Jaguars may already view speedy rookie Bhayshul Tuten as their lead back

New Jacksonville Jaguars GM James Gladstone called fourth-round running back Bhayshul Tuten a priority-add on Day 3 of the 2025 Draft, and all signs point toward a sizable snap share for the speedy Virginia Tech product right out of the chute.

Jacksonville’s new regime, led by head coach Liam Coen, “is not so high on reigning starter Travis Etienne Jr., and Tank Bigsby has a fumbling issue,” NFL insider Jeremy Fowler wrote for ESPN. “Watch for fourth-round running back Bhayshul Tuten to make an impact,” Fowler added.

The Jaguars are still in the process of retooling the 2024 roster that was left over from the Doug Pederson, Trent Baalke regime. They’ve notably cut ties with big-name offensive veterans like TE Evan Engram, WRs Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis, and RG Brandon Scherff.

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Etienne’s name has been floated in trade speculation throughout the offseason, but his fully guaranteed, $6.1 million salary for 2025 has likely been a hindrance. His combined 3.7 yards per carry average over the past two seasons (and 417 total snaps) also isn’t helping the Jaguars’ cause.

For those reasons, Etienne’s most likely to stick with Jacksonville, at least to start the 2025 season. Will he be able to hold onto the RB1 job? That becomes the real question entering training camp.

Tuten handled 183 carries in 11 games for Virginia Tech last season and finished with 1,159 yards (6.3 YPC) and 15 touchdowns. He added 23 receptions and another two scores through the air.

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As the fastest running back at the NFL Scouting Combine with elite contact balance, Tuten has the chops to be more than a third-down specialist behind Etienne and Bigsby during his rookie season. With Etienne likely to walk as a free agent in 2026, and Bigsby offering little upside as a receiver (a must in Coen’s scheme), the path to snaps and touches is wide open for Tuten to ascend to Jacksonville’s RB1 spot in short order.

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