This position is a tricky one when talking about this offseason and the draft. We can clearly upgrade it, but with other holes such as OLB, RT, WR and Safety, can it and should it be addressed? I dont think we have the future of the RB position on the roster. Greene has proved that he is most productive as a #2; he just isn’s explosive enough to make a game changing play, gets hurt too easily and has blocks for hands. McKnight doesnt have the frame to be a #1 back and Powell has gotten little praise by the coaching staff and time on the field. Its kind of sad to look back at this year and see a stat that our longest run was 31 yards. The organization is committing to the ground game once again as shown in the hiring of Sparano. I personally think an upgrade at the RB position would go a long way for this team going forward. If a player like Richardson fell to 16, which is plausible, I think he would make a larger impact than anyone in this draft. Two other players that I really like is David Wilson and Doug Martin. Wilson is probably the most explosive runner in the draft, but he has pretty good size for someone with his speed (5’10 and 205). He’s more than proven he can be a workhorse with over 300 touches this year and would add the explosiveness this backfield lacks. He could be available for our 2nd round pick. Doug Martin is quickly becoming a personal favorite. I think he will be available for our 2nd, and might last til our 3rd (might be a stretch). He has awesome size for someone his height at 5’9 and 215+ and great speed, agility and good power. He reminds me of Ray Rice... Mark Sanchez plays best when he has a great running game to work with, and with the depth at WR, what’s everyone’s opinion on using a high-mid draft pick to sure up a position that can clearly use an upgrade? Also, if anyone has any other options at RB (possibly a late sleeper), please do tell!
I was really high on us drafting an OLB/DE at our draft position "Upshaw". However it seems that Richardson could very well be available at 16, and that will most likely force our hand.
Except Jeff Demps is training for the Olympics not the NFL As far as the backs go, there are four guys the Jets could consider if they really want an upgrade Richardson-has about zero weakness in his game. Maybe no Chris Johnson fast but his second gear is good enough. Wilson-Amazing explosiveness, adds versatility as a KR. Tries to improvise more than he should Miller- Great speed and agility, but he can also run between the tackles. Can contribute in the passing game. Isnt necessarily strong enough to push the pile, but keeps legs moving Polk-Power back with good burst, and vision. Can catch the ball out of the backfield. Is not having a good week at Senior Bowl and doesnt have great speed. Clearly Richardson is the best guy but I really like David Wilson and think he could do a lot for our team
I will continue to bang the Terrance Ganaway drum until he is off the boards. This guy is in every way shape and form exactly the type of player this team needs. He fits Rex's and Sparano's philosophy to a T, is an absolute beasting back, and is projected to go in the late 4th/5th His biggest flaw is hes not a good receiving back, and doesn't have the greatest acceleration. But when youre getting a 6 ft 240 lb hb you expect this guy to primarily play in running situations/redzone (we dont run it nearly enuf here), and short yardage. Absolutely worth a flier on imo
I'm praying we get Upshaw at this point but it would be hard/impossible to pass up Richardson if he falls to us at 16. Barring that happening, I think we NEED to go OLB in the first round.
OL should also be a serious consideration. If one of Decastro, Martin, or Cordy Glenn is around they would all do wonders for our offense.
Definitely true, hoping we can address S and OL in free agency though and focus on LB/WR in the draft. Seems like there is a ton of talent at our "need" positions in this draft, excluding Safety. Glenn's been looking like a savage at Senior Bowl practices and DeCastro is sick as well.
I personally really dont like Polk. He is slow and is being covered step by step by 250 lb linebackers, and not the most athletic ones too. I dont see him adding anything to this backfield that we dont have. He knew that this week would be huge for him and he showed up in poor shape considering his speed. I think he is a decent back between the tackles and thats about it- he was getting absolutely blown up by LB’s in protection drills meanwhile backs like Isaiah Pead who weighs 20+ pounds less than Polk where holding their own. I would rather use the pick on someone else because I dont see him being an upgrade. With that said, I completely agree with you on Richardson and Wilson... But I think Doug Martin is very underrated.
Trent Richardson if he's there is the pick no questions asked, take him and run and never look back if not Then round 4 or 5 this kid I think a red-shirt sophomore from San Diego State named Ronnie Hillman is the Running Back sleeper of this draft. If we can grab him mid to late rounds and let him develop some more for a year, oh boy. I see a lot of Shady McCoy in his game, his swagger, his running style and his vision, great cut back speed and takes on defenders. Inexperience is the reason he got a 5th round grade but he's going to tear the combine up. I see him as a 4th rounder who could fall or rise but man this kid is going to be a beast I feel it in my gut and really hope we grab him and in a year make him our #1 back, so for me 1. Trent Richardson 2. Ronnie Hillman if we get neither I dont want a running back in the draft
I think the only way we draft a RB this year is if Richardson falls to us. This staff wants to work with Powell and Mcknight. I dont think we bring in another later round guy unless hes a do it all player (RB/WR/Punt and Kick Returner).
The difference between Hillman and McCoy is an inch and about 20 lbs. For an everydown back, its hard to be around 205 lbs let alone 190. I love his speed and quickness but he just lacks the size to be a #1 back, which is what this team needs. We already have two #2 backs; we need a #1. He reminds me of Darren Sproles more than Shady and I think a Darren Sproles role is about his ceiling because of his size. I mean if he could put on 10-15 pounds and bulk up to about Chris Johnson size than maybe he can handle a decent workload, but I dont think his frame allows for that, and if he could add the weight it would probably take away from his speed.
If they really want to be a ground and pound team then we had better upgrade it. There isn't a back on the team now who can be considered a complete back and it even gets worse with LT leaving.
Again, this organization has drafted 3 RBs last 3 years -- all within the 1st 4 rounds. If there is not enough talent on the roster at that position then it's a horrible indictment on the men responsible for such selections.
If we spent one on Richardson, we should all be very happy. Outside of that if we get one in the 5th or later than fine, becasue that part of the draft is as much of a crapshoot as anything. The Exciting part of this draft is one of Upsahw, Glenn, Richardson, Floyd, or Decastro is bound to fall to us. I have a real hard time seeing all of them gone and we are going to draft a stud at some position without moving up.
Yeah we're actually in a really good spot value wise. An impact player at a need position WILL be there at 16.
Personally, I think that all the talk about Richardson is pointless. I know people are projecting that he falls into the mid teens, but I just don't see it. I have a feeling someone will grab him because he will be the BPA and not because they are filling a need.
I agree that the FO has done a poor job with the recent picks on RB. It shows poor evaluation which is probably the most concerning thing. But there’s no getting around the lack of a true workhorse on the roster. I understand your frustration, but dont let it overshadow the lack of a true #1 back in a run first team. A month ago, I said the same thing. But its hard to succeed in running the ball with an average line, and a subpar backfield. With Sparano wanting to power run the ball, we need a back thats going to be able to handle the load, create explosive plays and catch the ball.
