The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to prioritize a running back in the NFL Draft, despite having a strong roster. Analysts, including Daire Carragher from Pro Football Focus, highlight running back as the team's most pressing need following the loss of Travis Etienne in free agency.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a strong roster as they head into the NFL Draft, but like any team, there are still holes needing to be addressed. Arguably, the most pressing need for the Jaguars is on defense, with Jacksonville expected to look for a defensive tackle or edge rusher with their first pick.
However, some analysts have pointed to a different position: running back.
The Jags lost their star running back, Travis Etienne, in free agency as expected, paving the way for Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen to step into larger roles. The Jaguars also signed Chris Rodriguez, who can help shoulder the workload out of the backfield, and there are still two more running backs ā Ja'Quinden Jackson and DeeJay Dallas ā on the roster as depth. Yet strangely, analysts continue to insist that Jacksonville is hurting at this position.
Daire Carragher at Pro Football Focus (PFF) is the latest example, stating that the Jaguars have the biggest need at running back... above every other team in the NFL.
"The Jaguars are currently relying on Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. to lead the charge. The former ranked 47th out of 52 eligible running backs in PFF grade last season, while Rodriguez had the fewest receiving yards (30) of any running back to run 80-plus routes," he wrote. "Liam Coenās offenses usually tick through the air, so this shouldnāt be a major stopping block for Jacksonvilleās success, but they also donāt have the deepest running back class to find relief from ā not great news for a team too far down the draft board to get their hands on Jeremiyah Love."
Yet there is a lot of potential to be found between Tuten, Rodriguez, and Allen, making the situation far less dire than Carragher describes it to be. And while it is true that the Jags won't be able to get Jeremiyah Love, there are also still plenty of good options to be taken in later rounds. Remember, Jacksonville has 11 picks to work with, tied for the second-most in the NFL.
Ultimately, while the Jaguars can keep an eye out for a good running back to select, it's not an urgent enough need that they're the most running back-desperate team in the league.
Why do analysts believe the Jaguars need a running back in the NFL Draft?
Analysts believe the Jaguars need a running back due to the loss of star player Travis Etienne in free agency, leaving a gap in the position that needs to be filled.
Who are the current running backs on the Jaguars' roster?
The current running backs on the Jaguars' roster include Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen, Chris Rodriguez, Ja'Quinden Jackson, and DeeJay Dallas.
What position is the Jaguars' biggest need according to Pro Football Focus?
According to Pro Football Focus, the Jaguars' biggest need is at running back, which they rank above any other position in the NFL.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Wings stifle Fudd-Bueckers relationship questions
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Terry Rozier Co-Conspirator Damon Jones To Change Plea To Guilty
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.