Jaguars RB Tuten Has Become the Unlikely Prize of 2025 Draft Class

One of the Jacksonville Jaguars' most-pleasant surprises this season has been the effectiveness of the run game, with second-year running back Bhayshul Tuten excelling in his first year as the starter.

Of course, Travis Etienne was the main back in the Jaguars' backfield for a long time, but walked in free agency, signing with the New Orleans Saints.

Through the opening nine weeks of the season, Tuten ranks fifteenth in the NFL with 521 yards on the ground, averaging over four yards per carry.

After being selected with the No. 104 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Tuten has far-surpassed expectations early in his career.

On Thursday, Pardon My Take co-host Dan "Big Cat" Katz talked about the numerous running backs taken in what was hailed as a "generational" running back draft class, while proclaiming Tuten as the best.

Ashton Jeanty (No. 6 overall), Omarion Hampton (No. 22 overall), Quinshon Judkins (No. 36 overall), TreVeyon Henderson (No. 38 overall), RJ Harvey (No. 60 overall), and Kaleb Johnson (No. 83 overall) were all taken before Tuten, and the Jaguars can make the case they got the best of the bunch.

"All the running backs, Tuten is the best one," Katz said. "He's a monster. Every single game, he just goes off."

On Thursday, in Jacksonville's 33-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Tuten had limited opportunities, recording just 29 yards on 12 carries. 

But, the former Virginia Tech standout did find the endzone for his fourth touchdown on the ground and seventh overall on the year.

Tuten's added value in the passing game has been something that was advertised in the offseason, and has come to light during Jacksonville's first eight games.

On 16 targets, Tuten has 15 receptions, recording an additional 181 yards and three scores through the air.

Thursday's dominant performance marked the only game this season where Tuten has not recorded a catch.

Heading into a lighter portion of the Jaguars' schedule, expect the offense to continue to lean on Tuten in the run game.

When Jacksonville gets out to a big lead, head coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski have been inclined to run the ball more, as has been the case since the Week 7 bye.

Heading into next Sunday's matchup with the struggling Tennessee Titans, the Jaguars may be in line for another big victory and another heavy dosage of Tuten on the ground.