New York Jets: Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson, and Bilal Powell Make a Smooth Trio

After being traded to the Jets just two years ago, Ivory has established a nice role in the Green and White.

While the Jets undoubtedly have many holes on the roster, in my opinion, the running back position is not one of the positions with holes. While it is possible that the position may look different next season, I feel that the Jets have the three solid running backs already on the roster. Those three are Chris Ivory, Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell. Each has a different skill set that is very valuable to the team.

Chris Ivory is considered one of the hardest runners in the entire NFL. Tackling Ivory is no easy task as he refuses to be tackled. In my opinion, Ivory does not get used enough in the Jets offense. When it comes to simply needing a yard or two for a first down, Chris Ivory should get the ball every single time. For such a hard runner, I feel that he does not see enough touches near the endzone. Aside from this issue, Ivory has been a bright spot for the Jets struggling offense. Ivory has a very team friendly contract after he was acquired by John Idzik a few years back from the New Orleans Saints. Ivory is still only 26 years old. If he stays healthy, there is no reason that Ivory will not be the starting running back for the Jets for the next few seasons.

Dec 7, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Johnson (21) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Johnson is a very interesting case. At times this season, CJ2K has shown flashes of his old self as a member of the Titans. At times, Chris Johnson has been very fun to watch. While the consistency has not been there, he has had his fair share of big plays that have been huge for the Jets offense. While it is clear that he is not the same player who rushed for 2000 yards a few years back, it is clear, however, that he can still be a solid piece to any offense. The issue with Johnson is he can be a headache off the field at times. Johnson is never afraid to speak his mind, and sometimes, he makes headlines for all the wrong reasons. If the Jets decide to part ways with Johnson, they will save close to $1.5 million on the cap. In my opinion, I would keep Johnson for one more season, as he can make a nice duo with Chris Ivory.

Oct 26, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. The Bills won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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The third member of the running back group is one of the most underrated players in all of the NFL. Bilal Powell does a little bit of everything for the Jets. Powell can fill in for Ivory and Johnson at any time, and is a very good pass blocker, which is vital in protecting the quarterback. Aside from offense, Powell also contributes on special teams. Powell is a very versatile player, who does not get nearly enough credit for all that he does. Personally, I would like to see Powell more involved in the offense. While Powell does not really excel in just one area, he is very solid in all aspects of the game. If Powell decides to sign elsewhere on a team where he would have a bigger role, I certainly could not blame him. If I am the Jets though, I am doing whatever I can to resign Powell.

While it is far from a certainty that Johnson and Powell will be back with the Jets, I feel it would be best for the Jets to keep both of them, and have a trio of Ivory, Johnson and Powell for at least one more season.

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