A 2026 NFL mock draft of options for the Jaguars to replace Travis Etienne and keep the offense a balanced unit

There are several 2026 NFL Draft prospects who could be suitable Travis Etienne replacements for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman (1) carries the ball against the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off a very promising first season under head coach Liam Coen. The organization is on a very promising trajectory, and they appear to be one strong offseason away from making a deep playoff run. Their roster is certainly coming together well.

Like every NFL team, the Jaguars have already had some defections this offseason. The NFL Free Agency period opened up this week, and the Jaguars saw former star running back Travis Etienne sign with the New Orleans Saints. A mainstay in the running back room for Jacksonville over the last several years, the team must now try to find a suitable replacement for the former first round selection.

If the Jaguars aren’t settled on a running back room that includes Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., we could see them attack the position in the 2026 NFL Draft. To have a little bit of fun, I put together a mock draft exercise with an option that the Jaguars could consider with each of their ten selections. This is not a mock draft, but merely an introduction to some of the top values in the running back class to be had.

Round 2, Pick 56: Jadarian Price (Notre Dame)

Blessed with an outstanding level of explosiveness and big play upside, Price has the propensity to create a ton of chunk plays despite limited opportunities. In a lot of ways, his game does mirror Etienne’s extremely well. 

Round 3, Pick 81: Jonah Coleman (Washington)

While Coleman isn’t a dynamic athlete, he’s extremely efficient and physical. If not for being a bit banged up down the stretch of the 2025 season, a lot more people would be hyping up his blend of power, contact balance, and rugged running style. 

Round 3, Pick 88: Nick Singleton (Penn State)

Singleton broke his foot during the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl, which has hurt his overall process so far. He never quite hit his upside as a player while at Penn State, but he still possesses a ton of athletic upside. 

Round 3, Pick 100: Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest)

In terms of pure power, Claiborne is a very limited early down runner. Speed is the name of his game, possessing the big play ability to change in a game in the blink of an eye. There’s a ton of explosiveness to Claiborne’s game. 

Round 4, Pick 117: Kaytron Allen (Penn State)

Allen is the complete opposite of Singleton, his former teammate. What he lacks in terms of speed and overall athleticism, Allen makes up for with his power and effort as a runner. 

Round 5, Pick 164: Le’Veon Moss (Texas A&M)

When Moss is healthy, he is an extremely talented runner with a unique blend of contact balance and explosiveness. The problem is durability, which has hurt his draft stock to this point, but it could make him a tremendous value if he is able to stay available.

Round 5, Pick 166: Adam Randall (Clemson)

Randall began his career as a wide receiver for Clemson before switching to running back prior to the 2025 season. At over 6-2 and 230 pounds, Randall has a very intriguing blend of size and movement skills. His best football is still very much in front of him as he continues to develop as a running back.

Round 6, Pick 196: J’Mari Taylor (Virginia)

A former North Carolina Central standout, Taylor was barely on the radar going into the 2025 college football season. He proceeded to turn heads with the Cavaliers, projecting as one of the better Day Three values in the 2026 class heading toward April.

Round 7, Pick 233: Desmond Reid (Pitt)

Reid is not a player who can function as an early down runner due to his size and stature, but his receiving impact does bring some intriguing upside to the table. He is an intriguing mismatch potential with his feel as a pass receiver versus linebackers.

Round 7, Pick 245: Rahsul Faison (South Carolina)

The 2025 season didn’t quite live up to expectations for Faison, but the former Utah State transfer still offers some intriguing tools. He is more than talented enough to be worth a later round dart throw in this class.

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