The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold move in this year's draft by selecting Travis Etienne's complement, Tank Bigsby, in the third round. While they already had a talented running back in Etienne, the Jaguars recognized the need for reinforcements in their backfield.
In the preseason, Tank Bigsby has proven to be a valuable asset, showcasing his playmaking abilities in two games. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report even dubbed him a draft steal, highlighting his impressive performance and potential as a complementary back to Etienne.
"The Jacksonville Jaguars completed their running back platoon by adding Tank Bigsby, a powerful Auburn product, in the third round of the 2023 draft. Bigsby's thunderous running style perfectly complements the lightning speed of starter Travis Etienne Jr. This offseason, Bigsby has already made an impact, leading the team with nine carries for 52 yards in their preseason debut against the Dallas Cowboys," writes Kay.
While it's expected that Etienne will receive the majority of playing time, Kay believes that Bigsby will still be productive when called upon. With his impressive 6-foot, 213-pound frame, Bigsby could be a valuable asset in the red zone.
Bigsby's journey to the Jaguars is a testament to his talent and determination. As a four-star recruit out of high school, he had an outstanding career at Auburn, accumulating 2,903 yards and 25 touchdowns. Despite initial skepticism surrounding his selection, Bigsby quickly proved his worth during training camp, consistently making plays and exhibiting his ability to break big runs.
Training camp may not always be a definitive indicator of success, but in Bigsby's case, it showcases his potential impact. Based on his performance over the past few months, it's clear that he will play a crucial role in the Jaguars' offensive strategy for the upcoming 2023 season.
Although Etienne currently holds the top spot on the depth chart, Bigsby has solidified his position as RB2 for the 2023 season after two impressive preseason games. Following his productive outing in the opener, he continued to shine, accumulating 70 yards on 13 carries against the Detroit Lions in Week 2.
This dynamic duo will keep opposing defenses on their toes and allow Etienne to stay fresh throughout the season. While head coach Doug Pederson's prediction of a 1,600/1,700-yard season for Etienne may be in question due to Bigsby's presence, there is no doubt that he will surpass the 1,000-yard mark.
With a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence and the emergence of the dynamic running back tandem of Etienne and Bigsby, the Jacksonville Jaguars are poised for an explosive 2023 NFL season. As tight end Evan Engram aptly put it, opposing defenses will have to choose their poison when facing the Jaguars.
