The Jacksonville Jaguars shifted their focus to offense in 2025 by hiring Liam Coen as the team’s new head coach. With Trevor Lawrence earning an average salary of $55 million, the franchise realized it could no longer afford to surround its quarterback with a mediocre supporting cast, and the investments began as early as this year’s draft.
The selection of Travis Hunter with the second overall pick signals the direction the team intends to take in the coming years. Looking ahead to the next draft, the Jaguars will likely target a running back early to replace Travis Etienne, who is set to reach the end of his rookie contract next offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars Projected To Address Running Back Position In 2026 NFL Draft
The Jaguars’ 2024 season marked the end of the Doug Pederson era and highlighted the need for changes to make the franchise competitive again. Despite underwhelming numbers, Jacksonville appears committed to Lawrence as its franchise quarterback, while other areas of the roster remain problematic.
Last season, the Jaguars ranked seventh-worst in the NFL in rushing yards per game, averaging just 101.7. That reflects the ongoing issues at running back, where Etienne was benched and lost ground to Tank Bigsby.
While the answer didn’t come in the 2025 draft, despite the additions of rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., who are expected to play smaller roles, 2026 could bring a significant investment at the position. According to PFSN’s three-round mock draft, the Jaguars are projected to select Penn State running back Kaytron Allen.
I beg to differ about Kaytron Allen. pic.twitter.com/U65hzIOPcH https://t.co/fuToUQyFFd
— Zach Seyko (@zach_seyko) May 27, 2025
Allen, entering his senior year in 2025, is coming off his best college season, posting 1,261 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns. His game is built on smart vision and physicality, consistently breaking tackles to maximize yardage.
Jacksonville would be using the 40th overall pick in the second round to get him, following the trend of revamping the offense. In 2024, the team used a first-round pick on Brian Thomas Jr., who delivered immediately with 1,330 scrimmage yards (1,282 receiving, 48 rushing) and 10 touchdowns, becoming the team’s standout performer.
There’s also plenty of excitement surrounding Hunter and how he’ll fit into the Jaguars’ offense in his rookie year. The Heisman winner brings elite versatility and playmaking ability that could help expand Coen’s passing attack, something Coen excelled at with the Buccaneers in 2024, helping Baker Mayfield to his best season yet.
The Jaguars’ outlook is encouraging, even under pressure from Lawrence’s hefty contract. There’s still a sense of patience as Coen installs his system, but if the run game fails to improve in 2025, Allen could be the key to unlocking it in the 2026 draft.