2017 Position Outlook: Running Backs

[JetNation]

Leading up to the start of the 2017 season, JetNation.com will be taking a look at each positional group as the Jets roster is currently constructed, with today’s group being the running backs.

Currently under contract:

Bilal Powell, Matt Forte, Elijah McGuire, Romar Morris, Marcus Murphy, Jordan Todman, Julian Howsare (FB), Anthony Firsker (FB)

Notable Losses:

None

Notable Additions:

A late round draft pick, Elijah McGuire shares a lot of similarities to current Jets running back Bilal Powell in terms of his ability to make defenders miss while also displaying excellent hands as a receiver out of the backfield.  Injuries slowed him down a bit during his senior season, but if he’s 100%, McGuire could pay dividends during his rookie season and beyond.

Veteran to watch:  Just how the Jets decide to deploy Forte will be interesting.  He’s a guy with little left in the tank and isn’t part of this team’s long-term plans.  It’s fair to assume he’s only on the roster because cutting him would cost the team more than it would to keep him.  He could see a bump in production this season if he’s deployed as a pass catcher, something Chan Gailey didn’t do much of last year, but should the team allow Forte to take reps away from a younger back who they may be trying to develop?

Rookie to watch:

As mentioned above, McGuire could be a very good back for this team if given the chance.  While not a rookie, second year running back Romar Morris spent his rookie season on IR.  If given a chance to win the kick return job, his blazing speed could help him secure a roster spot, but he’s a long-shot at best right now.

They’ll succeed if:

The offensive line sees continued improvement from Brandon Shell at right tackle and Kelvin Beachum returns to 2015 form.  As a unit, if the O-line can play as well as they did down the stretch last season when Powell rushed for 411 yards over the final four games of the season, the jobs of the backs will be much easier.

They’ll fail if:

The quarterbacks don’t give opposing defenses enough reason to play honest.  If the Jets get what they’ve gotten from their quarterbacks over much of the past decade, defenses will regularly put 8 defenders in the box and close up any possible running lanes.

Bottom line:

Outside of Forte, this is a young group of backs with a few possible kick returners in the mix with recently signed Marcus Murphy set to join that rotation.  It looks like the Jets will carry at least three backs, and possibly a fourth who will be called upon strictly to handle return duties.

The fullback competition will be between Julian Howsare who spent some time on the active roster last season while rookie Anthony Firkser looks to beat him out.  Don’t discount the possibility of Brandin Bryant getting some pre-season run at fullback as well.

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[AFJF]

Wondering if anyone else has watched McGuire extensively.  Thoughts?  Think he's similar to Powell?

[Tony MaC]

22 minutes ago, AFJF said:

Wondering if anyone has watched McGuire extensively aside from me.  Thoughts?  Think he's similar to Powell?

McGuire will do for now, and that's about all I can say with him. He's a good receiving RB, otherwise I find him average as hell in all other facets- he's not much of a blocker, he has mediocre vison and patience when running, and he's got football speed I can only call acceptable.

He's just another guy as far as I'm concerned, he'd be damn lucky to have the career Powell had. Not only does #29 have receiving ability but he displays valuable acceleration and vision at times and delivers big plays out of nowhere. Its what's helped him hold down a roster spot and earned contracts over the last few years.

Never say never, maybe our two veteran RB's will rub something off on him and help him be something more than a pair of legs that doesn't outlast his rookie deal. But for now I see him as an okay third RB option, no more no less. Love to be proven wrong.

[Tony MaC]

The biggest strength I see with this group of RB's is their ability to play a part in the receiving game, and that's a good thing because I could see McHackenPetty needing a good check down option on any given passing play. This is one of the better units on the team as a whole, which is saying something because I think they're only middle of the pack.

I love Powell, I'm as happy to see a mid-round pick stick around this long as I am surprise he has to begin with, and I think he'll be our best RB this season and get the reps he deserves. Even so I only expect a slightly above average year from him, finishing just short of 1k yards on the ground and a career high number of receiving yards. (500 -600 or so) Forte will be okay, McGuire is the reliever of sorts.

 

[Paradis]

6 hours ago, AFJF said:

Wondering if anyone else has watched McGuire extensively.  Thoughts?  Think he's similar to Powell?

eh, i guess it's a better comparison than say Demarco Murray. He's got OK hands. He's not flashy enough to be full time 3rd down back though, like a sproles, or bush. He's an above average COP running back IMO, who's best skill is his wiggle at the second level. Can't really bang his way through tackles at the LOS but if springs loose, he can dance.

Ameer Abdullah is the same kind of back.  

[BurnleyJet]

I was upset they did not take Cook in round 2. Maye was a pick that Rontez Miles can easily fill that spot.

The group is very meh, with no power back, they seem a little light weight. Their strength is receiving, although I liked Powell last year and thought he should have been our #1 back even in 2016. I'd have liked a young talented back to help take the pressure off the QB.

My fear is if Forte or Powell get banged up, the Jets will be playing some Street FA to play Running back. Teams will stack the box because no one is scarred of our passing game.