How Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie RB LeQuint Allen can carve out a role in 2025

Our NFL Wire editors recently selected one "surprise" rookie from each of our respective teams who could make some noise in 2025 and develop into an impact player sooner rather than later. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, my pick was running back LeQuint Allen.

With Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and Bhayshul Tuten, Allen finds himself in a crowded running back room, but he has the ability with his skill set to carve out a specific role as a pass-catching back--an important role in Liam Coen's offense.

Allen joins the Jaguars with ample pass-catching experience from his time at Syracuse, which includes being targeted 78 times during the 2024 season alone.

Along with the targets, Allen has experience lining up in the slot and had plays that were drawn up for him as an early read in order to get him the ball.

Having a pass-catching presence out of the backfield was a staple of the Tampa Bay offense last season, with Coen calling the plays. Both Rachaad White and Bucky Irving would rank in the top 10 among running backs in total targets last season.

However, another key part of this equation for running backs is that if you're going to be on the field during passing situations, you have to hold up in pass protection as well. This is one area in particular that can come with a steep learning curve for most rookies.

"LeQuint's been awesome," Trevor Lawrence said.. Pass protection, it seems like he really understands it. Great hands. Hard worker. I've been impressed with his attitude and how he carries himself."

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Why Jaguars' RB LeQuint Allen can make an impact as a rookie