While it may not feel like it on the surface, the Jacksonville Jaguars actually retooled their running back room quite a bit. Throughout the end of 2025 and the course of the offseason, they added DeeJay Dallas, Chris Rodriguez, J'Mari Taylor, and Ameer Abdullah. Neither player is on track to become a superstar in 2026, but they appear to be valuable role players who can contribute to the team's perceived running back-by-committee approach.
Even last season, Travis Etienne's value as a workhorse back was gradually reduced as Bhayshul Tuten showed his potential as the team's second-string, change-of-pace power back. In his first year as a pro, Tuten touched the ball 93 times and racked up 386 all-purpose yards and seven total touchdowns. The numbers might not pop off the page, but the film showed us that Tuten could be a valuable contributor for the Jags if he has the proper support around him.
If you ask one of the greatest Jaguars players ever, the aforementioned support was already in the building before the 2025 season began, as he praised a now second-year player's growth as a third-down back during a recent radio appearance.
LeQuint Allen's development could push the Jaguars' offense to new heights
While dropping in to chat with 1010XL, Fred Taylor brought up LeQuint Allen's contributions as a pass blocker and core member of the Jaguars' running back room. While Tuten is certainly the flashier player of the two, Allen gave Jacksonville's offense a level of security that most rookies can't provide.
As he elaborated on his point, Taylor said, "you can't deny LeQuint, you know, [a] guy who was drafted much later, third down back a year ago, and pass [protects] against the biggest of linebackers." He continued, "[Allen's] not afraid of anything, [and] he's going to push Bhayshul. So, while many have said Bhayshul could be the starter this year, I think it could be more of a running back by committee, because you can't discount what LeQuint brings to the table."
Jacksonville's all-time leading rusher definitely knows a thing or two about the difficulties of his position, and there were many times when Taylor played with backs like Alvin Pearman, who thrived on third down. Out of all the running backs acquired by James Gladstone since he became the Jaguars' general manager, Allen is the best pass blocker by far. That's great because Liam Coen's definitely been prioritizing the team's ability to throw the deep ball during OTAs.
Allen's willingness to go one-on-one with whoever comes into the backfield will give Trevor Lawrence the extra second he needs for Brian Thomas Jr. or Jakobi Meyers to get open down the field. That could lead to the big plays that would have made a difference against the Buffalo Bills during last postseason's Wild Card round.
LeQuint Allen Jr. can become a key contributor for the Jaguars
When you're building a roster like the one Gladstone has put together, you need young players who can master the roles they're given as quickly as possible. In addition to his strengths as a pass protector, Allen is also one of the best special teamers in the building going into training camp. From the outside looking in, his ability to take on all the dirty work in two different phases of the game will solidify the Syracuse alum's status as one of the most valuable unsung heroes on the entire roster.
That being said, we should all get ready for LeQuint Allen Jr.'s performances to be covered extensively as the most competitive phase of the offseason begins. Despite Chris Rodriguez being the Jaguars' only free agent signing before the draft, I don't think he has the RB2 job fully secured. So, this position battle will be something to keep an eye on as he continues to round out his game.
