The Jacksonville Jaguars are entering a new era. Hiring head coach Liam Coen is a sign of that. He is an offensive-minded coach and will hope to salvage Trevor Lawrence‘s career. To do so, the team has invested both cap space resources and draft picks to get him weapons. Now, coach Coen seems to have some reservations about one of those new players.
When the Jaguars used their fourth-round pick on Virginia Tech’s running back, Bhayshul Tuten, one thing was clear, they were looking for speed. Tuten impressed at the combine running a 4.32-second 40-yard dash. Tuten, whose NFL comp is Miami’s De’Von Achane, is an absolute menace if he finds an opening.
However, while that’s the flashy part of being an NFL running back, there are other key tasks you have to do. One of them is to block for your quarterback. Here’s where Liam Coen is not satisfied with Tuten just yet. When speaking about Tuten’s passing protection, Coen said, “I think he’s done a solid job. I know he needs a lot more work, which all those guys do.”
Tuten could actually have snaps available
The Jacksonville Jaguars have two running backs ahead of Tuten on the depth chart. Their starter, Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. However, none of them belong to a top-tier level, which is why Tuten could have playing time if he learns how to adequately protect the quarterback.
Bhayshul Tuten #RB30 of Virginia Tech participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Tank Bigsby isn’t the starter, but he was the most prolific runner on the team. He had 766 yards and 7 touchdowns. However, he also brought four fumbles with him. As for Etienne, he started on 15 games but he had an undewhelming season with only 558 yards and 2 TDs. Those aren’t untouchable numbers by any means.
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Almost everyone is under the scope
The Jaguars finished 4-13 last season. That prompted a big shift, including the coaching staff. New coaches imply that nothing is given, it all has to be earned. New faces like rookies Tuten, Travis Hunter, and receivers like Dyami Brown and Trenton Irwin will try to reshape this offense.
Etienne had a promising start to his career but last year was a concerning one. His first two years marked at least 1400 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns. His decline was steep. If he can recover his level, Tuten and Bigsby will take his spot at the backfield. Right now, the priority is to have Trevor Lawrence and company ready to produce once the season starts.
