Who Should I Start? Audric Estime or Bhayshul Tuten

Friday, May 30, 5:30 PM

On Thursday, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton noted that running back Audric Estime will garner increased opportunities in his second season with the team. "He's a back that requires enough touches," said Payton. "He's going to get those opportunities." The former fifth-round rookie was undoubtedly lacking in opportunities in 2024 -- placing fourth on the team in carries and rushing yards behind backfield mates Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin and quarterback Bo Nix. Estime was a productive player in his final season at Notre Dame, finishing with 1,341 yards and 18 rushing scores in 12 games. However, Denver's recent selection of RJ Harvey in the second round adds formidable competition in the backfield. Harvey is slotted in first on the team's unofficial depth chart, ahead of Estime for now. The latter projects to be more of a traditional short-yardage back due to his larger stature, but Harvey is also a force between the tackles and profiles as a better pass-catcher despite poor pass-protection skills.

Thursday, May 8, 8:22 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten could make a significant impact during his first NFL season, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. In particular, Fowler notes that Tuten could carve out a significant role simply by process of elimination. Jacksonville's new coaching and front office regime isn't very high on incumbent starter Travis Etienne Jr., and they're also aware of Tank Bigsby's fumbling issues. There's a lot to be said about a new staff bringing in its own guys, and it's possible they could look to phase Tuten into the offense right away. As a fourth-round pick, Tuten will still have to earn opportunities, but that hasn't been a problem for him in the past. At Virginia Tech last year, he ran wild with 1,159 rushing yards and 17 total touchdowns.