After a tense wait that stretched longer than he hoped, former Virginia Tech standout Bhayshul Tuten finally had his name called at the 2025 NFL Draft. On Saturday afternoon, the Jacksonville Jaguars secured the dynamic running back with the second pick in the fourth round, marking a huge win for the team.
If there was one player whose draft stock skyrocketed in the months leading up to the draft, it was Tuten. His performance at the NFL Combine turned heads, as his impressive 40-yard dash time and strong workouts placed him firmly on the radar of NFL teams. Tuten further elevated his status with an outstanding showing at the Senior Bowl in January, where he proved his skills against top-tier competition.
After transferring from North Carolina A&T to Virginia Tech, Tuten quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the Hokies’ backfield. In 2023, he rushed for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns, but it was his performance in 2024 that truly put him on the map. Despite playing through an ankle injury in the second half of the season, Tuten amassed 1,153 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing his resilience and playmaking ability.
Now, Tuten has found a new home in Jacksonville, where he will team up with young quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the AFC South. He’ll also join a high-powered offense that made waves in the draft, with the Jaguars trading up to select former Colorado star and Heisman winner Travis Hunter No. 2 overall. Tuten will have a chance to learn from the best as the Jaguars continue to build a promising future.
Known for his breakaway speed and ability to evade defenders once he hits the second level, Tuten is a true playmaker. His ability to make big plays in the open field will be a valuable asset to Jacksonville’s offense. However, like many running backs, Tuten will need to refine his ball security, an area that has been a point of concern for Jaguars’ backs in recent years.