Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby popped in a one-yard TD in Sunday's season-opening win over the Colts. The rookie got both of Jacksonville's carries from the 5-yard line and in. But he was out-carried overall by RB Travis Etienne 18 to 7. Bigsby also saw just one target -- and dropped it, resulting in an INT. We'll see how this backfield evolves over the course of the season. But, in the short term, Bigsby looks like a TD-or-bust fantasy play.
Jaguars HC Doug Pederson is turning over play-calling duties to OC Press Taylor, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "I totally trust Press," Pederson told NFL.com. "We think alike. We've been together for a long time, and he's around Trevor [Lawrence] all the time and knows what Trevor likes." We'd prefer Pederson continue calling plays considering Jacksonville's success last year. But we're ultimately not expecting a significant fantasy impact here. Taylor has worked under Pederson for six NFL seasons.
Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby mixed in liberally with the first-team offense in Saturday's preseason finale. The rookie played nine of 25 snaps (36%), carrying 6 times for 37 yards (6.2 YPC). The bad news: He lost a fumble near the goal line. The good news: He got a carry near the goal line, and he continued working with the starters on the next series. Bigsby might see enough volume to be a RB3 or flex option in larger fantasy leagues this season. And, at minimum, he's a high-end handcuff to RB Travis Etienne.
Jaguars insider John Shipley writes that the coaching staff has "seemingly thrown water on the idea of [RB Tank] Bigsby having a massively expanded role, at least this early on in his career." The rookie has had a strong training camp and already earned the No. 2 RB job. "But for now it seems that the No. 2 role is as large as it will get for Bigsby, at least early on in his career," Shipley writes. "Perhaps that changes during the season as Bigsby gets more experience, but the Jaguars are a playoff team with a veteran running back already entrenched as the starter. As a result, there might not be an overbearing pressure to expand Bigsby's role early in his career." Shipley adds that one specific area where Bigsby could contribute this season is at the goal line, which would obviously be a boon to his fantasy value and an issue for RB Travis Etienne. But it doesn't sound like Bigsby is in line for enough volume to be a reliable play in lineup-setting fantasy leagues. Consider him more of a high-end handcuff than standalone fantasy asset.
Jaguars RB Travis Etienne has gotten some work with the WRs in training camp, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "His route tree isn't extensive yet, but he's a very natural pass-catcher," Fowler adds. Etienne underwhelmed in the receiving department last year and faces additional competition for that work this season from rookie Tank Bigsby. But don't forget that Etienne racked up 85 catches over his final two college seasons. There's still room for the 24-year-old to improve his passing-game chops. We'll be keeping a close eye on Etienne and Bigsby's usage this preseason.
Per beat writer John Shipley, Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby “took a big step” toward winning the team’s No. 2 RB job at OTAs/minicamp. The rookie reportedly stood out in the passing game, impressing RB coach Bernie Parmalee and others. Parmalee even praised Bigsby going back to the pre-draft process. "This is the type of back we wanted to bring to the table, and he fit everything that we were looking for, Parmalee said. “And he popped off the screen. And that's the thing when you sit down, you watch the tape, you say, Okay, that's a good play. But for someone to say, Oh, woah, my goodness, I'm running this [tape] back. I said, Oh my God. I think we got one. I put a double star. Here's one right here.” As a late-round stash, the former SEC Freshman of the Year should be part of your fantasy football draft strategy.
Jaguars RB Travis Etienne got a big boost in rushing volume after the team quit on RB James Robinson last season. He went from 32% carry share over the first six games to 61.4% from Week 7 on. But Etienne actually lost target share after Robinson's demotion. He drew 8.9% over the first six games vs. just 6.5% the rest of the way. That's a legitimate concern heading into Year 3, especially after Jacksonville selected RB Tank Bigsby in Round 3. The rookie claimed a class-leading 15.3% target share at Auburn in 2022. If Bigsby beats -- or even matches -- Etienne in receiving opportunities, the incumbent's ceiling would come down. Etienne's RB13 ADP matches his current spot in our PPR rankings. But there's downside risk from that position.
Jaguars HC Doug Pederson complimented his team’s RB depth. “I feel really good about that room,” Pederson said. “There's a lot of depth there. There's some great competition that's going to show up with training camp. This is one of our stronger rooms on the team, and we're excited about that.” Travis Etienne returns, but Jacksonville spent a Round 3 pick on Auburn’s Tank Bigsby. ESPN reporter Michael DiRocco points out that Etienne handled a hefty 74% carry share following the James Robinson trade — a mark the Jags don’t want repeated. See our projections for this new-look backfield.
The Jaguars selected Auburn RB Tank Bigbsy in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Bigsby played his college career behind one of the nation’s worst offensive lines. Through four head coaches in three years, he tallied no fewer than 900 scrimmage yards in every season in the Tigers’ offense. In many ways, Bigsby single-handedly carried the Auburn offense throughout his career. Between his creativity and phenomenal center of gravity, Bigsby is among the toughest runners in this rookie class. In Jacksonville, he projects as the long-term compliment to Travis Etienne. Current backfield depth options include Snoop Conner, D'Ernest Johnson, and JaMycal Hasty.
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