2021 NFL Draft: Was Travis Etienne a reach for Jaguars at No. 25?

First, it was Ja’Marr Chase reuniting with LSU teammate Joe Burrow in Cincinnati. Then, it was Jaylen Waddle reuniting with Alabama teammate Tua Tagovaolia in Miami. And now, Clemson teammates reunite in Jacksonville with Travis Etienne and No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence.

The Jaguars need playmakers to pair with Lawrence, and at the 25th pick, the value at receiver was not there. So Etienne joins young skill players DJ Chark, and Laviska Shenault, Jr. Etienne gives the Jags something the offense lacks, a home run hitter.

Etienne is the type of player who can score from anywhere on the field and improved his game every year at Clemson.

What Jacksonville gets with Travis Etienne

The numbers speak for themselves. Etienne averaged over seven yards per carry while at Clemson. In addition, Etienne got better at running between the tackles as his career evolved at Clemson. Etienne has excellent balance and pad level through the hole.

When Etienne gets to the second level, it is game over. Etienne is the most explosive runner in this draft and possibly the most explosive player in this draft. However, the part of Etienne’s game that improved most is in the passing game.

Etienne was a threat in the passing game and was proficient in pass protection. Etienne was a three-time All-American who had nearly 5,000 rushing yards in college with fewer than 700 collegiate carries in three seasons.

Etienne can line up in the slot or wide, motioning out of the backfield. There could also be some opportunity for Etienne to contribute to the running game.