Forever💰 or Never❌: When should Trevor Etienne be Drafted in the NFL Draft?🤔

His ability to break tackles, find gaps in the defense, and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield makes him a versatile asset for any NFL team. Etienne’s performance in high-pressure games, including championship games and bowl appearances, has further solidified his reputation as a reliable and explosive player. For example, in the 2024 SEC Championship Game against Texas, he had 16 carries for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a game winning touchdown run in overtime which got Georgia the bye week in the College Football Playoffs.

Etienne’s physical attributes are another key factor in his draft stock at 5’10” and 210 lbs. These attributes, combined with his vision and football IQ and exceptional lateral quickness and ability to change direction, make him a well-rounded running back capable of thriving in various offensive schemes. His lower center of gravity allows him to maintain balance through contact, and his burst of speed can turn a small opening into a significant gain. Additionally, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds a layer of unpredictability to his game, making him a dual-threat option.

But since he doesn’t have the most physical frame, his size may be a concern for some teams at the NFL level, particularly if he’s projected to be an early down back. As previously noted, Etienne split carries in each of his 3 years in college, both at Florida and last season with Nate Frazier at Georgia, so there may be concern from some teams regarding whether he could be a fulltime back in the NFL. On the other hand, having only 371 total carries over his college career also means he should have plenty of tread to take on that role. By comparison, his brother, Travis, had 686 carries over his 4-year college career and managed to get drafted 25th overall in 2021 by the Jaguars, taking on the bulk of their carries after returning from injury in 2022.

At the Combine, it’ll be interesting to see how Etienne performs in the 40-yard dash, which is a good litmus test for acceleration and breakaway speed, and the 20-yard shuttle, which is typically indicative of lateral speed and agility, making it a good test for evaluating his ability to avoid defenders at the next level.

Comparisons and Projections

Comparing Etienne to recent NFL running backs, he shares similarities with players like Alvin Kamara and Aaron Jones, who were drafted in the third and fifth rounds, respectively. Both players have become integral parts of their teams, showcasing that running backs with Etienne’s skill set can be valuable even if not selected in the first round. Kamara’s versatility and Jones’s knack for finding the end zone are traits that Etienne also possesses, suggesting he could follow a similar trajectory in the NFL. Most important maybe Etienne’s ability to operate on early downs between the tackles while also able to reliably operate on passing downs, importantly having had only one career drop in college, skills that have also contributed to success for Kamara and Jones in the NFL.

On the other hand, brother Travis, who has a similar frame at 5’10” and 210 lbs., has had some issues at the NFL level running the ball, only getting 3.7 yards per carry in 2024 and ceding the majority of carries to Tank Bigsby, who averaged 4.6 yards per carry. Travis had better success in the passing game in 2024, with 296 yards after catch, good for second most in Jacksonville only behind breakout rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., so it’s possible that Trevor may be limited to a similar fit.

Team Needs and Fit

The ideal round for drafting Etienne will also depend on team needs and draft strategies. Teams with a pressing need for a versatile running back might consider him as early as the second round in light of his potential upside. However, given the depth of talent in this year’s draft class, behind the likes of Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Dylan Sampson, TreVeyon Henderson, Cameron Skattebo, Quinshon Judkins and Kaleb Johnson, he could realistically be selected in the third through fifth round. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who essentially have to reboot at running back, and the Houston Texans, where he could be paired with Joe Mixon, could be potential landing spots for Etienne.

The Verdict: Boom-or-Bust Potential?

Trevor Etienne’s combination of college production, physical attributes, and versatility makes him a compelling prospect for the NFL Draft. While he may not be a first-round pick, his potential to make an immediate impact suggests he could be a steal in the fourth or fifth round. Teams looking for a dynamic playmaker who can contribute in multiple facets of the game should keep a close eye on Etienne as the draft unfolds.

That being said, it may be best for Etienne to start his NFL career on a team that already has a veteran back so he can be evaluated on how best to use his agility and pass catching ability without having to take on the responsibility of a bell cow back. Currently, he’s outside the consensus top 50 on NFL Draft Big Boards, with at least 4 running backs ahead of him (Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Kaleb Johnson and Quinshon Judkins). The upside is there, with his ability to adapt to different offensive schemes and his proven track record of performance under pressure likely making him a valuable asset for any team looking to enhance their backfield, but I expect teams to focus on Etienne as more of a complementary piece in their running back room, which honestly might be his best path to success in the NFL.