Doug Pederson explains what he wants to see in Tank Bigsby

The Jacksonville Jaguars have big plans for 2024, especially in the run game. After drafting former Auburn star Tank Bigsby in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the rookie running back struggled to standout. Despite starting the year as the No. 2 running back on the depth chart behind Travis Etienne, he dropped down to the No. 3 spot. He still ended the season with more carries than the No. 2 back, D’Ernest Johnson, but it wasn’t what the Jaguars were hoping for when they drafted him.

Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson opened up this offseason about his hopes for Bigsby entering Year 2 in the league.

“We have to get Tank going, the bottom line. He is too good, that’s why we drafted him. I think early he had some ‘what is that?’ type plays for whatever reason right or wrong,” Pederson said. “Again, in and out of the lineup. He is a young player that we’re excited about.

“Like we talked about last year, we take some burden off of Etienne a little bit, keep him healthy for the remainder of the season.”

Jaguars to rely on Bigsby more in Year 2

Bigsby finished the 2023 season with 132 rushing yards on 50 carries (2.6 ypc) with two touchdowns. He also added one reception for six yards. He accounted for 12 of the Jaguars’ first downs but also coughed up a fumble. Luckily for Jacksonville, the fumble against the Steelers didn’t cost them the game.

With Bigsby not carrying the full load of a No. 2 running back, Travis Etienne ended up with 325 carries last season. He finished third in the league in carries, and took 70 more than he did in the 2022 season.

Last offseason, Pederson applauded the former Tigers star for quickly picking up the offense.

“Outside of speed, athleticism, all that … this kid is a sponge,” Pederson said. “He’s really a smart, young running back. He understands the defense. One of the things, too, that has been impressive is how well he has taken the coaching – whether from [running backs coach] Bernie [Parmalee], myself, even [offensive line coach] Phil Rauscher.

“He’s able to take that and apply it to what he’s doing. He’s just improving every day.”

While at Auburn, Bigsby rushed for 2,903 yards and 25 touchdowns on 590 carries in three seasons. He also added to the Tigers passing game with 62 catches for 448 yards and no touchdowns.