With a franchise quarterback like Trevor Lawrence at the helm of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team can take various paths with the 24th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Jaguars can decide to add to an already talented offense to maximize Lawrence's skillset. Whether it's a weapon at a skill position group or an offensive lineman upfront, it isn't a bad idea to build around one of the best young quarterbacks in the league. 

Or they can reinforce a defense that's in clear need of help. After all, the Jaguars know they need pieces at every level of that side of the ball. 

In all likelihood though, it'll come down to who's the best player available when they're on the clock.

But if "BPA" is the path to take when choosing among prospects in a draft class that features heavy-hitters at running back, it also means answering one of the most controversial team-building questions nowadays: Do you use a valuable first-round pick on a running back? 

Even with Travis Etienne in their ranks, the Jaguars could consider the possibility of adding another first-round running back if someone as enticing as the Texans Longhorn Bijan Robinson is available.

Even The Athletic's NFL insider Jeff Howe alluded to the possibility in a recent beat writer mock draft by writing that "(Choosing DE Nolan Smith) was an unexpectedly tough call with Alabama safety Brian Branch (filling a bigger need) and Texas running back Bijan Robinson (more help for Trevor Lawrence) still in play."

But that was written before the Jaguars signed running back D'Ernest Johnson to a one-year contract on Wednesday. The recent signing provides Jacksonville with a veteran that was buried in the Browns' depth chart behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

When given the opportunity in 2021, Johnson rushed for 534 yards in 100 carries (5.3 yards per attempt). He can be a solid No. 2 for the Jaguars behind Etienne. Not to mention, he can also provide special teams value.

With this signing, the Jaguars take care of one of their biggest needs: Someone to keep Etienne's legs fresh. 

In December of last year, the Jaguars were named one of the teams to produce the highest level of analytics work in a survey conducted by ESPN. Generally, data analytics studies have argued against choosing a running back in the first round of the Draft based on positional value.

If Jacksonville doesn't have a clear need at the position, I'd bet signing Johnson will keep them from making a controversial pick at No. 24 overall even if Bijan Robinson is available.

We can likely rule running back out.