 NFL Draft
Mentioned in this story
Liam CoenTrevor Lawrence
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars experienced an offensive renaissance of sorts under head coach Liam Coen last season.
Jacksonville ranked near the top in multiple categories on offense last year, including points per game (27.9, sixth), yards per game (338.6, 10th), red zone scoring (62.5%, eighth), touchdowns per game (3.2, fourth), rushing touchdowns per game (1.2, sixth) and passing yards per game (221.3, 12th), among others.
A large part of that was the ascension of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who finally realized his potential under Coen during the last 10 games of the season. The Jaguars went 9-1 during that stretch en route to a 13-4 season and the AFC South crown.
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left and head coach Liam Coen joked when asked how Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli effects their draft picks during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
The Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen spoke about Jacksonville native Carson Beck who was quarterback at the Miami Hurricanes last year and at the Georgia Bulldogs before that, during the annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Q&A
What are the top running back targets for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The article identifies five potential running back targets for the Jaguars in the upcoming draft.
How did the Jacksonville Jaguars perform offensively last season?
Last season, the Jaguars ranked sixth in points per game and had a 13-4 record, showcasing a significant offensive improvement.
Who is the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars?
The head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars is Liam Coen.
What was Trevor Lawrence's impact on the Jaguars' offense last season?
Trevor Lawrence played a crucial role in the Jaguars' offensive success, particularly during the last 10 games where the team went 9-1.
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Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone talks about the process of making a list of who they want to draft and how that changes if another team picks their pick during the Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left listens as head coach Liam Coen talks about the upcoming NFL draft during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli laughs after head coach Liam Coen jokingly said that Boselli wants to drafter like 11 offensive lineman in the upcoming NFL Draft during Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen talked about the upcoming NFL draft during the annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
The Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen spoke about year one and year two as the head coach during the annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left listens as head coach Liam Coen talked about Trevon Walker during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has a laugh with the media after Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left and head coach Liam Coen joked when asked how Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli effects their draft picks during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone talked about the upcoming NFL Draft during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone talked about the upcoming NFL Draft during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left and Jaguars head coach Liam Coen talked about the upcoming NFL Draft with the media during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
1 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left and head coach Liam Coen joked when asked how Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli effects their draft picks during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
1 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left and head coach Liam Coen joked when asked how Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli effects their draft picks during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
2 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen spoke about Jacksonville native Carson Beck who was quarterback at the Miami Hurricanes last year and at the Georgia Bulldogs before that, during the annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
3 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone talks about the process of making a list of who they want to draft and how that changes if another team picks their pick during the Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
4 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left listens as head coach Liam Coen talks about the upcoming NFL draft during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
5 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli laughs after head coach Liam Coen jokingly said that Boselli wants to drafter like 11 offensive lineman in the upcoming NFL Draft during Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
6 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen talked about the upcoming NFL draft during the annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
7 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen spoke about year one and year two as the head coach during the annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
8 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left listens as head coach Liam Coen talked about Trevon Walker during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
9 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has a laugh with the media after Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
10 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left and head coach Liam Coen joked when asked how Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli effects their draft picks during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
11 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone talked about the upcoming NFL Draft during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
12 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone talked about the upcoming NFL Draft during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
13 / 13
Jacksonville Jaguars talk about upcoming NFL Draft
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone, left and Jaguars head coach Liam Coen talked about the upcoming NFL Draft with the media during the Jacksonville Jaguarsā annual pre-draft luncheon press conference in the media room at the Miller Electric Center Thursday April 9, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
During the last 10 games of the year, Lawrence threw for 2,374 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He added 253 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
They'll enter the draft with 11 picks, including four in the first 100 selections. The Jaguars do not own a first-round pick this year after trading it away in a package to move up from the fifth-overall pick to the second-overall pick with the Cleveland Browns to select cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter.
Jaguars 2026 NFL Draft picks
Here's Jacksonville NFL Draft order as of early April:
Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen (36) and running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) look on during a rookie minicamp at Miller Electric Center Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen (36) and running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) look on during a rookie minicamp at Miller Electric Center Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Coen recently made a comment directly related to the team's ground attack that gave insight into how much he feels the team can improve.
"Where is the stink that was covered up by winning and how do we improve that stink and get better as a football team?" Coen recently asked, via the Times Union's Ryan O'Halloran. When next asked if his comment was directed at the run game, at least in part, Coen was unequivocal.
"100%," he said.
Jacksonville's ground attack began the year as one of the league's best. They ran for 200 yards against the Carolina Panthers before rushing for 139 yards the next week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jacksonville enjoyed a total of 10 games with 100-or-more yards on the ground.
However, that means Jacksonville ran for fewer than 100 yards in seven games, including five games under 90 yards, one game under 60 (59 yards vs. Seattle Seahawks).
Jacksonville's rushing efficiency simply wasn't there often enough throughout the season. Grinding yards with a shifting offensive line was proved challenging.
Jacksonville will try to fix that with perfected rushing plays, including those tailored to running backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen as two returning backs, but, can they improve the position group through the draft, too?
Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 15: Ahmad Hardy #29 is congratulated by Matt Zollers #5 of the Missouri Tigers after scoring a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Le/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 15: Ahmad Hardy #29 is congratulated by Matt Zollers #5 of the Missouri Tigers after scoring a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on November 15, 2025 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Le/Getty Images)
Measurables: 5-foot-10, 206 pounds
Career stats: Played one year at Louisiana-Monroe (2024) before transferring to Missouri in 2025. Hardy totaled 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 5.7 yards with ULM, while he totaled 1,649 yards (6.4 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns with the Tigers.
Analysis: Coleman has some of the best contact balance in this year's draft, leading the nation in total yards after contact with 1,181 yards and 96 forced missed tackles. He aligns perfectly with Coen's aggressive mindset, especially his ability to create without much help.
Dec 13, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries past Boise State Broncos wide receiver Cameron Bates (80) for a first down in the first half of the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Dec 13, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries past Boise State Broncos wide receiver Cameron Bates (80) for a first down in the first half of the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Measurables: 5-foot-8, 220 pounds
Career stats: Played two years at Arizona (2022-23), totalling 1,243 yards (6.1 yards per attempt) and nine touchdowns on the ground, adding 33 catches for 307 yards and one score through the air. In two years at Washington (2024-25), Coleman totaled 1,811 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and 25 touchdowns. He added 54 catches for 531 yards and two scores through the air.
Analysis: Another bowling-ball type rusher, Coleman posted one of the best run-finishing seasons in the nation. He excelled at making plays beyond what his offensive line could bring to the table with a 2.5% AEOPS (Adjusted Efficiency Over Pro-S), meaning he is projected to perform above the average running back selected in this year's draft, according to ESPN.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
Oct 25, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Measurables: 5-foot-10, 202 pounds
Career stats: Played 41 games for Nebraska, totalling 2,460 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground. Johnson added 92 catches for 702 yards and five scores through the air.
Analysis: A contact-balance merchant, Johnson rarely went down after first contact. While he is not as polished as other runners on this list, his experience on the ground and through the air would probably entice Jacksonville's staff.
Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
Sep 13, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorback running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Sep 13, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Arkansas Razorback running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Measurables: 6-foot-1, 223 pounds
Career stats: 51 games played between three years at Buffalo (27 games), one year at New Mexico State (12 games) and one year at Arkansas (2025). Totaled 2,914 rushing yards on 587 carries, 26 rushing touchdowns, 73 catches for 470 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Analysis: Washington is a powerful back with elite speed (4.33s 40-yard dash) and breaks arm tackles with ease. His transition into the NFL shouldn't come with many problems and he would be an ideal fit for Jacksonville.
Sep 6, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Florida International Panthers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Sep 6, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Florida International Panthers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Measurables: 5-foot-11, 216 pounds
Career stats: Played in 54 games over four years at Penn State, totalling 4,180 rushing yards (5.4 yards per carry) and 39 touchdowns. He added 70 catches for 490 yards and four scores through the air.
Analysis: Sticking with the theme of the group, Allen posted a 5.6% AEOPS, noted particularly for his efficiency.
