The Jacksonville Jaguars have earned glowing reviews for drafting Bhayshul Tuten back in April. The former Virginia Tech Hokie has his work cut out but has a legitimate chance to earn the starting job next season. That said, he's not the only rookie running back who could make an immediate impact for the Jags.
Leaving aside the fact that Jacksonville drafted Tuten, it's easy to forget about LeQuint Allen because he was a seventh-round selection. However, his college offensive coordinator vouched for him, arguing that the Jags got a steal. If that wasn't enough, the former Syracuse Orangeman has caught the attention of a local beat writer after a strong outing at mandatory minicamp.
Hays Carlyon of 1010XL took a look at the running back room ahead of training camp with colleague Mia O'Brien and said that he would be shocked if he doesn't make the team, pointing out that he doesn't look like a Day 3 selection.
"I think running backs really interesting to see how that gets settled. It seems like they've each sort of done some things in terms of Bigsby, Etienne, and Bhayshul Tuten," Carlyon said when discussing the competition at running back (16:31 mark). "LeQuint Allen, I think, is in there as well. I'd be almost stunned [if he didn't make the team], but even beyond that, he looks like, if you didn't know where somebody was picked, I don't know that when he does his stuff in drills, I don't know that you'd be like that's a seventh-round pick."
Carlyon continued, "So, yeah, I mean, I like the room, but it does seem like it's very much up in the air, in a good way, in terms of how the, you know, the responsibilities will be assigned."
Allen was a seventh-round pick in this past draft. Although he lacks top speed and burst, he excels in pass protection and as a receiver out of the backfield. Those two skills will help him stick around and potentially carve a niche on the Jaguars offense.
LeQuint Allen has a steep hill to climb to earn playing time with the Jaguars in 2025
At this point, the question shouldn't be whether LeQuint Allen will make the roster in 2025 but rather how much playing time he will get. And unless the Jacksonville Jaguars trade Travis Etienne before the regular season, the answer probably is not much.
Etienne was the subject of trade speculation in the offseason, but head coach Liam Coen put the rumors to rest, pointing out that he's been pleased with the former Clemson Tiger so far. If he does stay, he will have a prominent role on offense, whether he's the top running back or not. This would most likely keep Allen at the bottom of the depth chart.
But if Jacksonville does trade Etienne, Bhayshul Tuten and Tank Bigsby would be the top options at running back, and Allen could earn a role on third down or passing situations.
Either way, LeQuint Allen's skill set is too good not to use him, and the coaching staff will need to find a way to get him on the field next season.
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