With Travis Etienne gone, the Jaguars still may not have completed their running back ranks, as questions remain about Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez.
Nearly one week out from the NFL draft, Pro Football Focus has released a list of what their analysts argue are each team's top need entering the late stages of pre-draft preparation.
For the Jacksonville Jaguars, PFF's Bradley Locker contends running back is the biggest position of need, emphasizing the departure of longtime starter Travis Etienne Jr.
Etienne's production and seamless fit as a dual-threat back will be difficult to replicate immediately, but Bhayshul Tuten showed potential as a rookie last season, while recently acquired Chris Rodriguez Jr. brings a familiarity with head coach Liam Coen from his time in college.
As of now, before OTAs kick off on April 20 and ahead of the draft, the Jaguars' likely incomplete complement of running backs consists of Tuten, Rodriguez, LeQuint Allen Jr. and Deejay Dallas.
Allen and Dallas both saw limited carries, combining for just 26 carries and 115 yards.
Should Jacksonville not find a ready tailback via the draft or on the market, Tuten and Rodriguez are in line for a majority of the work.
Roundtable's Demetrius Montero recently took a closer look at what's expected to be Tuten's increased workload next season, noting his skillset.
"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," Montero wrote. "Tuten's speed and elusiveness showcase flashes of big-play ability that make him hard to tackle in open space."
Coen also advocated for his Tuten recently, saying, "Now you're [in] Year Two -- let's go be more creative. ... Let's go take it to the next level."
Coen and Rodriguez already have a solid working relationship of sorts, as the two crossed paths during their tenures at Kentucky.
"I know Liam and he knows me. And I know the type of standard he expects and I feel like we can get that done," Rodriguez said after signing with Jacksonville. "When Liam got to Kentucky, he had to be one of my favorite coaches up until that point.
"I guess you could say it was only a year, but man, it felt like a lifetime knowing that guy, you know."
Under Coen, Rodriguez earned first-team All-SEC honors, while rushing for 100 or more yards in nine straight games, a school record.
Jags general manager James Gladstone said this connection was a big reason the team signed Rodriguez, saying he has "an intimate understanding of the system and how Liam likes to call things."
Rodriguez brings a tough running style to Jacksonville, as he ranked eighth in the league last year in average yards after contact with 3.46.
The former Wildcat also recorded career highs in rushing yards (500) and touchdowns (six), serving as the Commanders' third-down and short-yardage back.
While adding another running back late in the draft could be beneficial, Tuten's expected growth and Rodriguez's physical presence should provide Coen and Jacksonville's offense with enough firepower in the backfield.
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