Summary

Bhayshul Tuten was selected in the 4th Round (#104 Overall) of the 2025 Draft out of Virginia Tech. As a sophomore at North Carolina A&T, he rushed for 1,363 yards and 13 touchdowns and earned All-Big South honors. After transferring to Virginia Tech, he started all games in 2023 (863 rushing yards and 10 TDs) and had a breakout 2024 season with 1,159 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors in both seasons. Tuten finished his college career with 3,600+ rushing yards and 41 rushing TDs while also contributing as a receiver and kick returner. He ran an elite 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine (fastest among RBs) and showed excellent explosion and athletic testing. Off the field, he is known as a quiet, hard-working competitor who earned praise for his physical running style and big-play ability.

Strengths

• Explosive Speed & Acceleration: Tuten posted a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the fastest time among running backs, showing rare straight-line speed and burst.

• Big-Play Home Run Ability: His collegiate career featured multiple long runs (including a 266-yard performance in 2024) and consistent chunk gains; he averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2024. Tuten improved significantly year-to-year (from FCS to ACC), suggesting a strong growth trajectory and expanding skill set.

• Power, Grit & Contact Balance: Despite his compact size, Tuten consistently falls forward through first contact and runs with leverage and leg drive between the tackles. He combines a low center of gravity with powerful leg drive which helps in yards after contact and between the tackles running.

• Versatility (Pass Catching & Special Teams): He added receiving production and return ability in college, showing hands and willingness to contribute in multiple phases.

Weaknesses

• Size and frame limitations for every‑down workhorse role: At 5′9″ and ~209 lbs, Tuten lacks the size that many teams prefer for a full‑time lead back, especially for high‑volume rushing with lots of contact. While his output in college was strong, durability under heavier workloads and maintaining effectiveness over a long pro season remain to be proven given his size and the demands of the NFL.

• Pass‑protection and blocking: Tuten is willing to pick up blitzers in pass protection but doesn’t have the polish or technique of teammate LeQuint Allen Jr., relegating him to inept on 3rd down passing plays.

• Route‑running & receiving nuance: Although he made some receiving contributions in college (for example 27 catches in 2023) his receiving profile was not elite; to maximize his value he may need to improve as a receiver and pass‑catch back.

• Ball security issues: Tuten put the ball on the ground at an alarming rate at Virginia Tech and actually fumbled his first preseason snap with the Jaguars. While these fumbling issues haven’t manifested at an alarming clip in his professional career, it is something to monitor, especially in inclement weather.

Outlook

Tuten projects as a high-upside running back with the potential to be an explosive hoem run hitter in the Jaguars’ offense. His elite straight-line speed and breakaway ability make him ideal for schemes that emphasize outside zone runs, stretch plays, and screen opportunities where he can use his burst and contact balance to maximize yardage. He also adds value as a returner on special teams, giving coaches multiple ways to get him on the field. Looking ahead, his outlook is cautiously optimistic with breakout potential. If he can improve ball security, refine his vision between the tackles, and prove reliable in pass protection, he could emerge as a feature back in a timeshare or even a lead role. However, until he demonstrates those refinements consistently, he may begin as a complementary back or rotational weapon behind more established starters. With continued development and opportunity, Tuten has the tools to evolve into a dynamic three-down back and home-run threat in the NFL.