Bhayshul Tuten Emerges as Rookie Threat for Jacksonville Jaguars

When the Jacksonville Jaguars signed undrafted free agent running back Bhayshul Tuten following the 2025 NFL Draft, few outside the organization expected him to become a key contributor in his first season. Bhayshul Tuten Emerges as Rookie Threat for Jacksonville Jaguars tells the story of an underdog who defied expectations—using a standout training camp and preseason to earn a spot on the 53-man roster and position himself as a dynamic complement to starting running back Travis Etienne Jr. The 5’10”, 205-pound Tuten, who starred at North Carolina A&T (rushing for 3,200 yards and 28 touchdowns in college), brings a unique blend of speed (4.48-second 40-yard dash), elusiveness (27 forced missed tackles in 2024), and pass-catching ability (65 receptions in college) that fills a gap in the Jaguars’ offense. For a team aiming to compete for a Super Bowl, Tuten isn’t just a depth piece—he’s a unexpected weapon that adds flexibility to Doug Pederson’s scheme and keeps opposing defenses off balance. Bhayshul Tuten Emerges as Rookie Threat for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights the Jaguars’ ability to find hidden talent, a hallmark of their recent roster-building success. This article explores Tuten’s journey, his on-field skills, and how he’s become a surprise standout in Jacksonville.

Bhayshul Tuten Emerges as Rookie Threat for Jacksonville Jaguars began with a quiet start—Tuten arrived at rookie minicamp in May as one of 12 undrafted free agents, facing long odds to make the team. But he quickly turned heads with his work ethic and playmaking ability: during the first week of camp, he recorded a 35-yard touchdown run in a scrimmage, using a combination of quick cuts and speed to beat the first-team defense to the end zone. As camp progressed, Tuten continued to shine: he averaged 6.2 yards per carry in team drills, caught 11 passes for 98 yards in preseason games, and even made a key block to spring Etienne for a 40-yard run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His performance caught the attention of Pederson, who praised Tuten’s “football IQ” and “ability to make plays in space” during a post-practice press conference. “Bhayshul came in here with something to prove, and he’s done that every day,” Pederson said. “He doesn’t play like a rookie—he’s calm under pressure, he follows his assignments, and he makes the most of every opportunity.” By the end of preseason, Tuten had not only secured a roster spot but also earned reps with the second-team offense—a rare feat for an undrafted running back.

Bhayshul Tuten Emerges as Rookie Threat for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights his versatility, which makes him a perfect fit for Pederson’s offensive scheme. Unlike some running backs who excel only in one area, Tuten is a three-down threat: he can run between the tackles (using his low center of gravity to power through defenders), catch passes out of the backfield (he’s reliable on check-downs and screen plays), and block (he’s held his own against linebackers in pass-protection drills). This versatility was on full display during the Jaguars’ preseason finale against the Miami Dolphins: Tuten rushed for 75 yards on 12 carries, caught 3 passes for 25 yards, and made a critical block to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence from a blitz. “Bhayshul does everything we ask of him—and he does it well,” said offensive coordinator Press Taylor. “We can line him up in the backfield, in the slot, or even out wide, and he’ll find a way to contribute. That kind of flexibility is gold in our offense.” Tuten’s ability to wear multiple hats also takes pressure off Etienne, who has historically handled a heavy workload (220+ carries in 2023 and 2024). With Tuten in the mix, the Jaguars can give Etienne more rest during regular-season games—keeping him fresh for the playoffs—without sacrificing production.

Bhayshul Tuten Emerges as Rookie Threat for Jacksonville Jaguars underscores the Jacksonville Jaguars’ need for running back depth—a concern that became evident last season when Etienne missed two games with an ankle injury. In those games, the Jaguars’ rushing offense averaged just 89 yards per game (down from 121 yards per game with Etienne), and they lost both contests. Tuten’s emergence solves that problem: he’s proven he can step in and produce when called upon, giving the Jaguars a reliable backup who doesn’t require a major adjustment to the game plan. During a training camp practice where Etienne was given a rest day, Tuten led the offense with 9 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown, showing he can handle a larger workload if needed. “Depth at running back is crucial in the NFL—you never know when your starter is going to go down,” said general manager Trent Baalke. “Bhayshul has given us that depth, and then some. He’s not just a backup—he’s a guy who can change the game when he’s on the field.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ need for running back depth is even more pressing this season, as they face a tough schedule with games against run-stopping defenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. Tuten’s ability to complement Etienne will be key to keeping the Jaguars’ offense balanced against those teams.

Bhayshul Tuten Emerges as Rookie Threat for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on exploiting mismatches—a core principle of Pederson’s offensive philosophy. Tuten’s speed and pass-catching ability make him a nightmare for opposing defenses to cover: linebackers struggle to keep up with him in the open field, and safeties often lack the agility to defend him on slot routes. Pederson has already designed specific plays to leverage these mismatches, including screen passes (where Tuten can use his elusiveness to break tackles) and “wheel routes” (where he runs from the backfield to the end zone, outrunning linebackers). During the preseason, Tuten scored a 20-yard touchdown on a wheel route against the Dolphins, beating linebacker Jerome Baker to the corner of the end zone. “Bhayshul creates mismatches every time he steps on the field,” Lawrence said. “Defenses don’t know how to handle him—do they put a linebacker on him, or a safety? Either way, he has an advantage. That makes our offense more dynamic.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on exploiting mismatches with Tuten is part of a larger strategy to keep defenses guessing: by mixing Etienne’s power running with Tuten’s speed and receiving skills, the Jaguars can attack defenses in multiple ways, making it harder for opponents to game-plan against them.

Bhayshul Tuten Emerges as Rookie Threat for Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using Tuten’s emergence to strengthen their playoff push. For the Jaguars, every win matters in a competitive AFC, and Tuten’s ability to contribute in key moments could be the difference between a wildcard spot and a division title. Whether he’s spelling Etienne on third downs, catching a crucial pass to extend a drive, or returning a kickoff (he’s also competing for a role on special teams), Tuten brings a level of production and energy that few rookies can match. “Bhayshul is a winner,” Pederson said as the regular season approached. “He’s not afraid of the moment, and he’s going to make plays for us when it counts. That’s the kind of player you want on your team when you’re fighting for a Super Bowl.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ goal of using Tuten’s emergence to strengthen their playoff push is shared by Tuten himself, who remains humble despite his early success. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” Tuten said. “The Jaguars believed in me when no one else did, and I’m going to work every day to repay that trust. Whatever the team needs—running, catching, blocking—I’m ready to do it.” Bhayshul Tuten Emerges as Rookie Threat for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a rookie success story; it’s a testament to the Jaguars’ scouting, coaching, and ability to nurture talent. As the regular season begins, all eyes will be on Tuten—waiting to see if this undrafted underdog can continue to defy expectations and help lead the Jaguars to their first Super Bowl victory.