Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen plans to unlock Bhayshul Tuten's downhill power and big-play ability to reshape a dynamic backfield.
The Jacksonville Jaguars lost a consistent 1,000-yard rusher in Travis Etienne Jr. to free agency in March, likely creating a bigger role for Bhayshul Tuten and more reps for LeQuint Allen Jr. this summer and next season.
Losing Etienne to the New Orleans Saints, who signed the former Jaguar starter to a four-year, $52 million contract, has raised Tuten up the running back depth chart and created the possibility of an expanded role for Allen.
A two-year starter at Virginia Tech and the darling of the 2025 NFL combine, Tuten was the 104th overall pick, from Round 4, of the 2025 draft. Allen came off the board in the seventh round, at pick No. 236.
Liam Coen, also entering his sophomore season as a head coach, is confident in the running backs the team drafted last year, saying he'll lean into their strengths to try to get consistent production from that position.
Coen noted Tuten's improvement as a pro in rushing up in the middle, in between the tackles. It was an underutilized aspect of Tuten's game at Virginia Tech, which Coen said he didn't see much of in his film, as he primarily attacked the defense by bouncing the run outside and getting himself into open field.
"I think we can do a better job of giving him some opportunities a little bit more that fit his skill set," Coen told reporters at a press conference on Thursday.
Tuten totaled 307 yards and five touchdowns on 87 carries last season. He also showed versatility in the passing game, with 79 yards and two touchdowns on 10 receptions.
The former Hokie is a strong runner who can get to the defense's second level when he attacks an open gap created by his linemen. Tuten's speed and elusiveness showcase flashes of big-play ability that make him hard to tackle in open space.
Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinsky tested Tuten's speed and burst in short-yardage plays, showcasing his ability to punch through the defensive front and past the goal line. All five of his rushing touchdowns came within five yards or less of the end zone.
Ball security was a weakness for Tuten coming out of college, as he fumbled four times in 2024. He mitigated that weakness and had just one fumble last season.
While Tuten showed improvement from his college days, Coen said he is ready to see him take the next step in his second year.
"Now you're [in] Year Two -- let's go be more creative," Coen said. "Hey, now you learn ball security at a premium, what we're looking for, the standard. Now, let's go take it to the next level."
Allen Jr. was a developmental back for Jacksonville last season. The team primarily utilized his skillset late in games when they were up or down by three touchdowns to give him reps. Allen totaled 94 yards on 22 carries throughout his rookie year.
The former Syracuse Orange also caught 10 passes for 54 yards, showing he can provide some of the versatility the Jaguars depended on from Etienne.
It's a part of Allen's game Coen said he wants to continue to develop.
"LeQuint, I think, showed so much in terms of the toughness, physicality, the care factor," Coen added. "Third-down runs that he was good at, really good at for us. I know he had 60 catches or so in college, and so that's an area I think we can continue to lean into him as well."
Jacksonville signed former Washington Commander Chris Rodriguez Jr. to a two-year, $10 million contract to bolster the running back room.
Rodriguez did not play a lead running back role with the Commanders, splitting reps with Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Croskey-Merritt had 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries, while Rodriguez tag-teamed for 112 carries, 500 yards and six touchdowns.
Coen said he is ready to give Tuten and Allen more opportunities to lean into their strengths, which could develop a stronger running back room in the wake of Etienne's departure.
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