What does Trenton Cannon bring to the Jets?

[LIJetsFan]

https://www.sny.tv/jets/news/what-does-trenton-cannon-bring-to-the-jets/276312682

May 4, 2018; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Trenton Cannon (40) during New York Jets rookie mini camp at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports (Noah K. Murray)

With their final pick of the 2018 draft, the Jets selected Virginia State running back Trenton Cannon. By that stage, you're no longer drafting for need, instead hoping to catch lightning in a bottle with a player that has development potential. The Jets will be hoping that Cannon, who is undersized and played his college football at the Division II level, will be that kind of player.

Although he is listed as a running back, Cannon's shortest path to becoming a contributor on the 2018 Jets is special teams, as he led the nation in kick-off return average in 2017. However, he might also bring some things to the table that will persuade offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to come up with ways to get him involved on offense.

Let's consider the return game first, because it's evident Jets special teams coach Brant Boyer was heavily involved in the selection. He attended Cannon's pro day and worked him out personally as well as also being involved in the conversation when the Jets called Cannon during the sixth round to tell him they were selecting him.

As noted, Cannon led the nation in kick return average at the Division II level last year and was almost as good in 2016. He had three touchdowns over the course of the two seasons, displaying speed, open-field running instincts and elusiveness. He does not, however, have any experience as a punt returner, which is another role the Jets need to fill. Ideally the Jets would prefer their return specialist to handle both roles, rather than having to use up two roster spots. Reports from rookie camp suggested Cannon looked comfortable fielding punts in drills.

The Jets haven't returned a punt or a kick-off for a touchdown since Mike Westhoff's departure in 2012, although Boyer has noted on several occasions that they've often been close to breaking one in the past couple of seasons. One thing that's apparent from watching Cannon's film, both as a runner and a returner, is that he's not easy to catch once he gets into the open-field, so he could be a viable option to break a big play. Can the Jets also exploit that on offense though?

Cannon's ability to be a big play threat on offense is summed up by his career average of 12.5 yards per catch. While scouting reports describe Cannon as not a natural pass catcher, his film reveals that he's a versatile pass-catching option who can run routes, get downfield and produce out of the slot and out wide.

That's quite uncommon for running back prospects these days, as most of the more productive pass catchers generate most of their yardage simply by catching screens and dump-offs.  Saquon Barkley, who went second overall to the Giants, was one exception, while the Jets' sixth-round pick from last year, Elijah McGuire, also displays wider-ranging capabilities.

The Jets will often motion their lead back into the slot and go five-wide, especially on third downs with less than five yards to go. Bilal Powellconverted a few clutch third downs by running slant-type routes in such situations last year. Both Cannon and McGuire could handle these assignments, while also being a threat to get downfield on a wheel-route out of the backfield.

It's anticipated that if Cannon has a role on offense it will be as a change-of-pace back. His lack of size could be an issue if he was required to carry a heavy workload and in pass protection, although he's still slightly bigger than Tarik Cohen who made an instant impact in his rookie season with the Bears.  

Cannon ran a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day and that translates to his film. This could make him a good option on outside runs and draw plays, but he was productive between the tackles in college too and could be a good one-cut runner in Rick Dennison's new system.

Cannon's head coach at VSU has some interesting connections to the Jets.  Reggie Barlow, himself a former NFL running back and pro bowl return specialist, mentored Cannon over the past three years and obviously feels good about Cannon's chances to emulate his own achievements. Barlow was a teammate of Boyer's with the Jaguars for five seasons and was also on the Bucs for two years while Bates was coaching there. Clearly they've been keeping tabs on Barlow's pet project.

As with any small-school prospect, Cannon is a long-shot to make it at the pro level, but it seems like the Jets have been interested in him for some time and targeted him specifically with a role in mind. It therefore seems likely they will try and find opportunities to get him involved, so he'll get his shot.

[Jetster]

Speed, speed, speed and more speed. Jets need to keep adding speed. Last year you could just feel the difference in the game with Anderson, McGuire, even Lee flying by after missing a tackle ?. Watching this team plod along in 2016 was painful.

[BCJet]

I dont want people to overreact to the media and this article continually mentioning Cannon being "undersized".  He wasn't invited to the combine so there is no official listing that I could find but the various numbers have him between 5'10 and 5'11 and 185-189 pounds.  For comparison, a true undersized player, who was a first round pick is Tavon Austin at 5'8 and 179 pounds.

I dont see Cannon as a 20+ carry guy, he doesnt have that bulk and/or strength.  But the kid is certainly big enough to be an NFL contributor given he has enough height to catch balls as a receiver unlike Austin.

There is going to be excellent competition in the backfield all TC with Crowell, Powell, Rawls, McGuire and Cannon at RB and Flowers competing at FB with Lawerence Thomas.  Thomas was a nice story, but I think this is Flowers job to lose as Thomas is too one dimensional. 

[Grandy]

Saw something about him running 4.2 40 in game. We could use a Tyreek Hill. Speed in offense is a valuable asset.

[jack48]

1 hour ago, LIJetsFan said:

https://www.sny.tv/jets/news/what-does-trenton-cannon-bring-to-the-jets/276312682

May 4, 2018; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Trenton Cannon (40) during New York Jets rookie mini camp at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports (Noah K. Murray)

With their final pick of the 2018 draft, the Jets selected Virginia State running back Trenton Cannon. By that stage, you're no longer drafting for need, instead hoping to catch lightning in a bottle with a player that has development potential. The Jets will be hoping that Cannon, who is undersized and played his college football at the Division II level, will be that kind of player.

Although he is listed as a running back, Cannon's shortest path to becoming a contributor on the 2018 Jets is special teams, as he led the nation in kick-off return average in 2017. However, he might also bring some things to the table that will persuade offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to come up with ways to get him involved on offense.

Let's consider the return game first, because it's evident Jets special teams coach Brant Boyer was heavily involved in the selection. He attended Cannon's pro day and worked him out personally as well as also being involved in the conversation when the Jets called Cannon during the sixth round to tell him they were selecting him.

As noted, Cannon led the nation in kick return average at the Division II level last year and was almost as good in 2016. He had three touchdowns over the course of the two seasons, displaying speed, open-field running instincts and elusiveness. He does not, however, have any experience as a punt returner, which is another role the Jets need to fill. Ideally the Jets would prefer their return specialist to handle both roles, rather than having to use up two roster spots. Reports from rookie camp suggested Cannon looked comfortable fielding punts in drills.

The Jets haven't returned a punt or a kick-off for a touchdown since Mike Westhoff's departure in 2012, although Boyer has noted on several occasions that they've often been close to breaking one in the past couple of seasons. One thing that's apparent from watching Cannon's film, both as a runner and a returner, is that he's not easy to catch once he gets into the open-field, so he could be a viable option to break a big play. Can the Jets also exploit that on offense though?

Cannon's ability to be a big play threat on offense is summed up by his career average of 12.5 yards per catch. While scouting reports describe Cannon as not a natural pass catcher, his film reveals that he's a versatile pass-catching option who can run routes, get downfield and produce out of the slot and out wide.

That's quite uncommon for running back prospects these days, as most of the more productive pass catchers generate most of their yardage simply by catching screens and dump-offs.  Saquon Barkley, who went second overall to the Giants, was one exception, while the Jets' sixth-round pick from last year, Elijah McGuire, also displays wider-ranging capabilities.

The Jets will often motion their lead back into the slot and go five-wide, especially on third downs with less than five yards to go. Bilal Powellconverted a few clutch third downs by running slant-type routes in such situations last year. Both Cannon and McGuire could handle these assignments, while also being a threat to get downfield on a wheel-route out of the backfield.

It's anticipated that if Cannon has a role on offense it will be as a change-of-pace back. His lack of size could be an issue if he was required to carry a heavy workload and in pass protection, although he's still slightly bigger than Tarik Cohen who made an instant impact in his rookie season with the Bears.  

Cannon ran a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day and that translates to his film. This could make him a good option on outside runs and draw plays, but he was productive between the tackles in college too and could be a good one-cut runner in Rick Dennison's new system.

Cannon's head coach at VSU has some interesting connections to the Jets.  Reggie Barlow, himself a former NFL running back and pro bowl return specialist, mentored Cannon over the past three years and obviously feels good about Cannon's chances to emulate his own achievements. Barlow was a teammate of Boyer's with the Jaguars for five seasons and was also on the Bucs for two years while Bates was coaching there. Clearly they've been keeping tabs on Barlow's pet project.

As with any small-school prospect, Cannon is a long-shot to make it at the pro level, but it seems like the Jets have been interested in him for some time and targeted him specifically with a role in mind. It therefore seems likely they will try and find opportunities to get him involved, so he'll get his shot.

how many kicks/punts get returned anymore?

[Beerfish]

If he doesn't do both punts and kickoffs and if he does not secure the ball it will be a wasted pick.

[Thai Jet]

All I see is upside with him. Not much to lose Let's keep our fingers crossed that he's something special.

[Bruce Harper]

I can’t help but wonder why he wasn’t returning punts in college.


Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app

[Jetsplayer21]

It’s not just the speed. One thing that is underrated is size, the short size. These short little bastards are tough to grab and seem to have an easy time changing direction, evading capture. Look at all the little bastards the pats have used to mess with oposing teams over the years. 

[Larz]

If the new kick off rules are implemented, these types of players will be game changers 

[Joe Jets fan]

1 hour ago, jack48 said:

how many kicks/punts get returned anymore?

And there it is

[Greenseed4]

For a guy his size, he sure has a lot of plays where he takes it up the middle. 

[jetrider]

Trenton brings the same thing as Bridgewater

[Patriot Killa]

2 hours ago, jack48 said:

how many kicks/punts get returned anymore?

Ehh, regardless it’s a game of field position. The better it is the easier it is on our “for now” anemic offense.

[joewilly12]

Nothing until he makes the final 53 man roster. 

[TuscanyTile2]

What does Trenton Cannon bring to the Jets?

Well, he's got a cannon for a name.

[JetFaninMI]

What does he bring? A chance? The guy is a speed demon but I don't expect much from a late round guy and anything he contributes will be a bonus. IF he makes the roster. Hopefully they get something from him but I wouldn't expect much until we see more in TC. Maybe a little early for this thread?

[Adoni Beast]

Get him on a mismatch with a linebacker, open in space and good some big gains.

[JoJoTownsell1]

4 hours ago, Beerfish said:

If he doesn't do both punts and kickoffs and if he does not secure the ball it will be a wasted pick.

You mean like 99% of all 6th round picks? 

[jetstream23]

8 hours ago, BCJet said:

I dont want people to overreact to the media and this article continually mentioning Cannon being "undersized".  He wasn't invited to the combine so there is no official listing that I could find but the various numbers have him between 5'10 and 5'11 and 185-189 pounds.  For comparison, a true undersized player, who was a first round pick is Tavon Austin at 5'8 and 179 pounds.

I dont see Cannon as a 20+ carry guy, he doesnt have that bulk and/or strength.  But the kid is certainly big enough to be an NFL contributor given he has enough height to catch balls as a receiver unlike Austin.

There is going to be excellent competition in the backfield all TC with Crowell, Powell, Rawls, McGuire and Cannon at RB and Flowers competing at FB with Lawerence Thomas.  Thomas was a nice story, but I think this is Flowers job to lose as Thomas is too one dimensional. 

Wasn't Chrebet about 5'10" and 185 lbs.?

[Tinstar]

He brings speed and elusiveness to the special teams return game . I remember when westoff was the special teams coach talking about wanting the Jets to use a draft pick on current seahawk receiver Lockett because he thought his ability on special teams was superior . Well, to hear that our current special teams coach personally worked out and stood on the table for Cannon gives me hope that we could find ourselves a Bruce Harper type special teamster .  

It appears this kid is going to get every opportunity to win this job and both punt and kickoff returner because the Jets immediately released Natson once this kid was drafted .

[TuscanyTile2]

25 minutes ago, Tinstar said:

He brings speed and elusiveness to the special teams return game . I remember when westoff was the special teams coach talking about wanting the Jets to use a draft pick on current seahawk receiver Lockett because he thought his ability on special teams was superior . Well, to hear that our current special teams coach personally worked out and stood on the table for Cannon gives me hope that we could find ourselves a Bruce Harper type special teamster .  

It appears this kid is going to get every opportunity to win this job and both punt and kickoff returner because the Jets immediately released Natson once this kid was drafted .

That's why I think Sam Darnold is going to be given a real chance.  As soon as he was drafted the Jets released Joel Stave.

[slats]

3 hours ago, Tinstar said:

It appears this kid is going to get every opportunity to win this job and both punt and kickoff returner because the Jets immediately released Natson once this kid was drafted .

2

Returning kicks and punts are two different skills. This kid didn't return punts in college for whatever reason, but whatever reason that was it might stand in the way of him returning punts in the pros. 

[Tinstar]

10 minutes ago, slats said:

Returning kicks and punts are two different skills. This kid didn't return punts in college for whatever reason, but whatever reason that was it might stand in the way of him returning punts in the pros. 

That kid said he was going to be returning kicks and punts in camp . He said the Jets special teams coordinator was the reason he believed he got drafted to the Jets  because the coordinator really liked him .

i realize there is a big difference, and the kid acknowledge that fact in his interview.

[Gas2No99]

15 hours ago, BCJet said:

I dont want people to overreact to the media and this article continually mentioning Cannon being "undersized". 

I dont see Cannon as a 20+ carry guy, he doesnt have that bulk and/or strength.  But the kid is certainly big enough to be an NFL contributor given he has enough height to catch balls as a receiver unlike Austin.

There is going to be excellent competition in the backfield all TC with Crowell, Powell, Rawls, McGuire and Cannon at RB and Flowers competing at FB with Lawerence Thomas.  Thomas was a nice story, but I think this is Flowers job to lose as Thomas is too one dimensional. 

I believe he'll be our version of Darren Sproles. 

[Gas2No99]

He brings what Mickey demands:

 

 

[Tony MaC]

He's basically in competition with Andre Roberts and to an extent Eli McGuire, Ardarius Stewart or anybody else who's gonna figure into the Special teams or "gadget offensive weapon" fold.

There's a scenario where they find they can get a similar amount of ST and offensive production with some of the names above than they could with him and they decide to use the roster space elsewhere. There's another where he's just too good at it returning the ball and making plays in space to cut and perhaps winds up our main return man for years to come.

 

[Fantasy Island]

19 hours ago, Beerfish said:

If he doesn't do both punts and kickoffs and if he does not secure the ball it will be a wasted pick.

True, but I bet he has a better career than Hack.

[slats]

8 hours ago, Tinstar said:

That kid said he was going to be returning kicks and punts in camp . He said the Jets special teams coordinator was the reason he believed he got drafted to the Jets  because the coordinator really liked him .

i realize there is a big difference, and the kid acknowledge that fact in his interview.

The team needs a punt returner, I'm sure he'll get work there over the summer. 

I'm just saying that he was far & away his college's best KOR, but couldn't secure the punt return job. He did return two for 15 yards, so at least he's done it, but he wasn't the guy. Can the Jets' special teams coach get him up to speed at that job in one rookie offseason? That would be the question. I imagine that they'll try to teach him the gunner position, too. Best chance for the kid to stick is to demonstrate some versatility. 

[rangerous]

On 5/12/2018 at 7:55 AM, Jetster said:

Speed, speed, speed and more speed. Jets need to keep adding speed. Last year you could just feel the difference in the game with Anderson, McGuire, even Lee flying by after missing a tackle ?. Watching this team plod along in 2016 was painful.

speed also comes from the players knowing where they need to be.  all the speed in the world means nothing if a guy is out of position or doesn't know how to tackle.

[rangerous]

13 hours ago, Tinstar said:

That kid said he was going to be returning kicks and punts in camp . He said the Jets special teams coordinator was the reason he believed he got drafted to the Jets  because the coordinator really liked him .

i realize there is a big difference, and the kid acknowledge that fact in his interview.

here's to hoping he can be a reliable punt and kickoff returner.  that's a position the jets haven't had filled in quite some time.  and here's to hoping he's smart enough not to run out kickoffs that are fielded inside the goal line.