The Jacksonville Jaguars have a huge void at running back with Travis Etienne’s departure in free agency, and it’s truly all hands on deck this season for the Jaguars backfield.
That said, former Virginia running back and undrafted free agent J’Mari Taylor could carve his niche in northeast Florida with the Jaguars because of it. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport tabbed Taylor as the most likely UDFA to make the Jaguars roster.
After all, Taylor had an outstanding 2025 season for the Cavaliers, helping the team reach the ACC championship game. Taylor rushed for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns on 222 carries, and he caught 43 passes for 253 yards and a touchdown.
It’s possible Taylor would have been better known nationally had the Cavaliers not lost to Duke in the championship game and missed the College Football Playoff. That said, NFL scouts were well aware of Taylor, and he was on the radar for teams as a late-round pick who could be a strong backup running back.
Taylor arrived at the right place to get his shot. The Jaguars have Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez Jr., LeQuint Allen Jr. and Ameer Abdullah on the roster.
Tuten rushed for 307 yards and five touchdowns on 83 carries last season for the Jaguars, so questions remain if he’s ready to be the bell cow in the backfield. Rodriguez rushed for 500 yards and six touchdowns on 112 carries last year for the Washington Commanders, so he and Tuten could easily split carries.
It’s that third running back spot and beyond where there’s room for Taylor to see some action. Allen only had 23 carries for 94 yards last year, and Abdullah had 60 yards on 14 carries in 2025.
If Taylor can reach his potential at training camp and in the preseason, he has a legitimate shot to compete with Allen and Abdullah for carries.