Training Camp Battles: Jaguars RBs

 


It's July and the 2021 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. As it does, I'm going to be looking at some key position battles throughout the league each Monday as a preview of the upcoming NFL Season.

Today, it's the backfield in Jacksonville. Last year, undrafted rookie James Robinson rose up and seized the spot. The team had released Leonard Fournette, who landed on the Buccaneers, and had Devine Ozigbo and Ryquell Armstead on the COVID IR. So it was down to Robinson, who shined.

He rushed for 1,070 yards and seven TDs, catching 49 passes for 344 yards and three TDs. The Jaguars weren't great as a team, but Robinson was great. And it was fair to expect that to continue in 2021. Then the off-season happened.

Urban Meyer came in as coach and early in the process signed veteran Carlos Hyde to add depth and competition. Then, in the draft, the team spent an early pick on Travis Etienne, the running back out of Clemson. Now, Robinson finds himself with plenty of competition heading into his second year.

As a fantasy player, Robinson was a delightful surprise in 2020. He filled a huge void and because an instant starter. I was looking forward to more in 2021, and while I don't think he loses all value, he takes a hit. Etienne didn't go at the end of the first round to ride the pine. But, like most NFL teams, I think it's going to be a committee approach in Jacksonville.

I expect Robinson to be more of the rusher, especially in the Red Zone, while Etienne, who played at receiver in rookie mini camp, takes on more of a pass-catching role. I think Robinson will end up with more rushing yards but at the end of the season they'll be fairly close in fantasy points. I also have concerns that both finish just a touch outside of the Top 24, which is a big hit after Robinson finished as RB10 in 2020.

Training Camp will tell more of the tale, but I suspect both will have a role, while Hyde remains more of veteran depth at this point.

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