Are the Jets replacing Tomlinson?

With the New York Jets drafting of RB Bilal Powell in the 4th round of the 2011 NFL Draft, rumors were abuzz that it signified the departure of RB LaDainian Tomlinson.

Not so fast. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports that the Jets expect Tomlinson on their roster in 2011.

“You can’t have enough good backs,” G.M. Mike Tannenbaum said. ”That’s been the foundation since Rex (Ryan) has been here: ground and pound. In my mind, it was a position of strength and we made it better.”

Ryan emphasized the importance of having “fresh backs as the year goes on. ” … You can never really know what’s going to happen (or) what our roster’s going to look like in the fall. Give us the best players.”

The 5-11, 204-pound Powell emerged this season, rushing for 1,405 yards (6.1 yards per carry) and caught 18 passes for 158 yards, earning a first team All-Big East honor.