Day 3 draft picks have a steeper learning curve and are often granted fewer chances to make an impression than players who were taken in the early rounds. Having said that, some of them manage to stand out despite the circumstances and end up either seizing a roster spot or even earning a prominent role. That could be the case of running back LeQuint Allen with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.
A seventh-round selection in this year's draft, Allen is part of a crowded backfield that includes Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and fellow rookie Bhayshul Tuten. He could make the team as RB4, but he will need to show Jacksonville that he's deserving of a roster spot. Fortunately, he's off to an encouraging start, flashing throughout mandatory minicamp.
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated reported that the former Syracuse Orangeman made the most of his reps, pointing out that the rookie running back made an impressive catch-and-run on Day 2 of minicamp that "would have certainly gone for a first-down in a game setting."
But wait, there's more! Trevor Lawrence was asked what he's seen from Tuten and Allen, and had nothing but praise for them, stating that the rookie running backs have done a good job getting acclimated to the pros.
"Obviously, Bhays is fast, you can fly, and that's a weapon," Lawrence told the local media on Day 3 of minicamp. "And I think just for those guys, like I said, coming in and you're learning so much, and so much is changing, and just for them to get comfortable so they can go play. Running back is such a feel position, and you gotta get the flow of a game. And without pads, it can be tough."
Lawrence continued, "And so it's hard to say, but I've been impressed with those guys, just how they picked it up. Like I said, Bhayshul's speed, I think LeQuint has been awesome. Pass protection. Seems like he really understands it. Great hands, hard worker. I mean, I've been impressed with just his attitude and the way he carries himself."
Of course, Tuten is going to get a bit more attention than Allen because he was a higher draft pick. However, the latter shouldn't be slept on. Below is Lawrence's full exchange with the press corps. His remarks about the rookie running backs start at the 16:06 mark.
LeQuint Allen will have a chance to work his way up the Jaguars depth chart
Throughout the offseason, there's been chatter that the Jacksonville Jaguars could trade Travis Etienne. However, Liam Coen emphatically shut down the speculation, so it looks like the former Clemson Tiger will stick around in 2025. That means that LeQuint Allen will have a steeper hill to climb to make an impact as a rookie than originally expected.
Of course, plans change all the time, and the Jags could end up moving on from Etienne at some point in 2025. But let's take Coen at his word, and say that he won't leave. Even if that's the case, Allen has the skill set to carve a niche on the Jacksonville offense.
Allen lacks top speed or burst, but he's a pretty good pass catcher out of the backfield and excels in pass protection, an area where Tuten and Etienne leave a bit to be desired.
Ultimately, Allen needs to keep making the most of his chances, but nobody should bat an eye if he ends up earning ample playing time next season.
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