Jets: please draft Brian Leonard!

[gmay8]

I am a huge Jets fan, and a Huge rutgers fan. I would love to see the Jets draft brian leonard in the 3rd round, and keep him in jersey. I also think he'd be a great fit for the jets, as a 3rd down back/short yardage type back. He can block very well, has great hands, and runs the ball hard. I'd much rather have him in the backfield then BJ Askew or someone like that. He reminds me of like richie anderson in a way, i'd love to see him in the Green and White.

[JetsIn2004]

My god, if we draft him in the 6th round it would be a reach in my opinion. I don't care what the draft experts say... I don't think he's worthy of anything but a 7th round selection. That's my opinion, flame me if you wish. Just because a draft expert thinks he's worth it doesn't mean he is for OUR team.

[Section 227, Row 5]

My god, if we draft him in the 6th round it would be a reach in my opinion. That's my opinion, flame me if you wish. Just because a draft expert thinks he's worth it doesn't mean he is for OUR team.

That's no way to be talking to Leonard's mom!

[3rdAnd15Draw]

Well, at least it's not a draft Brady Quinn topic.

[Richiebsweet]

The JETS do need a true fullback and that is exactly what Brian Leonard is. We should draft him if he is there in the third round when our pick comes up.

[jetsfan119]

I wouldnt pick him untill atleast the 5th round. A FB in this offense isnt worthy of a pick in the 3rd round. Lets not let our emotions get the better of us.

[jaywade]

Kiper said that he is a 2nd round pick because of his H- back ability. he said that he could line up a FB RB TE and can be used in the slot in a 4 wide spread. He compared him to Frank whycheck. I would love to se him on this team but I dont know if he is worth a second round pick. If he has a great combine I think that is what would be needed to get him.

[xxedge72x]

We need a Lorenzo Neal type, someone who's going to run through the line and absolutely dominate a linebacker or safety.

[jaywade]

We need a Lorenzo Neal type, someone who's going to run through the line and absolutely dominate a linebacker or safety.

From what I have seen from him he has that ability as well. He has opened up huge holes for Rice. He looks like a great blocker to me.

[dabrowsk1]

I wouldnt pick him untill atleast the 5th round. A FB in this offense isnt worthy of a pick in the 3rd round. Lets not let our emotions get the better of us.

This team desperately needs a blocking FB, but maybe that is why they drafed Posciak (sp?). But that is one of the positions that is hurting the run game, Askew can't block worth a crap. I wouldn't mind using a 4th rounder on a FB, but a 2nd or 3rd might be too much.

[silent scream]

Brian Leonard can do just about anything you ask of him whether it's H-back or fullback. Hell, he would be a better RB than anyone we currently have.

I'd rather use a 3rd rounder on him than a slow ass LB. He'll be gone by mid 2nd round though.

[thegoldengod]

i think something that could really help our running game is drafting....a running back
i think this guy has alot going for him in that he can contribute at RB/FB/TE/ST and that is why i wouldnt complete dismiss it, but i think we have bigger needs
this is all speculation b/c we have to wait for free agency...and then the draft

[baamf]

In the Whispers section of this weeks Jets Confidential they state how the Jets brass is very high on Leonard and have been scouting him closely. After extolling his virtues they finish by saying "Don't be surprised if the Jets use one of their 2nd round picks on this guy"....

[BrowningNagle]

Leonard is perfect for the Jets. He's a very versitile type player, that could play fullback, H-back, tight end, even running back a little on offense. He also would be a great special teams player, plus he's a playmaker. I'm hopin we grab him up in April!

[All Star]

I would love to see him on the Jets

[Jetfanmack]

Brian Leonard here is a possibility, certainly. His versatility is amazing. He's a Mangini/New England kind of player, but the question is: is his value as a jack-of-all-trades as high as it would be for one of our main needs.

[MDBigDog]

Brian Leonard here is a possibility, certainly. His versatility is amazing. He's a Mangini/New England kind of player, but the question is: is his value as a jack-of-all-trades as high as it would be for one of our main needs.

I think the key is that he is the exact type of player Mangini wants. He was the main rusher a year ago at Rutgers but this season took a back seat to Rice without a peep and did whatever was needed of him. His a team first guy who is a great blocker, had great hands and can also get tough yards. He could easily be our #1 FB and replace the need for a "big back" like Barlow.

Granted I'm a little biases as I'm a Rutgers grad but he'd be a very good pick up and could also be a compliment to Baker as a situation TE.

[Rambo13]

The JETS do need a true fullback and that is exactly what Brian Leonard is. We should draft him if he is there in the third round when our pick comes up.



How on Earth is Brian Leonard a true fullback?

[Mr Electric]

If we drafted him...he'd be used at tight end alot.

[-MC-]

My god, if we draft him in the 6th round it would be a reach in my opinion. I don't care what the draft experts say... I don't think he's worthy of anything but a 7th round selection. That's my opinion, flame me if you wish. Just because a draft expert thinks he's worth it doesn't mean he is for OUR team.

under your name it says Most Knowledgeable Poster, so i assume your worth your opinion.

but i dont know how 2 people could think so differently. talent wise, character wise, and hard working wise brian leonard is one of the top talents in this draft. but thats only my opinion.

[Phyr]

Brian Leonard here is a possibility, certainly. His versatility is amazing. He's a Mangini/New England kind of player, but the question is: is his value as a jack-of-all-trades as high as it would be for one of our main needs.

Just look at how many H-back/TE/FBs we went through this season.

[Rambo13]

under your name it says Most Knowledgeable Poster, so i assume your worth your opinion.

but i dont know how 2 people could think so differently. talent wise, character wise, and hard working wise brian leonard is one of the top talents in this draft. but thats only my opinion.

I don't think he is necessarily saying he is a bad player, just not worthy of a high pick due to his position.

[Nesquik]

I would only draft Leonard in the 3rd round i feel we would still need a more talented rb than Washington and Leonard in the backfield.

[SOWELLisGOD]

everyone sucks off brian leonard...we hardly use the fullback, hence us not resigning the greatest fullback of all-time jerald sowell...i'm sick of every rutgers fan (which all of a sudden there millions of, no bandwagon at all i promise) saying "draft leonard! he is the greatest! 1st round pick! blah blah blah"

[SOWELLisGOD]

I don't think he is necessarily saying he is a bad player, just not worthy of a high pick due to his position.

precisely...

[DariusVassell]

He's still pretty versatile but is he that much better than B.J.Askew

[PRPitbull]

He's still pretty versatile but is he that much better than B.J.Askew

hes 1000x times better. Brian Leonard is the Reggie Bush of FBs.

Also to those who are so opposed to drafting Leonard in the 2nd, who do you want to draft in the 2nd. I dont think we need to go defense with our first 3 picks(1st and 2 2nds). I think we can afford to go defense with 2 of the 3 and Leonard with one fo the 2nds. We drafted 2 special teamers in the 3rd last yr, i think we can use a 2nd on Leonard. I like the idea of having Brad Smith and Leonard in the huddle and confusing the shit out of defenses.

[dabrowsk1]

He's still pretty versatile but is he that much better than B.J.Askew

It doesn't take much to be better than Askew. The Jets need a pure blocking FB, being able to catch is not a requirement (although it would be nice). If you don't think a blocking is important, take a loot at what Alexander (Seattle) thinks of his FB. Whether the FO wants to spend a high pick on the position, or if Leonard fills this role, is another story. But, IMO, it is a need.

[GeorgeCoztanza]

It will depend on how high he will go and what the Jets need on Draft day. I will say, though, that he does seem to fit the Mangini mold. He's an intelligent, versatile character guy who does little things right.

[GreyhoundJet]

I think Leonard may be getting a little overrated here for being on Rutgers. Before being jumped on by people I know he is a good player but we have many more important needs than FB. Especially as high as the second round. I would say the more pressing needs are CB, Depth at LB and DL and OL, and maybe a midtear or top tear running back. I would rather have good depth at those spots than a FB in the second round. Just look at the Giants this year. Their whole team is injured and they need to use their backups. We have gotten really lucky this year with no injuries but we need to prepare for them in the future if we want to be a good team

[jetmike]

Brian Leonard will be a Jet. The jets will draft him in the second round. I think it will be a lock. He is a Mangini guy. Great player great pick in 2007.

[Sean Ryan]

Leonard is not a true full back.. whoever said that is an idiot. He was the half back before Rice came along.

Also you have the better chance seeing the Jets draft the baby Jesus to play DE in the 2nd round. Brian Leonard is not going to the Jets in the 2nd round. Period.

[Rambo13]

hes 1000x times better. Brian Leonard is the Reggie Bush of FBs.

Also to those who are so opposed to drafting Leonard in the 2nd, who do you want to draft in the 2nd. I dont think we need to go defense with our first 3 picks(1st and 2 2nds). I think we can afford to go defense with 2 of the 3 and Leonard with one fo the 2nds. We drafted 2 special teamers in the 3rd last yr, i think we can use a 2nd on Leonard. I like the idea of having Brad Smith and Leonard in the huddle and confusing the shit out of defenses.

It is far too early to project who will be available where, but the positions I would want the Jets to look at (drafting Best Available) on the first day are:
OLB, DE, NT, RB, WR/TE (big guy), OG, CB

..in no particular order.

[GreyhoundJet]

Leonard is not a true full back.. whoever said that is an idiot. He was the half back before Rice came along.

Also you have the better chance seeing the Jets draft the baby Jesus to play DE in the 2nd round. Brian Leonard is not going to the Jets in the 2nd round. Period.

The fact that he can be replaced at the college level means he is not a good running back. Sure he can be a flex player but how many flex players do you need. We already have Brad Smith who can seem to do everything. I would much rather get a blocking fullback that will help our running backs... I just don't think Leonard would make a difference here as much as depth on defense and o-line would. If you want to be a good-great team, which is where we hope to go, you need to compensate for injuries. Also, I think we are overrating Leonard a little bit being from the NJ area and watching Rutgers go on their unbelievable run.

[ThunderbirdJet]

Leonard is not a true full back.. whoever said that is an idiot. He was the half back before Rice came along.

Also you have the better chance seeing the Jets draft the baby Jesus to play DE in the 2nd round. Brian Leonard is not going to the Jets in the 2nd round. Period.

No need to call anyone an idiot in this thread. Chill. No, I'm not a mod, but being respectable and polite is still my preferred modus operendi. You are being well... rude. What's wrong with a civil discussion?

I think Leonard being a local kid is a bit over hyped. He might turn into a Mike Alstott, or a Brian Finn, which aint too bad, but not worth a second rounder I don't think. FB's are the classic late round find. Drafting him would be more good PR than a solid draft pick as far as the first day picks go.

[Sean Ryan]

The fact that he can be replaced at the college level means he is not a good running back.

very good point

[MikeSLTJ23]

The fact that he can be replaced at the college level means he is not a good running back. Sure he can be a flex player but how many flex players do you need. We already have Brad Smith who can seem to do everything. I would much rather get a blocking fullback that will help our running backs... I just don't think Leonard would make a difference here as much as depth on defense and o-line would. If you want to be a good-great team, which is where we hope to go, you need to compensate for injuries. Also, I think we are overrating Leonard a little bit being from the NJ area and watching Rutgers go on their unbelievable run.

He was replaced by a Heisman candidate. You can't seriously hold that against him.

I also don't understand how you can have a problem with a flex player that can do everything very well. He's a very good runner, a very good receiver, and a very good blocker. Just because he's good at the first two doesn't mean he can't do the last one. That's like saying you'd rather have a one-dimensional receiver than a jack of all trades (which pathetically enough, is something I have read on this site in the past).

I'm fine with your opinion on his impact on this team. I'm not sure if we really need him. But he would certainly be an upgrade at FB at every aspect of the position. The only question is how effective would the coaching staff make him. His talents are definitely there, however (despite losing the starting RB job).

[Coach K]

He was replaced by a Heisman candidate. You can't seriously hold that against him.

I also don't understand how you can have a problem with a flex player that can do everything very well. He's a very good runner, a very good receiver, and a very good blocker. Just because he's good at the first two doesn't mean he can't do the last one. That's like saying you'd rather have a one-dimensional receiver than a jack of all trades (which pathetically enough, is something I have read on this site in the past).

I'm fine with your opinion on his impact on this team. I'm not sure if we really need him. But he would certainly be an upgrade at FB at every aspect of the position. The only question is how effective would the coaching staff make him. His talents are definitely there, however (despite losing the starting RB job).

this offense doesnt use the FB. Maybe cause theyre not impressed with who's on the roster. But our coordinator comes from SD. Neal was just a blocker there. We dont use the FB in the passing game because he stays in for pass pro while we use multiple WR sets and motion to create open passing lanes.

I'm not drafting a tweener RB/FB who wont be utilized in this offense. Maybe if this were the Falcons or Colts. Basically I'm saying he's going to be good wherever he goes, but if he came to NY I dont think we'd use him enough.

[Big Poppa Naich]

You guys who are saying he was "replaced" and that he is a "tweener" are dead wrong.

Early on in his career, he was the best runner on a team that had very little talent. As the talent level has improved around him, Rutgers was able to better utilize his abilities. He is one hell of a blocker, and one hell of a pass catcher, in addition to being a decent runner. He is not a tweener at all. He is a solid FB with all the abilities you could ever want in a FB.

[PRPitbull]

The fact that he can be replaced at the college level means he is not a good running back. Sure he can be a flex player but how many flex players do you need. We already have Brad Smith who can seem to do everything. I would much rather get a blocking fullback that will help our running backs... I just don't think Leonard would make a difference here as much as depth on defense and o-line would. If you want to be a good-great team, which is where we hope to go, you need to compensate for injuries. Also, I think we are overrating Leonard a little bit being from the NJ area and watching Rutgers go on their unbelievable run.

stats from the previous 3 years:

2003: 213 att for 880 yds and 9tds
53 rec for 488 yds and 5 tds

2004: 199 att for 732 yds and 7 tds
61 rec for 518 yds and 2 tds

2005: 173 att for 740 yds and 11 tds
55 rec for 568 yds and 6 tds

2006: 82 att for 379 yds and 5 tds
36 rec for 288 yds and 0 tds


wheww, those are some god awful numbers for a FB who had defenses queing on him...

oh yeah, led his team in receptions 3 out of his 4 seasons.

also, if you've seen any Rutgers games this season, you would see how much they used him as a blocker both in the running game and even more so in the passing game, but he still got around 10 touches a game.

[GreyhoundJet]

What I was saying was that if you are replaced in college you are going to have a tough time in the NFL as a RUNNING BACK. I didn't say he wouldn't have success as a full back or flex player but personally, I would rather add depth on defense.

[-MC-]

What I was saying was that if you are replaced in college you are going to have a tough time in the NFL as a RUNNING BACK. I didn't say he wouldn't have success as a full back or flex player but personally, I would rather add depth on defense.

theres alot of runningbacks who not only got replaced but never even started in college who've done good in the nfl. yes it is tough, but if the player is willing to give his all, its definitely doable.

also leonard is a very good blocker for those who say you dont want a versatile fullback. i mean why not, hes a weapon.. if hes passed on with our second second rounder, then it would be a mistake.

[PRPitbull]

What I was saying was that if you are replaced in college you are going to have a tough time in the NFL as a RUNNING BACK. I didn't say he wouldn't have success as a full back or flex player but personally, I would rather add depth on defense.

Marcus Allen spelled Bo Jackson and vice versa, i wouldnt say either one of them wasnt good enough to keep their jobs.

Brandon Jacobs backed up Ronnie Brown who backed up Cadillac Williams and all three of them look pretty damn good.

Brian Leonard was not replaced. There were HBs on the team, but Leonard as a FB was better than the starting HBs. The other HBs got their touches, but none were as good as Leonard. Along comes Ray Rice, whos a monster. What are they suppose to do, not use Ray Rice. All they did was add another dimension to their offense and Leonard shouldnt be faulted because he didnt bitch and moan and demand more touches. In his smaller role, he EXCELLED. Did the same thing as in previous seasons but showed he was a great pass blocker and run blocker. I can understand if Brian Leonard wasnt as productive, but his averages per carry and catch have stayed the same.

And one more thing, if Brian Leonard put up numbers similar to his previous 3 seasons this year, would that have changed your mind? Would you have been for drafting Leonard? I highly doubt it, so dont say because Ray Rice came along hes not good enough or wont transition. Thats just a bs reason.

[Jonathan_Vilma]

Marcus Allen spelled Bo Jackson and vice versa, i wouldnt say either one of them wasnt good enough to keep their jobs.

Brandon Jacobs backed up Ronnie Brown who backed up Cadillac Williams and all three of them look pretty damn good.

Brian Leonard was not replaced. There were HBs on the team, but Leonard as a FB was better than the starting HBs. The other HBs got their touches, but none were as good as Leonard. Along comes Ray Rice, whos a monster. What are they suppose to do, not use Ray Rice. All they did was add another dimension to their offense and Leonard shouldnt be faulted because he didnt bitch and moan and demand more touches. In his smaller role, he EXCELLED. Did the same thing as in previous seasons but showed he was a great pass blocker and run blocker. I can understand if Brian Leonard wasnt as productive, but his averages per carry and catch have stayed the same.

And one more thing, if Brian Leonard put up numbers similar to his previous 3 seasons this year, would that have changed your mind? Would you have been for drafting Leonard? I highly doubt it, so dont say because Ray Rice came along hes not good enough or wont transition. Thats just a bs reason.
Well to be honest, Ronnie Brown and Brandon Jacobs both pussyfoot their way into holes and both seem to dance way too much for big power backs.

I like Leonard, but he's such a good blocker, that we don't need him to be our feature tailback. Let him block and take carries from fullback, with Houston getting the bulk of them, and Washington in third down situations.

[PRPitbull]

Well to be honest, Ronnie Brown and Brandon Jacobs both pussyfoot their way into holes and both seem to dance way too much for big power backs.

I was trying to make the point that all because youre not the feature back doesnt mean your talentless. Im not comparing them to Brian Leonard.

[GreyhoundJet]

Marcus Allen spelled Bo Jackson and vice versa, i wouldnt say either one of them wasnt good enough to keep their jobs.

Brandon Jacobs backed up Ronnie Brown who backed up Cadillac Williams and all three of them look pretty damn good.

Brian Leonard was not replaced. There were HBs on the team, but Leonard as a FB was better than the starting HBs. The other HBs got their touches, but none were as good as Leonard. Along comes Ray Rice, whos a monster. What are they suppose to do, not use Ray Rice. All they did was add another dimension to their offense and Leonard shouldnt be faulted because he didnt bitch and moan and demand more touches. In his smaller role, he EXCELLED. Did the same thing as in previous seasons but showed he was a great pass blocker and run blocker. I can understand if Brian Leonard wasnt as productive, but his averages per carry and catch have stayed the same.

And one more thing, if Brian Leonard put up numbers similar to his previous 3 seasons this year, would that have changed your mind? Would you have been for drafting Leonard? I highly doubt it, so dont say because Ray Rice came along hes not good enough or wont transition. Thats just a bs reason.

First thing I would have been against drafting a FB or flex player or whatever else you want to call him all together in the second round of this next draft. Do you realize how many players are drafted each year into the NFL... 224... which doesn't include the undrafted signnings and the cuts of late round picks. Although being replaced at the college level doesn't mean you are going to be a bad NFL player it does show what type of player you are. 2nd round picks that are going to be good running backs in the NFL usually aren't replaced in college, no matter what the competition. I know you named an example but that is more of an exception. Maybe I am wrong but I don't think he is the player we should be drafting. Who knows if he will be an effective player in the NFL? I don't, you don't... its just a difference of opinion on the direction this team should go...

[Green Hurricane]

First thing I would have been against drafting a FB or flex player or whatever else you want to call him all together in the second round of this next draft. Do you realize how many players are drafted each year into the NFL... 224... which doesn't include the undrafted signnings and the cuts of late round picks. Although being replaced at the college level doesn't mean you are going to be a bad NFL player it does show what type of player you are. 2nd round picks that are going to be good running backs in the NFL usually aren't replaced in college, no matter what the competition. I know you named an example but that is more of an exception. Maybe I am wrong but I don't think he is the player we should be drafting. Who knows if he will be an effective player in the NFL? I don't, you don't... its just a difference of opinion on the direction this team should go...

You honestly must not know anything about Leonard or his situation if you seriously think he got "replaced" at Rutgers. He is now at Fullback because having he and Ray Rice in the backfield at the same time gives the Scarlet Knights the best chance to win, week in, week out. Plus, without any returning fullback with experience besides him, why would they even consider using him in any other way? You have a guy who plays lights out at both RB and FB, and another kid who's already become a Heisman finalist as a sophomore; I don't know what kind of football you watch, but I'd prefer to see them used to the best of their abilities.

[GreyhoundJet]

Somehow I got drawn into this conversation about how good Leonard is when I really didn't mean to. My original post said that I don't think we should draft him and I stand behind that.

I'll admit that I am a Rutgers bandwagon fan this year and have only really watched the ending games. I really don't know too much about Leonard than what I have seen. I never really saw or remember seeing him as a running back. Anyway, my only main point was that I don't want to use a second round pick to draft him. If we were too use a later pick I wouldb e all for it but not a second rounder

[PRPitbull]

First thing I would have been against drafting a FB or flex player or whatever else you want to call him all together in the second round of this next draft. Do you realize how many players are drafted each year into the NFL... 224... which doesn't include the undrafted signnings and the cuts of late round picks. Although being replaced at the college level doesn't mean you are going to be a bad NFL player it does show what type of player you are. 2nd round picks that are going to be good running backs in the NFL usually aren't replaced in college, no matter what the competition. I know you named an example but that is more of an exception. Maybe I am wrong but I don't think he is the player we should be drafting. Who knows if he will be an effective player in the NFL? I don't, you don't... its just a difference of opinion on the direction this team should go...

Priest Holmes backed up Ricky Williams in College and Jamal Lewis in the NFL.

[Cakes]

You honestly must not know anything about Leonard or his situation if you seriously think he got "replaced" at Rutgers.

He received erroneous information from this site's supposed most knowledgable member.