Not only is the start of training camp a good time for fans to see what their favorite teams are looking like, but also a time for fantasy football fans to figure out a draft strategy. While some players won’t require a lot of research and will maintain their production, others could, as there are players who will be returning from injury, just entering the league from the college game, or joined another team.
When it comes to the Jacksonville Jaguars, they have two running backs who are coming off season-ending injuries and could garner a lot of interest in the fantasy community. Of course, the first is James Robinson, who has been the biggest source of offense for the Jags for the past two seasons. Unfortunately, it seems he may not be ready for the start of training camp, though, leaving his fantasy stock in question.
The other running back who is garnering a lot of interest in the fantasy community is Travis Etienne, who is expected to be a key part of the offense even when Robinson returns. In the process, he’s expected to provide a boost to the passing game, too, which is why The Athletic’s Greg Auman listed him as the Jags’ breakout candidate when looking at all 32 teams.
Jacksonville Jaguars
RB Travis Etienne: Etienne missed his entire rookie season due to injury, but he could be back to his Clemson heyday with a healthy return in an upgraded Jaguars offense. How he’ll split duties with James Robinson remains to be seen, but Etienne can be involved in the passing game as well as a playmaker in the ground game. Make sure he’s fully healthy in training camp, but there’s real upside to him. — Greg Auman
Auman is right about the potential upside. The Jags have already shown their willingness to utilize Etienne in the passing game as he took some reps as a receiver. Of course, he will be utilized as a running back, too, but it’s clear they like his speed and potential as a multifaceted weapon.
In organized team activities, Jags offensive coordinator Press Taylor praised Etienne for the reasons mentioned above, while adding that he’s been receptive to everything that was thrown at him.
“The speed’s real.” Taylor said. ” I mean that was obviously something everybody knew coming out of college not having a chance to see a lot of the stuff he was able to do last year because he wasn’t able to play, so the speed’s very real. He did a good job of just showing understanding of the different roles we’re trying to see.
“We’re throwing him in all different positions just to see what he’s comfortable with, what he needs to work on as we move forward, give him plans moving further into summer coming back for training camp. But he’s been really receptive to everything. He’s shown an ability to grasp a lot of different things and show that he’s capable of doing things.”
Etienne knows there is a big opportunity ahead of him and has been working hard this offseason. That should put him in position to pick up where he left off and win over fantasy players with an impressive showing at camp.
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