The 2021 offseason completely revamped the Jacksonville Jaguars. The maligned franchise had every facet of its organization inspected, weighed, measured and frequently located seeking. A new head mentor and fresh new established of specifications have been the very first steps. Then by means of the draft, free agency and ultimatums to present players, the workers put with each other what is in essence a manufacturer new roster.
After a period in which the Jags finished 1-15 (an unenviable feat but one particular that beget Trevor Lawrence), the club truly has nowhere to go but up in the initial year that includes 17 standard time game titles.
Head Coach City Meyer and gamers have explained persistently this offseason that they are doing work to acquire now. As admirable and easy to understand as that objective is, the actuality is, this staff is in a massive rebuilding course of action. When in the midst of a rebuilding course of action, every one piece counts and it is okay to choose time producing sure just about every is fantastic to do the job. This is primarily real when rebuilding a team. Every single participant contributing will be of the utmost great importance but some will have the onus place on them additional than other individuals.
As we move closer to the 2021 program, we choose a glimpse at the 10 most vital Jaguars for the coming season.
No. 10: Jamal Agnew
No. 9: Joe Schobert
No. 8: Tyson Campbell and Tre Herndon
No. 7 Travis Etienne
For how a great deal Meyer has talked about Etienne since drafting him in the initially round of the 2021 NFL Draft, it seemed marginally sacrilege to rank him No. 7 on this listing. Etienne plainly had to be one of the 10 most crucial Jaguars this time simply because he’s likely to attribute uniquely in the offensive match strategy. But in the finish, “uniquely” doesn’t usually mean “heavily.”
Let us start off with the initially aspect. Travis Etienne is likely to be Meyer’s Swiss army knife. The working back again will line up in the backfield and as a receiver at occasions, according to the coach who was also forced to match prepare against him in college or university. This is not just a gag Meyer pulled through rookie mini-camp for the reason that there was nothing else for Etienne to do through routines.
There is a reputable prepare in spot to put into practice Etienne into the offense in numerous aspects. As mini-camp came to a close in mid-June, passing sport coordinator Brian Schottenheimer uncovered just how considerably Etienne was doing work out in distinct locations. And much more importantly, why the personnel come to feel the need to have to move him about.
“Travis [Etienne], of system, is a large engage in waiting to take place,” said Schottenheimer. “He’s obtained the electric powered velocity, he’s acquired the finishing speed, we know what he is as a runner, he’s remarkable in area. And now it is been form of pleasurable to test to consider him and educate him some of the nuisances that go into the passing game for the reason that all we’re executing by carrying out that is introducing value for him.
“There’s been growth, we just experienced a excellent session outdoors, he was unbelievable with some of the points we have been asking him to do in the passing match. As a mentor, that gets you enthusiastic.”
The prospect by itself has gotten Meyer energized because the draft. With two picks in the initially round of the 2021 NFL Draft—and the No. 1 all round decide certain to be employed on quarterback Trevor Lawrence—there was an assumption the No. 25 in general pick would be utilized on a defensive player. But Meyer had other plans. He preferred to not only reunited Lawrence with his trustworthy operating again, but grow what Etienne could do on the industry.
“The cause we drafted him is the opportunity to be a twin danger man and our historical past as extensive as we’ve had a person like that and we noticed him as a person like that in the draft this year,” admitted Meyer immediately after rookie minicamp this summer. “Right now we’re concentrating on the fundamentals of extensive receiver perform, finding out the offense from wide receiver. Like I explained, worst situation situation is you have a managing again that’s elite with receiver expertise and best case situation he’s a reputable dual danger man.”
As Meyer stated, his offenses like to depend on gadget guys, the most well-known of whom remaining Percy Harvin. There is only one Percy Harvin, but the thought of another person becoming a chess piece has trapped with Meyer. That’s what Etienne can be, thanks to speed and a twitch that make him a mismatch.
The appealing section of Etienne’s feasible enjoying time—and why he was not greater than No. 7 on this list—is mainly because we really do not know however specifically how Meyer will use him. Or for that matter, how considerably. Which is sort of the place, complicated opponents, but it also will make it tricky to establish how crucial Etienne will be proper absent.
The Jaguars have a authentic RB1 in 2nd 12 months again James Robinson. They have a single of the deeper receiving models than they’ve experienced in a long time, including slot receiver options—which is how we can suppose Meyer would want Etienne employed considering the fact that this draft spot was originally held for (eventual) New York Giants receiver Kadarius Toney.
Anywhere Travis Etienne will play and be inserted this fall, it will be for a mismatch, not always due to the fact he’s required there depth intelligent. It is a luxurious to have for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a person that will certainly be an critical element to the accomplishment for which they are hunting. Now the concern just remains, what will it appear like?
