Jets Offseason Preview - RBs - Cimini
Feb 9, 2015 11:13:48 GMT -5
Bing© in Buffalo Chairman likes this
Post by jetstream23 on Feb 9, 2015 11:13:48 GMT -5
espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/49085/jets-offseason-preview-running-backs
For the first time in a while I could see the Jets using a relatively high draft pick on a young RB. Not only is CJ expected to be gone, but Ivory is heading into his final season under contract and as a violent runner injuries have always been a concern with him.
I wouldn't mind a scenario in which the Jets trade back from #6 into the late teens or 20's (let the trade speculation with the Eagles commence!) and take a guy like Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley, while picking up another 2nd and 3rd round pick.
With the NFL scouting combine (Feb. 17-23) and free agency (March 10) approaching, we take a position-by-position look at the New York Jets as they head into the offseason:
Position: Running back
2014 snaps:
Chris Ivory: 42 percent
Chris Johnson: 37 percent
Bilal Powell: 22 percent
John Conner: 14 percent
Tommy Bohanon: 5 percent
Key stat: Surprisingly, Johnson's average per carry (1.98) against a "loaded" box was slightly higher than Ivory's average (1.77). A loaded box is defined as more defenders than blockers.
Pending free agents: Powell (unrestricted), Conner (unrestricted)
2015 cap hits (position rank):
Johnson: $5.25 million (No. 10)
Ivory: $2.75 million (No. 21)
Bohanon: $600,562
Daryl Richardson: $585,000
Money matters: Johnson's days could be numbered. He's due a $500,000 option bonus by Feb. 16, which triggers the final year of his contract. It would be a surprise if the Jets keep the 29-year-old Johnson, who is coming off a pedestrian season. They can save $3.5 million (his 2015 base salary) by releasing him. Ivory is heading into the final year of his deal, so they need to put a player in place that can be groomed for a prominent role in 2016.
Big picture: The Jets will be in the market for a dynamic back to pair with their resident thumper, Ivory. If new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey installs a spread offense, the system he ran in his last coaching job (Buffalo Bills), it'll put a premium on running back who can play in space and catch the ball. That could mean a smaller role for Ivory. Johnson was supposed to be a "space" player last season, but he never became the home-run threat they envisioned. They need a legitimate pass-catcher. The Jets' backs combined for only 431 receiving yards last season, 29th in the league. Powell is a steady player, but offers little explosiveness. The ideal fit would be the Bills' C.J. Spiller, a free agent who enjoyed his best year under Gailey.
Free-agent market watch: Justin Forsett, Frank Gore, Mark Ingram, Darren McFadden, Ryan Mathews, Knowshon Moreno, DeMarco Murray, Spiller, Shane Vereen.
Position: Running back
2014 snaps:
Chris Ivory: 42 percent
Chris Johnson: 37 percent
Bilal Powell: 22 percent
John Conner: 14 percent
Tommy Bohanon: 5 percent
Key stat: Surprisingly, Johnson's average per carry (1.98) against a "loaded" box was slightly higher than Ivory's average (1.77). A loaded box is defined as more defenders than blockers.
Pending free agents: Powell (unrestricted), Conner (unrestricted)
2015 cap hits (position rank):
Johnson: $5.25 million (No. 10)
Ivory: $2.75 million (No. 21)
Bohanon: $600,562
Daryl Richardson: $585,000
Money matters: Johnson's days could be numbered. He's due a $500,000 option bonus by Feb. 16, which triggers the final year of his contract. It would be a surprise if the Jets keep the 29-year-old Johnson, who is coming off a pedestrian season. They can save $3.5 million (his 2015 base salary) by releasing him. Ivory is heading into the final year of his deal, so they need to put a player in place that can be groomed for a prominent role in 2016.
Big picture: The Jets will be in the market for a dynamic back to pair with their resident thumper, Ivory. If new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey installs a spread offense, the system he ran in his last coaching job (Buffalo Bills), it'll put a premium on running back who can play in space and catch the ball. That could mean a smaller role for Ivory. Johnson was supposed to be a "space" player last season, but he never became the home-run threat they envisioned. They need a legitimate pass-catcher. The Jets' backs combined for only 431 receiving yards last season, 29th in the league. Powell is a steady player, but offers little explosiveness. The ideal fit would be the Bills' C.J. Spiller, a free agent who enjoyed his best year under Gailey.
Free-agent market watch: Justin Forsett, Frank Gore, Mark Ingram, Darren McFadden, Ryan Mathews, Knowshon Moreno, DeMarco Murray, Spiller, Shane Vereen.
For the first time in a while I could see the Jets using a relatively high draft pick on a young RB. Not only is CJ expected to be gone, but Ivory is heading into his final season under contract and as a violent runner injuries have always been a concern with him.
I wouldn't mind a scenario in which the Jets trade back from #6 into the late teens or 20's (let the trade speculation with the Eagles commence!) and take a guy like Melvin Gordon or Todd Gurley, while picking up another 2nd and 3rd round pick.
)Almost looks like a "Kelly" thread...humm... Coincidence? 
