Sports

Former sixth-round pick predicted to become a star with the Jacksonville Jaguars

Gridiron Heroics · Jul 22, 2026 10:10 · 3 min read

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (36) rushes the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Chris Rodriguez and the Jacksonville Jaguars could become one of the NFL’s most surprising success stories entering the 2026 season after a bold prediction suggested the former sixth-round draft pick is ready to emerge as a star. The projection places the spotlight on a running back who has steadily worked his way through the league and now has an ...

Rodriguez has never followed the traditional path of a highly touted prospect. Selected late in the draft, he entered the NFL with far less attention than many of his peers, forcing him to earn every opportunity through consistent effort and dependable performances. That underdog mentality has remained one of his defining traits as he continues to establish himself as a reliable contributor.

One of Rodriguez’s greatest strengths is his physical running style. He consistently finishes runs with authority, welcomes contact and has demonstrated the ability to gain difficult yards between the tackles. His combination of vision, balance and determination makes him an effective option in short-yardage situations while also allowing him to sustain drives by generating positive yardage after initial contact.

The Jaguars’ offensive system could provide the ideal environment for Rodriguez to take another step in his development. A productive running game would help create balance throughout the offense while easing pressure on the passing attack. If Rodriguez earns a larger share of the workload, his ability to control the tempo and wear down opposing defenses could become an important element of Jacksonville’s offensive identity.

NFL Analysis Projects Chris Rodriguez to Become a Star With the Jacksonville Jaguars

Rodriguez is predicted to emerge as a star for Jacksonville for the 2026 NFL season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Brad Gagnon for Bleacher Report.

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen appears to have sought out Rodriguez this offseason, and it’s possible that factored into the team letting Travis Etienne Jr. get away in free agency.

Bhayshul Tuten remains in the mix on the RB depth chart, and they did also add veteran Ameer Abdullah to a somewhat crowded backfield.

But Rodriguez has been generating buzz throughout his first offseason with his former coach at Kentucky after quietly averaging a strong 4.6 yards per carry in Washington and scoring seven touchdowns in 2025.

The gently-used 25-year-old with 3.0 yards per carry after contact last season, which is a sign he could be on the verge of a breakout campaign with a larger workload in Florida.

That could start with a killer August as Rodriguez returns from a foot injury and easily wins the competition for the RB1 job in camp and the preseason.

The prediction also reflects growing confidence that Rodriguez is capable of exceeding expectations. Players selected outside the early rounds often face long odds to become featured starters, but the NFL has repeatedly shown that opportunity and preparation can outweigh draft status. Rodriguez now appears positioned to prove that his value extends far beyond where he was selected.

Training camp will provide Rodriguez with an opportunity to validate the optimism surrounding his future in Jacksonville. If he continues building on his physical running style and capitalizes on expanded opportunities, the former sixth-round pick could develop into one of the league’s most compelling breakout players and a key piece of the Jaguars’ pursuit of sustained success.