First-overall pick Trevor Lawrence will be joining the Jaguars alongside a familiar face. With the No. 25 pick, Jacksonville selected Clemson running back Travis Etienne.
Etienne was considered perhaps last year’s top prospect, but the Clemson back made the rare (for running backs) decision to return for his senior season. His yards-per-carry figure dropped from 7.8 to 5.4 last year, perhaps hurting his draft stock a bit. Still, teams were plenty aware of the prospect’s two 1,600-yard seasons and 70 career rushing TDs. Ultimately, Etienne’s “down” season resulted in him competing with Alabama’s Najee Harris (and potentially North Carolina’s Javonte Williams) for the right to be the first running back off the board. Harris ultimately earned that honor, but Etienne wasn’t very far behind.
Teams were clearly still high on Etienne despite the reduced numbers. According to some scouts, Etienne showed improvements in other parts of the game, including receiving and pass blocking. At 5-foot-10 and 215 pounds, the rookie has the strength, speed, versatility, and elusiveness to become a three-down back.
Will he have that opportunity in Jacksonville? While he’ll have the support of his quarterback, it may be tough for Etienne to become the bona fide starter. 2020 undrafted rookie James Robinson had an incredible season, finishing with more than 1,400 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns. Robinson profiles as a more of a bruiser, while Etienne (and his 48 receptions from 2020) could be relegated to a pass-catching role.
????
Bad pick
Did james robinson dirty, why not fill one of your many other holes?
Lol. Yeah they should have consulted with Robinson before making the pick
Wow…did you read what he said? He wasn’t suggesting that they should consult with Robinson. All Robinson did last year was produce over 1400 yards and 10 TDs in 14 games. So, why would you draft another RB with a 1st round pick? He was saying they should have used the pick to improve a position of need.
Spending a 1st round pick they got for Ramsey on a RB proves the Rams right for always trading their picks for proven stars.
Cant beleive he’s teaming up with his old QB. Small world
Ehhh I know that this is a comfort pick for Lawrence, but really, who is blocking for either of them? The Jags just had to franchise tag Cam Robinson, an average left tackle, because their line is so bad. Robinson went undrafted for a reason, I grant you that, but the team has a lot of holes and running back was a very low priority pick for them. Meyer likes flashy, and Baalke was incompetent in San Francisco, but I don’t think it takes a Rhodes Scholar to determine that a weak offensive line on a weak team with an inexperienced coach is not going to protect your first round investment very well.
That defense is awful, too. A defensive tackle, edge rusher, or defensive back could gone a long way in at least making sure that Lawrence won’t throw forty times a game to make up for large point deficits. Etienne isn’t bad by any means, but he’s also not the biggest guy and he’s going to be hit behind the line a lot. Maybe I’m wrong, but this just seems like a less than efficient pick.
You gotta go back to the manual. The Jags are the Jags for a reason.
This pick is all about Lawrence. He probably wanted Etienne. Someone he’s comfortable with as a security check down.
Lotta wear on those tires already…..
Yes they should bolster the line, but bc of the raiders reaching for leatherwood they may still get a good one. Or load up on the defensive line with barrimore. Gruden FYI if you wanted that player trade out accumulate picks get him plus others. I hope you are reading this.
Worst pick in the draft. They already have one of the best RBs in the league. What a waste of a 1st rounder.
Guess you weren’t watching when the Raiders picked then
Horn at 7 was also a reach. Esp since OL was their biggest need.
First pick in round 2 and another 2nd rounder.
They will get the guys they need.
Once Harris got picked they didn’t want to lose out on Etienne.
RB wasn’t a major concern though. Robinson, Ogunbowale and Ozigbo did well last year. Maybe the Jaguars could use a pass catching back but that’s a 3rd, 4th round wish list item.
Get Lawrence oline and wr help. Teven Jenkins and Terrance Marshall Jr should be their targets today in the 2nd.
Not too sure about this pick, 686 carries over fours years is already a lot of wear & tear, even though a lot of those were still breakaways and against poopy teams.
Likely kills Robinson’s fantasy value.
It’s a great pick. Why not bring in a player that helps TLawrence feel more comfortable in the new offense. It’s a smart play… Not to mention that Etienne is a very solid football player