Things didn’t go according to plan for the Jaguars in 2021, but with an new head coach in Doug Pederson, former first-overall pick Trevor Lawrence and a second straight No. 1 pick this April, there is plenty of cause for optimism in Duval County. Another reason the team may take a step forward in 2022 is the expected return of running back Travis Etienne. According to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, he is making progress towards being available to start the season. 
The other first round pick of the Jaguars in 2021, Etienne missed his entire rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury. That was a huge blow to the team’s offense, considering not only the talent he displayed in an illustrious career at Clemson, but his connection with Lawrence. In his absence – and, later on, that of fellow RB James Robinson – the Jags finished last in the NFL in points per game in 2021, with 14.9. Their rushing average (103 yards per game), while more respectable, would certainly stand to improve with a health halfback tandem.
“My foot is doing much better“, the 23-year-old said in a recent interview. “[I] really just got back into the gym for the first time… So that’s been good and I’ve been running for a while now. I’m kind of getting to that 80% to 85% range. Definitely, just heading in the right direction”.
With a new coaching staff that will be focused in large part on rebuilding the team’s offense, much is expected of the unit in 2022. New offensive coordinator Press Taylor, Alper notes, didn’t specify if former HC Urban Meyer‘s plan to use Etienne at wideout would remain in place. Regardless of how he is deployed, the ex-Tigers star would provide a much-needed boost to Jacksonville if he is able to fully recover.
Man, I like Etienne as a prospect, but it’s crazy how many players they obviously could have used more, both for holes on their roster and for positional value.
… especially with who they already have with Robinson.
Jags aren’t in the position to have the “can never have too many” mentality
I always thought they should have traded that pick to Baltimore for O Brown. Still need a LT.
Or just selected a LT from the super deep class that year
Either way. But they could have locked up LT & QB last season easily.
I am still shocked that pick was made to this day. It just showed you that Urban Meyer really was in over his head in the NFL. So many better picks for that team right there.
I know Pat Friermuth would have been a nice target. Could have been Trevor Lawrence BFF.
Greg Rosseau could have played and wrecked havoc anywhere along the defensive front.
Take your choice of a few offensive lineman. Teven Jenkins would have fit nicely. He is a mean man.
The most important one, he wasn’t even the best RB to pick at that spot. Javonte Williams is going to be a star in this league.
I’m not saying Etienne won’t be good. His speed should translate well into the league and he can catch. There was 20 better selections that would have put the team in better position to be better then 3-13 this season. That being said, Pederson should be happy with the top of his RB depth chart in Jacksonville.
Lawrence was regressing as the season wore on – thus the Jaguars front office needs to get their act together before the guy becomes the next David Carr.
I was thinking Mark Sanchez but Carr is definitely more accurate