Who Should I Start? Audric Estime or Trevor Etienne

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.

Tuesday, May 13, 2:27 PM

Fourth-round rookie running back Trevor Etienne officially signed his rookie deal with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The former Florida Gator and Georgia Bulldog is the brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne. He racked up 2,081 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground and 432 yards and one score as a receiver in 34 collegiate games. Etienne will have a chance to compete for touches with veterans Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle in a backfield that could shake out to be a pure committee. He could be on the fantasy radar in deep leagues, but he will likely go undrafted in most standard-sized 12-team setups. With Jonathon Brooks (knee) out for the season, Etienne should be monitored as a rookie as a potential late-season waiver-wire add.