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The Jacksonville Jaguars are heading into the upcoming season with higher expectations than they have had in quite some time.
Even as the national media continues to sleep on Jacksonville, the Jaguars are coming off a 13-4 season and still look like one of the best teams in the AFC.
With Trevor Lawrence and a terrific group of wide receivers leading the way, the offense has the potential to be one of the best in the league.
Defensively, the Jaguars were the NFL's stingiest against the run in 2025, even with Travon Walker being hampered by injuries throughout the season. Now, the unit will be adding Travis Hunter's All-Pro potential at cornerback as the team has committed to defense being the two-way phenom's primary responsibility in 2026.
However, even with a very strong roster overall, Jacksonville has areas entering the season as question marks. The team was not very aggressive in adding new players this offseason, leading to mass criticism from most media outlets.
The Jaguars are depending on several players improving their play from last season to this one, and hoping that others will thrive in their newly expanded roles.
If that happens, Jacksonville can be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. If not, the team can take a step backwards this season, and be surpassed by other teams in the conference.
The combination of the vital players Jacksonville lost in free agency and the team's lack of high-profile additions could lead to the Jaguars having obvious weaknesses in 2026.
What is their biggest weakness?
Mike Clay from ESPN picked the team's biggest strength and x-factor and has also singled out one position as the Jaguars' biggest weakness for 2026. ESPN ranked Jacksonville's starting lineup 16th in the NFL, with the running back position being the main culprit behind such a mediocre ranking.
Clay isn't sold on the Jaguars' top trio of running backs. Neither of the Jags' second-year backs, Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., nor Chris Rodriguez Jr., who was the team's biggest free agent signing, has ever been a featured RB before. Now all three are being counted on to replace Travis Etienne Jr., who left Jacksonville for the New Orleans Saints.
"Biggest weakness: Running back. Jacksonville has some of the league's shakiest running back and interior defensive line situations, but we'll focus on the former. With Travis Etienne gone. 2025 picks Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr will team up with journeyman Chris Rodriguez Jr. to form a three-headed committee. Tuten flashed as a rookie but was limited to 83 carries and 14 targets. Rodriguez has been effective as a rusher (career 4.6 yards per carry), but the sample is small (198 carries), and he's not a receiving option (six career catches). Expect Allen (23 carries, 11 targets as a rookie) to see occasional work in passing situations. -- Clay"
Calling the Jaguars' group of running backs a "weakness" may be a little harsh. While all three will be seeing the biggest roles they have ever had, they each bring a different skill set to the table.
Tuten is the explosive home run threat. Rodriguez Jr. is the power back, while Allen Jr. is a dangerous receiving back and excellent pass-blocker. Together, they could replace Etienne.
I would give them a "to be determined" label instead of calling them a "weakness."
With the season approaching, the Jaguars' running back will get their opportunity to prove their doubters wrong.
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Continue reading...
Even as the national media continues to sleep on Jacksonville, the Jaguars are coming off a 13-4 season and still look like one of the best teams in the AFC.
With Trevor Lawrence and a terrific group of wide receivers leading the way, the offense has the potential to be one of the best in the league.
Defensively, the Jaguars were the NFL's stingiest against the run in 2025, even with Travon Walker being hampered by injuries throughout the season. Now, the unit will be adding Travis Hunter's All-Pro potential at cornerback as the team has committed to defense being the two-way phenom's primary responsibility in 2026.
However, even with a very strong roster overall, Jacksonville has areas entering the season as question marks. The team was not very aggressive in adding new players this offseason, leading to mass criticism from most media outlets.
The Jaguars are depending on several players improving their play from last season to this one, and hoping that others will thrive in their newly expanded roles.
If that happens, Jacksonville can be a legitimate Super Bowl contender. If not, the team can take a step backwards this season, and be surpassed by other teams in the conference.
The combination of the vital players Jacksonville lost in free agency and the team's lack of high-profile additions could lead to the Jaguars having obvious weaknesses in 2026.
What is their biggest weakness?
Mike Clay from ESPN picked the team's biggest strength and x-factor and has also singled out one position as the Jaguars' biggest weakness for 2026. ESPN ranked Jacksonville's starting lineup 16th in the NFL, with the running back position being the main culprit behind such a mediocre ranking.
Running Back Room Full Of Unproven Talent
Clay isn't sold on the Jaguars' top trio of running backs. Neither of the Jags' second-year backs, Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., nor Chris Rodriguez Jr., who was the team's biggest free agent signing, has ever been a featured RB before. Now all three are being counted on to replace Travis Etienne Jr., who left Jacksonville for the New Orleans Saints.
"Biggest weakness: Running back. Jacksonville has some of the league's shakiest running back and interior defensive line situations, but we'll focus on the former. With Travis Etienne gone. 2025 picks Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr will team up with journeyman Chris Rodriguez Jr. to form a three-headed committee. Tuten flashed as a rookie but was limited to 83 carries and 14 targets. Rodriguez has been effective as a rusher (career 4.6 yards per carry), but the sample is small (198 carries), and he's not a receiving option (six career catches). Expect Allen (23 carries, 11 targets as a rookie) to see occasional work in passing situations. -- Clay"
Final Thoughts
Calling the Jaguars' group of running backs a "weakness" may be a little harsh. While all three will be seeing the biggest roles they have ever had, they each bring a different skill set to the table.
Tuten is the explosive home run threat. Rodriguez Jr. is the power back, while Allen Jr. is a dangerous receiving back and excellent pass-blocker. Together, they could replace Etienne.
I would give them a "to be determined" label instead of calling them a "weakness."
With the season approaching, the Jaguars' running back will get their opportunity to prove their doubters wrong.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
