Pro Football Focus projects the former Commanders standout to lead Jacksonville’s backfield, setting the stage for a physical training camp battle against the high-speed Bhayshul Tuten.
The Jacksonville Jaguars do not have a starting running back yet, but Pro Football Focus projects Chris Rodriguez Jr. to start and ranks him as the 31st-best starter.
Rodriguez Jr. finishes above Seattle Seahawks rookie Jadarian Price and below Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who plays for his former team, the Washington Commanders. PFF's Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick believe Rodriguez Jr. has a chance to lead the Jaguars.
He spent three seasons in Washington as a rotational running back, tallying 920 yards and 10 touchdowns. Rodriguez Jr. has forced 49 missed tackles over 198 carries in his career.
Jacksonville signed Rodriguez Jr. to a two-year, $10 million contract in March. The former Kentucky Wildcat reunites with coach Liam Coen, as he was the program's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2021.
What's interesting about Wasserman and Chadwick's belief in Rodriguez Jr.'s chances at starting is that he's competing with Bhayshul Tuten for the starting role. Tuten is entering his second year and may have earned more consideration as the starter during OTAs.
Rodriguez Jr. underwent successful surgery on his left foot for an injury he suffered during the early offseason conditioning program. The recovery period sidelined him for OTAs and mandatory minicamp, but Coen expects him to be ready for training camp at the end of the month.
The starter competition truly begins during training camp, but Tuten could have an advantage with OTAs and mandatory minicamp under his belt. Jacksonville's coaching staff is also aiming to adjust some of the offense to fit Tuten's skill set.
“They’re thinking about, you know, different ways to give me the ball and make it easier on me,” Tuten said. “Just go out there and play fast; I think it helps a lot. I think it’ll help this offense.”
Most of the momentum leans toward Tuten winning the starting job, relegating Rodriguez Jr. to the backup position. However, that's not a detriment to Rodriguez Jr.
His strength gives the Jaguars a dynamic running back duo, paired with Tuten's speed. He'll play a significant part in helping replace the production of Travis Etienne Jr., who signed with the New Orleans Saints.
Speaking of Etienne Jr., PFF ranked him as the 15th-best starting running back. During his time in Jacksonville, he rushed for 3,798 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Replacing his production is a tall task, but Rodriguez Jr. and Tuten's skill sets could give the Jaguars a more diverse running game. The battle between Rodriguez Jr. and Tuten will be the most interesting competition during training camp to determine Jacksonville's lead running back.
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