The Jacksonville Jaguars pick Travis Etienne No. 25 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Jaguars Pick Travis Etienne No. 25 Overall In 2021 NFL Draft
At the top of the draft, the Jaguars selected QB Trevor Lawrence. A team with holes on defense and along the offensive line, Jacksonville made a surprise selection at No. 25 overall in the form of Clemson RB Travis Etienne.
Teammates at Clemson, Lawrence, and Etienne reunite in Jacksonville and look to pick up where they left off at the collegiate level. Although the Jaguars already of last year’s UDFA darling James Robinson under contract while adding veteran RB Carlos Hyde this offseason, Etienne is a next-level back compared to his new teammates. He is also very different.
A home-run hitter who can not only handle his own as a rusher but can also be deployed all over the formation as a receiver, Etienne adds another layer to the new-look Jacksonville offense. A big-play threat any time he touches the ball, Etienne can break a game open as a rusher and as a receiver. With a questionable offensive line, Etienne could see extensive action as Lawrence’s check down option at the pro level.
Travis Etienne 2021 Fantasy Football Outlook
There were two running backs taken in the first round. Consequentially, the two best backs in the 2021 class. Najee Harris was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Etienne lands with the Jags.
The Steelers have a suspect offensive line. Harris, an excellent in-between tackles rusher, could have a difficult time being uber-productive and reaching his true ceiling in year one.
Etienne, on the other hand, has the skill set to overcome Jacksonville’s front five deficiencies and rack up fantasy points as a receiver.
In PPR leagues, Etienne should be the first rookie back off the board. While he is expected to cede touches to James Robinson and Carlos Hyde, the Jaguars didn’t spend first-round draft capital on Etienne for him to ride the bench. He should be busy out the gate in Week 1.
Travis Etienne Dynasty Fantasy Football Outlook
It may be crazy to say, but Travis Etienne is my No. 1 back in rookie drafts. Although Najee Harris may be a slightly better talent, I am not in love with his landing spot in Pittsburgh. Not only do the Steelers have a poor offensive line, but we also don’t know who their quarterback will be once Ben Roethlisberger retires, which can be as soon as next offseason.
Long-term, Etienne has a more promising outlook and a skill set built to win PPR fantasy leagues and fewer question marks around him.
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Jaguars 2021 Bet Tips With Travis Etienne
All Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 NFL Futures bets are provided by BetMGM. (New customers get a Second-Chance Bet of up to $600 by clicking here or using the code THEGAMEDAY.)
Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 Win Total Bet
- Over 6.5 Wins (+100)
- Under 6.5 Wins (-120)
With the additions of Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne in the draft, plus, Marvin Jones and a handful of veteran defensive talents in free agency, the Jaguars made enough improvements to win seven games in 2021, especially if Lawrence plays as advertised.
What helps the Jags is the fact that they play the Texans twice a year. Houston may be the worst team in football if Deshaun Watson does not play this season. What’s more, the Jaguars will also see the Titans twice a year. Tennessee’s defense has a long way to go to find their way after nearly blowing up their entire secondary this offseason.
If the Jaguars can pick up 3 wins of their six AFC South games, all they need to do is win four of the remaining 11 games to hit this Over. It is all on Lawrence, but if he is indeed the real deal, the Jaguars will win seven in 2021.
Jacksonville Jaguars To Make Playoffs?
- Yes (+350)
- No (-120)
This is an easy no for me. Although I like the Jaguars to win seven games, a 7-10 record will not be enough for the Jags to earn a playoff berth. This isn’t the 2020 NFC, after all.
Jaguars To Win AFC South Division Title
Jaguars To Win AFC South (+1200)
The Colts are the odds-on favorite to win the AFC South. While I am not in love with the Titans’ defense, they are the superior team to the new-look and rebuilding Jaguars, who are at least a year away from competing for an AFC South crown.
Jaguars To Win Super Bowl 56
Jaguars To Win Super Bowl 56 (+12500)
Not this year, Jaguars fans. If I am taking a team with (+10000) odds or worse to win the Super Bowl — longshots — I would take the Atlanta Falcons (+10000). Atlanta has a veteran quarterback who was just recently NFL MVP and appeared in a Super Bowl. They also have a proven high-octane offense along with a new offensive-minded head coach with a stable NFL track record as a play-caller.
The Jags can certainly be in the conversation, but not in year one of the Trent Baalke/ Urban Meyer/ Trevor Lawrence era.
Travis Etienne 2021 Prop Bet?
Travis Etienne to Win AP Offensive Rookie of the Year (+1600)
Etienne has the 10th-best odds to win AP OROY honors. While there is a chance he can emerge on top when it is all said and done, Etienne would need to set new rookie running back records to get there. I expect this award to once again be won by a quarterback. Perhaps, Etienne’s teammate, Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence is slated with (+225) odds and is the offseason favorite to win the OROY award.
