NY Jets: Don’t be surprised if Gang Green gets a RB on Day 2 of NFL Draft

Don’t be surprised if the NY Jets decide to go running back on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft. Here are the details and what it all could mean.

The NY Jets have a ton of needs heading into the 2020 NFL Draft and one of the most underrated is at running back.

When you have a former All-Pro on the roster at that position, it can sometimes mask how big of a need you have.

Le’Veon Bell is a unique talent that was misused under head coach Adam Gase in 2020, inevitably he’ll get better next year with better offensive line play but he’s only one man.

Here are the rest of the running backs currently on the roster:

• Josh Adams
• Trenton Cannon
• Kenneth Dixon
• Jalin Moore

The four tailbacks have combined for 314 rushing attempts and are all relatively unproven. They also have a few pending free agents that they could bring back after the draft if they swing and miss (Ty Montgomery and Bilal Powell).

In the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft, the Jets own eight selections. While they have a litany of needs, make no mistake about it, the running back position is a serious area of need.

Don’t be surprised if the team attacks it on Day 2 of the NFL Draft (rounds two and three).

In Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft only one running back went in the first round (D’Andre Swift) and in the second round, three went (JK Dobbins, Jonathan Taylor, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire).

On Day 2, the Jets have the 48th overall pick in the second round and they also own a pair of third-round selections (68th and 79th overall). If any of these top backs are available on the second day of the draft don’t be surprised if the team pulls the trigger.

The #Jets Zone w/ @BoyGreen25; @JimNagy_SB, @seniorbowl:– How #coronavirus has affected scouts.– BTS access to chaos of UDFA + possible solutions.– Why "there's not a division in football more wide open than the AFC East in 2020." #NFLDraft #TakeFlighthttps://t.co/HAaR03zQLh

— The Jets Zone (@TheJets_Zone) April 8, 2020

Here are a few other names to keep an eye out for that would make sense for the green and white:

Cam Akers, running back, Florida State

For the entirety of his career, Cam Akers played behind the worst offensive line in all of college football. Despite that, Akers made chicken salad out of chicken s***. He has great pop and burst with the versatility to help out in wildcat formations (have to fear the occasional surprise pass). Akers has the potential to be a really good three-down back at the next level.

Darrynton Evans, running back, Appalachian State

Darrynton Evans has been a late riser in this NFL Draft process but he’s someone certainly worth keeping an eye on. Reminds me of a Ferrari, can go from 0-to-60 very quickly. A true homerun threat everytime he touches the pigskin and can also contribute in the return game. Just call him Mr. Shake & Bake!

Antonio Gibson, running back, Memphis

Antonio Gibson would be the perfect complement to Le’Veon Bell. At the next level, he can play running back, wide receiver, or return man. Ty Montgomery was supposed to be that guy in theory, but just didn’t work out. Gibson could be an offensive coordinator’s dream toy and would be lethal.

Zack Moss, running back, Utah

Zack Moss would be the complete opposite of Gibson. Less style, but certainly brings a ton of substance as a powerful thick back at 5-foot-10, 222 pounds. This would also be a very interesting option in the third round for the NY Jets.