Georgia’s star running back, Trevor Etienne, is the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars star Travis Etienne. Trevor amassed 2,081 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns over three SEC seasons, including 609 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024 despite a rib injury and a one-game suspension. At 5’9”, 198 pounds, his 4.42-second 40-yard dash, impeccable vision, and reliable hands make him one of the most promising players in the Draft.
Projected as a mid-to-late Day 3 pick due to his undersized frame and lack of bell-cow experience, here are five potential landing spots for Etienne in the 2025 NFL Draft.
1) Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings face uncertainty with Aaron Jones’ free agency and need a young back to complement Cam Akers. Vikings Wire’s Tyler Forness projects Etienne to Minnesota at No. 135, citing his “dual-threat ability” and fit in Kevin O’Connell’s zone-heavy scheme.
Etienne’s 4.42 speed and 32 receptions in 2024 align with O’Connell’s use of backs in the passing game, like Dalvin Cook. Etienne’s 10’4” broad jump and 35-inch vertical can exploit gaps, making him a potential RB2 with special teams value on kick returns.
2) New England Patriots
New England is reportedly seeking a “good, young runner” to pair with Rhamondre Stevenson, according to coach Mike Vrabel. Pats Pulpit’s Brian Hines projected Etienne to the Patriots at No. 143.
Etienne’s 98.4% catch rate and 432 career receiving yards fit Alex Van Pelt’s offense, which leans on checkdowns to backs. His 4.34 short shuttle and pass-protection instincts could see him contribute early as a third-down back, potentially replacing Antonio Gibson.
3) Miami Dolphins
Miami’s backfield, led by De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright, needs a replacement for aging Raheem Mostert. Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings projects Etienne to the Dolphins at No. 146, praising his fit in Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
Etienne’s 4.42 speed and lateral agility (7.20 three-cone) mirror Achane’s profile, and his 62 receptions offer further versatility. Miami’s top-10 run game (2,109 yards) could leverage Etienne’s 9.8 yards per catch to stretch defenses.
4) Dallas Cowboys
Dallas’ backfield collapsed in 2024, with Ezekiel Elliott averaging 3.5 yards per carry and Rico Dowdle hitting free agency. Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline projects Etienne to the Cowboys at No. 150, calling him a “cost-effective” solution if they miss Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.
Etienne’s 5.61 career yards per carry and elusiveness (46 forced missed tackles in 2024) suit Mike McCarthy’s zone schemes. With CeeDee Lamb demanding targets, Etienne’s receiving talent, with stats like 32 catches for 194 yards, offers a safety valve for Dak Prescott.
5) Denver Broncos
Denver’s run game sputtered in 2024, with Javonte Williams averaging 4.0 yards per carry. Experts projected Etienne to the Broncos at No. 163, noting his fit with Sean Payton’s creative play-calling.
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Etienne’s decisiveness and 6.95 Relative Athletic Score complement Bo Nix’s RPO-heavy offense, where backs like Alvin Kamara thrived under Payton. His 29 1/4-inch arm length aids in pass protection, and his 432 receiving yards make him a checkdown threat. He could help Williams and McLaughlin, as well as a new young talent with more to-be-unlocked potential, to a backfield that ranked 22nd in rushing yards (1,672).
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