Jacksonville Jaguars’ rookie Bhayshul Tuten was the fastest running back at this year’s NFL combine, running a 4.32-second 40, and that speed has caught the attention of running backs coach Chad Morton during offseason programs.

“He’s really fast,” Morton said during minicamp. “He can run. Really excited for him, and also just the way he runs, it’s really easy for him. It’s simple. He’s a smooth mover in and out of cuts and stuff like that. It’s just fun to watch him as a runner.

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“When guys are just natural runners, they just make it look real easy and almost looks like they’re just kind of jogging it and they’re still running really fast. He’s been making plays out there and showing his speed. So we’re excited to get the ball in his hands.”

During the 2024 season, Tuten averaged a hefty 6.3 yards per rush as a ball carrier, with that speed helping to produce a number of missed tackles and explosive plays.

According to PFF’s data, Tuten ranked 16th among all backs in missed tackles forced last season. He was also 13th in average yards after contact and 10th in rushes of 15-plus yards.

Where must Jacksonville Jaguars‘ rookie RB Bhayshul Tuten continue to improve?

However, like any first-year player, there is a learning curve that Tuten is navigating currently as well. For one, Liam Coen’s offensive scheme has a robust playbook, but in addition to that, perfecting the pass protection element of playing the running back position often presents the biggest challenge for incoming rookies.

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“You have to start early,” Morton said about running backs learning pass protection. “That was the number one thing we started with because these guys know how to run the ball, so we’ll clean up all those little details on that, and knowing where to line up as a receiver and do all that kind of stuff, but they have to be able to pass pro.

“So it takes the longest, it’s the most important thing, and it’s the hardest thing to teach these guys. So we start now, we start early, and then we’re going to keep progressing all the way through camp and get it right, so that way we’re able to get it right by the time the season starts.”

Tuten is competing with Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby for playing time this season. With that speed and burst he brings to the running back room, he’s going to have a role as a rookie. But when it comes to how big that role is, how well Tuten acclimates to pass pro will play a key factor in determining that.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars’ RB coach on key emphasis for rookie Bhayshul Tuten in 2025