2009 Draft Prep: Go Greene in '09 July 24, 2009 Jamey Eisenberg Senior Fantasy Writer Tell Jamey your opinion It's pretty clear the Jets like Shonn Greene. They moved up in the NFL Draft to take him in the third round out of Iowa, and they refuse to give contract extensions to Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. The latter might have more to do with good business sense than anything else, but Greene is clearly the future in New York. He also might be the present. The prediction here says Greene will be the most productive Fantasy running back for the Jets this season. Greene is built like a tank at 5-foot-11, 227 pounds, and he played like a bulldozer in college when he had 1,850 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns last year. That has to be why Jets coach Rex Ryan is so enamored with his skills. Ryan was the defensive coordinator in Baltimore last year, but he watched as the Ravens running game kept his unit fresh by grinding out the clock. He will implore a similar game plan and use a three-headed monster like his former team did with Willis McGahee, Ray Rice and LeRon McClain. If you're looking for comparisons, Greene would be McClain, Jones would be McGahee and Washington would be Rice. Ryan has already said he envisions Greene as his "fourth-quarter weapon," which is how McClain was used early last season until he took over the majority of carries. Greene is excited about the role because it means he will be carrying the ball when opposing defenses are tired and the Jets are trying to run out the clock. "I think it plays well into how I play the game of football -- very tough, down-and-dirty and grind time, fourth quarter time," Greene said. "I like it a lot. I think that's what football is all about, getting down in the trenches between the tackles. But whatever else they need for me to do I'm willing to do." Greene should also take over as the short-yardage back. He's bigger than Jones (5-foot-10, 212 pounds) despite Jones' impressive physique, and Greene proved his ability to score in college. And Jones is getting to the point where you have to be concerned about him breaking down. Jones was dominant last year at 30 when he led the AFC in rushing with 1,312 yards and scored a career-high 13 touchdowns. But he'll be 31 this season, and not many running backs his age produce on a high level, which is likely why the Jets are reluctant to pay him. Jets fans should remember what happened to Curtis Martin when looking at Jones. In 2004, Martin had a career year with 1,697 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns at 31. He then struggled through an injury-plagued season in 2005 and was forced to retire. Jones could end up like Fred Taylor and still be productive in his early 30s, but Greene's presence makes that difficult to imagine. And then there's Washington. He's a different running back than Jones or Greene and the best receiver of the group, so his role isn't expected to change. But despite six rushing touchdowns (eight overall) last year, he isn't a threat to find the end zone on a consistent basis. Like Jones, Washington is unhappy with his contract, so that could be a factor with both running backs coming into the year. Greene has no such concerns. CBSSports.com's Draft Central Download your free Draft Kits, sign up for our Fantasy newsletters, participate in mock drafts and much more! Visit Fantasy Football Draft Central! Practice with our mock drafts! He's also great value for Fantasy owners because you can draft him late, and then watch as the season plays out when he finishes better than Jones and Washington, who were likely drafted much earlier. The Jets have a good offensive line this year, which will help their running game thrive. The passing game is a concern and could leave extra defenders near the line of scrimmage, but that's where good running backs make teams pay. Greene has the potential to do that. And he's the Jets running back to target this year.
this guy reminds me of a slightly bigger version of lamont jordan...not sure if thats good or bad so we'll just have to wait and see. jil
He reminds me of a smaller version of Jerom Bettis. Very good power and the agility to take a hit, stay up, and keep on plowing through guys. If he can continue that in the NFL he will at the least be a very valuable late game, short yardage guy. I see him becomming a punishing runner who wears down defenses for a long time to come.
I liked Jordan when we had him and I wanted him to see more time, but I don't think LJ has anything near the power that this kid has. Greene is a frigging sledgehammer with feet.
Built like a "tank" but plays like a "bulldozer." Fine distinction. "Jesus, that guy's built like a tank. He doesn't play that way, I hope." "No no, he plays like a bulldozer." "Excellent. That's our guy." Anyway, a marked improvement for our war room, who last year drafted a linebacker that was built like an oil rig, and played like an oil rig.
Green is a beast. I saw a lot of him this year, a buddy of mine went to Iowa and was a big fan so I saw and heard about him all the time. I'm excited to see how his game translates to the NFL, but if all the hype is correct, I think we got him as a steal in the third round.
Three to share the load should help everyone to stay healthy! Does anyone think Greene will get any bigger? or would that slow him down too much?
I'm excited about this kid. If he can be a true hammer, it's going to be fantastic. Hope he gets a decent amount of carries. Also like the comparisons in the article to what Baltimore did last year offensively. GOD I AM SO HAPPY FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!
dont matter whos carrying the rock...all starts with the OL. hows our run blocking? i know we still need a blocking TE. hope our OL can be dominant.
I really don't think he needs to get bigger. His style of running, the way he just lowers his shoulder and drives through a defender's center of gravity, I think it will translate great to the pro game. I don't know how many years he will last, though. Runners like Greene accumulate a lot of wear and tear.
The thing about that though is that Greene is pretty agile and quick. He can dodge a tackle well enough. He's going to lower his shoulder into a DB or two, but I think he's got the moves to get around the linebackers. It reminds me of what Jerome Bettis said when he first entered the league and realized he wasn't going to run over everyone. He said he had to learn all his little spins and jukes to stay healthy. If that fat bastard can squiggle past a defender, I have high hopes for Greene's longevity. Also, I don't know if the stiff-arm can be taught, but if it can, Greene's got a hell of a mentor in Thomas Jones.
He's definitely got some moves, but he might end up being coached out of some of them, because those slow-looking spins I saw him run against college teams will probably get him concussed at the pro level. I think the way he hits bodes well for some of his jukes, just because it will cause hesitation in defensive backs and smaller LBs. I LOVE the way he never gives up on plays. I also love that he did not lose a fumble in his entire college career.
That's huge. I know they say holding on to the ball can be taught ala Tiki Barber, but having a ball control running back who doesn't turn the ball over is so important. Look at what a threat Barber was in the middle of his career; didn't fucking matter, cause the arrogant fuck lost 1-3 fumbles per game.
I think this team will need all three as well. If the Jets are as run-heavy as most seem to think they will be (assuming they protect the QB by running first) they could have 500+ carries this coming season. How would people like to see that break down for the main three rushers on the team? How about... TJ - 300 LW - 100 (plenty of touches as a receiver too) SG - 100
To me, Greene is like a young Jerome Bettis, but even more athletic. I think we are going to love this kid.....and this was the right place for him to go too, his game fits perfectly with what Ryan has in mind.
He was the best steal of the draft. He is a beast of a runner that knows how to get into the end zone. The three RB package we have might be the best in the league when this year is over.
