Clemson running back Travis Etienne is one of the most explosive players in the 2021 draft. He also thinks the Jets would be a great place to end up later this month because of his ability as a rusher and a pass-catcher.
“I feel like my game would fit perfectly [on the Jets],” Etienne told NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks on the “Move the Sticks” podcast. “I feel like if I’m there it’ll be a great situation ‘cause I feel like I’m a guy you can put in any offense and make the best out of it.”
Etienne isn’t wrong. He finished the 2019 season in the top five in yards per rush, total scrimmage yards and total touchdowns, and then finished 2020 sixth in scrimmage yards with 1,502. He tied for eighth with 16 total touchdowns. Etienne concluded his sensational four-year career with 7.8 yards per touch.
Etienne’s talent would pair well with Mike LaFleur’s offense, which should be more run-heavy – much like Kyle Shanahan’s scheme in San Francisco. Etienne finished above the 80th percentile in forced missed tackles and yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus, and ranked third in yards per routes run with 2.26, according to Jets X-Factor.
The problem with Etienne is his blocking leaves a little bit to be desired. His PFF pass-blocking grade was 42.8. The Jets will need more blocking out of their running back, though it wouldn’t necessarily have to be Etienne that does it. The beauty of the 49ers-style offensive scheme is the number of running backs it inevitably requires. Raheem Mostert led the 49ers in pass blocking by a lot, while Jeff Wilson Jr. was the primary run blocker.
Running back isn’t a major area of need for the Jets in this draft, though, so picking Etienne would be more of a luxury than a necessity. They already have La’Mical Perine, Ty Johnson, Josh Adams and Tevin Coleman on the roster. That doesn’t mean Joe Douglas wouldn’t grab Etienne if he fell, but the Jets have bigger holes to fill – namely, offensive line and cornerback – and likely wouldn’t use the 23rd, 34th or 66th pick on a running back when other positions need support.
