Tank Bigsby  |  Auburn 6’0” 214 lbs.  |  08/30/2001 (21)

Tank Bigsby was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, becoming the seventh Running Back and 88th overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Bigsby put together a consistent three-year college career at Auburn. Originally, a four-star recruit out of Hogansville, GA, Bigsby took over the starting running back role right away during his freshman season. He averaged six yards per carry and accumulated 918 scrimmage yards on 149 opportunities. Although he posted higher numbers his sophomore season, his yards per carry average dropped down to 4.9. But he was much more involved in the passing game, as he hauled in 21 receptions for 184 yards. This past season, Bigsby increased his yards per carry to 5.4 and hauled in a career-high 30 passes. Although he became a household name during his sophomore and junior seasons, his two college awards came in 2020 as a freshman. He earned Second Team All-SEC and SEC Freshman of the Year. 

FILM 

STRENGTHS

One of the best pure inside runners in this draft class. He’s able to avoid arm tackles at a consistent rate. Makes sharp jump-cuts and makes instinctive decisions to attack holes when they open up. Has an ideal running back frame and is willing to drive his legs hard in short-yardage situations. Can be a forceful back when called upon. 

WEAKNESSES 

Lacks the straight-line speed to outrun the defense in the open field. Doesn’t provide a ton of value as a third-dow back, as he’s not a great pass-catcher. Tends to try to make a play too often by bouncing outside when the opportunity isn’t there. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

At the NFL Combine, Bigsby measured in at 6’0” and 210 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 28.5. He ran a  4.56 40-yard dash, equating to a 97.1-speed score. Both figures landed him in the 54th percentile or higher. Bigsby also displayed a 114.8 burst score (30th percentile) and a college dominator score of 10.9 percent (10th percentile). 

Bigsby shows elite strength, as his 21 reps on the bench press were tied for the second-most with Evan Hull behind only Chase Brown (25). He showcased solid leaping abilities with a 32.5” vertical and a 119” broad jump. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Good

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Average

Bigsby was selected with the 88th-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Jaguars. 

Travis Etienne is clearly the RB1 for this team, but the depth behind him (Jamycal Hasty, D’Ernest Johnson, Snoop Conner) is a bit lackluster. Bigsby can become a great complimentary player, as Etienne lacks the power and size that Bigsby possesses. It may be an uphill battle, but Bigsby could carve out a prominent role in this offense. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

With the plethora of skilled players drafted ahead of him, Bigsby could become a mid-to-late second-round pick in your rookie drafts “at best.” On the safe side, he’s more of a third-round selection, as Etienne will handle most of the receiving work for the Jaguars out of the backfield. Bigsby becomes that “thumper” type of back for Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville, which may not lead to much fantasy value early on in his career. Zach Charbonnet, Devon Achane, and Kendre Miller should be selected ahead of him in your rookie drafts. 

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