Jaguars’ Urban Meyer reveals player selection that ‘broke our heart’ in 2021 NFL Draft
Urban Meyer felt heartbreak over NFL Draft weekend.
The Jaguars selected Clemson running back Travis Etienne at No. 25 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, leading some scalps to be scratched and questions asked over what exactly Etienne’s role will be in the offense.
Urban says he sees J-Rob, Carlos Hyde as the 1-2 punch, Etienne as a third-down back.
“We wanna be Top-8 in the league… and with James Robinson, Hyde and Etienne, we think we’re there” #Jaguars
— Mia O’Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) April 30, 2021
As it turns out, Etienne may not have been target No. 1 for Jacksonville. Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer had one player specifically targeted for pick No. 25, Florida wideout Kadarius Toney, who went five spots earlier to the Giants at No. 20.
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In fact, Meyer said the fact that Toney was taken left a mark on the franchise, saying it “broke our heart” that he wasn’t available.
On Thursday, Urban Meyer said on the ESPN Draft broadcast that a player was taken before their selection at 25 that “broke our heart” to not be able to pick.
Today, he revealed that player was new Giants WR Kadarius Toney. Such a dynamic player.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 1, 2021
Toney was one of the top-ranked wide receivers in the 2021 draft, with his speed and agility as plus marks among receivers selected this year. He’s added to a wide receiver room that features Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton.
“You watch him play, he’s a human highlight reel,” Meyer said, via USA Today.
There was little doubt as to who the Jags would take No. 1 overall — it turned out to be Trevor Lawrence — and reuniting him with his running mate while with Clemson should offer some relief as he transitions to the pros.
Still, Meyer will be left wondering what could have been.