Even though running back wasn't a pressing need for the Jacksonville Jaguars, they wasted no time adding reinforcements in the NFL Draft. Now they're stacked at the position, with Travis Etienne, Tank Bisgby, and rookie Bhayshul Tuten in the mix for the starting job. All three could have a legitimate shot at becoming the primary option in the Jags' backfield, but if Tuten wants to come out on top, he'll need to fix a glaring issue that's haunted him the past two years.
Tuten showed at the NFL Scouting Combine just how dynamic he is, posting a 40-yard dash of 4.32 seconds, a vertical jump of 40.5 inches, and a 1.49-second 10-yard split. Moreover, he's proven that his speed translates well onto the football field, toting the rock 356 times for 2,022 yards with 25 interceptions.
However, the former Virginia Tech Hokie has dealt with ball security issues in the past. Justin Melo of the NFL Network recently spoke about it, pointing out that unless he fixes them, he won't get much playing time.
"Ball security was a recurring theme for Tuten throughout his two campaigns with the Hokies," Melo said. "The Paulsboro, New Jersey native fumbled on an astounding nine occasions across 2023 and 2024. Tuten will have a difficult time seeing the field if he doesn't showcase the ability to protect the offense from turnovers."
Melo continued, Tuten rushed for 2,022 yards and 25 touchdowns throughout his impressive stint at Virginia Tech. The dual-threat playmaker added 50 receptions, 320 yards, and four scores to his offensive totals as a pass-catcher. There's also a direct path to snaps in Jacksonville if he earns the coaching staff's trust."
Tuten's struggles to hold onto the football were evident on Day 1 of Organized Team Activities when he fumbled the ball on his first rep. Head coach Liam Coen acknowledged the issue but believes it could end up being a learning experience for the running back.
The Jaguars cannot make Bhayshul Tuten RB1 unless he fixes his fumble issues
The new regime isn't apparently sold on Travis Etienne or Tank Bigsby. This is probably why they drafted Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen. Heck, there's been chatter since the end of the season that the Jacksonville Jaguars could put Etienne on the trade block, and rumblings have only increased since the arrival of Tuten.
Sure, Etienne has a pair of 1,000-yard seasons but doesn't appear to be part of the team's long-term plans. He dealt with a shoulder injury last year that hindered his performance, but it's fair to assume that he could help the Jags if he's 100 percent healthy. Then again, the former Clemson Tiger might've still been relegated to RB2 even if Jacksonville hadn't drafted Tuten because Bigsby was a better player last season.
With Tuten now in the mix, Etienne's chances of earning a big role in Duval have decreased. On the other hand, the team's brass may not want to move on from him until his rookie counterpart solves his fumble issues.
And that's the thing, as long as Bhayshul Tunen doesn't solve the problem, the Jaguars won't be able to lean on him, regardless of how much they like him.
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