Following the 2026 NFL Draft, Shipley’s updated depth chart projects LeQuint Allen as the primary passing-down back while veteran DeeJay Dallas competes with rookie J’Mari Taylor for the final roster spot. The Jaguars’ offensive line remains remarkably stable, returning all nine starters and adding third-round pick Emmanuel Pregnon to the unit.
Meanwhile Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten are expected to split carries as potential fantasy flex options, Tuten is slated for a major increase in volume this season regardless. Tuten’s best ball ADP is considerably more bullish than his dynasty ADP suggesting a perception contrast between best ball bros and dynasty gamers.
The Bhaysul Tuten offseason drumbeat is looking like more fire than smoke as Shipley is one of many covering the Jaguars who believe Tuten is on track for a featured role in 2026 following the departure of Travis Etienne. In a recent mailbag article, Shipley identified Tuten as a surefire breakout player for the Jaguars in 2026, citing his rushing efficiency paired with Tuten’s “legit home-run speed.”
Tuten rushed for 307 yards as a rookie while adding 10 receptions. He posted a scorching 4.32 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, fastest among all running backs, and then went on to post a 25.8% Juke Rate (evaded tackles per touch), which ranked No. 10 among NFL RBs in 2025.
While the Jaguars could still add a back in the draft to compete with Tuten and newly minted free agent Chris Rodriguez, Shipley believes Tuten will earn a primary back workload in 2026. At just 23.1 years of age, Tuten is the fastest rising running back in dynasty leagues and will continue to be sell-high candidate until he translates elite athleticism and small sample NFL efficiency into reliable fantasy production in 2026.
According to Shipley, Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez are locked in a battle for lead committee duties, while LeQuint Allen is positioned to handle the primary receiving work. As it currently stands, Tuten and Rodriguez project as a viable RB2/FLEX options heading into Week 1 of the NFL season.
Tuten may have ball security and receiving question marks, but he also possesses real home run ability in ascending offense. With dynasty hype crossing into Luther Burden territory, seasoned fantasy managers are rightfully asking for an iron price in trade.
This backfield mirrors last year’s Jaguars situation, where a murky committee eventually produced a single, reliable fantasy starter. Currently, Tuten and Rodriguez are the lead candidates for the RB1 role that offers significant upside in an ascending Jacksonville offense. Follow camp closely, and whoever secures the primary job this summer will carry substantial fantasy football upside given the offense’s late-season improvement last year. Rodriquez offers TD upside, Tuten brings big-play ability.
Jaguars new grinder RB Chris Rodriguez, Jr.‘s 2-year contract features $6.2 million fully guaranteed.
With Travis Etienne departing in free agency, the Jaguars have pivoted to a “committee” backfield for 2026, headlined by former Commanders RB Rodriguez and the oft-injured Bhayshul Tuten. Rodriguez’s two-year contract—bolstered by a $4 million signing bonus—signals a major role in Jacksonville. GM James Gladstone praised Rodriguez’s “tough demeanor” and ability to grind out hidden yards inside, noting his style is designed to wear down defenses.
While Tuten is technically the incumbent, Rodriguez’s durability and 2025 efficiency (4.6 YPC, 24.3% Juke Rake) puts him a prime position to seize lead-back duties.
Austin Ekeler, a longtime friend to the fantasy football community is feared to have suffered a torn Achilles in the Commanders Monday Night Football loss to the Green Bay Packers. The injury comes at a time where the team is looking to make a leap to the Super Bowl.
While Ekeler was on the downside of his career, he was a serviceable factor in the receiving game for the Commanders backfield. After trading away Brian Robinson the split so far has been between Ekeler and rising rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The duo along with quarterback Jayden Daniels only managed 51 total rushing yards while all 3 had 17 rushing yards respectively against the Packers formidable defense in Week 2.
Expect speedster Chris Rodgriguez to be active Week 3 as he has been a healthy scratch the first 2 games of the season. Merritt (Bill), will likely get the bulk of carries and opportunity share moving forward. His 14.2 fantasy points got him the Pepsi Rookie of the Week award in Week 1. Rumors of a trade abound for a more talented and well known back, but that shouldn’t deter fantasy gamers from keeping Merritt on their redraft rosters to see how things play out in the Commanders backfield.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
