NY Jets: Instant grade and analysis for the Lamical Perine NFL Draft pick

The NY Jets kicked off their Day 3 festivities by selecting their second Florida pick of the 2020 NFL Draft in running back Lamical Perine.

The NY Jets went back to the Florida pipeline early on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft selecting running back Lamical Perine with the 120th overall pick — their first of three fourth-round picks on the day.

After drafting Florida edge rusher yesterday, the Jets doubled-up taking his college teammate in Perine with their very next pick.

Many expected the Jets to use one of their early Day 3 picks on a running back and that’s exactly what they did. With rumors that Le’Veon Bell is unlikely to be on the roster past this season, that strategy made a ton of sense.

Not to mention that the Jets had a stunning lack of depth behind Bell going into the draft with the likes of Josh Adams and Trenton Cannon not proving adequate.

Perine has the ability to step in and contribute early on in his rookie season as part of a committee with the potential to be seen as Bell’s eventual replacement if he develops.

The 22-year-old is a solid, well-rounded running back who doesn’t hang his hat on one particular trait. While not an incredible athlete, Perine is a tough, physical back who runs with a purpose and fights for extra yardage.

More from The Jet Press

• NY Jets: Jonnu Smith would be a smart free-agent target
• NY Jets: 3 non-quarterback trade targets on offense
• NY Jets expected to be ‘much more aggressive’ in free agency this year
• NY Jets: Patriots will not use the franchise tag on Joe Thuney
• NY Jets officially place the franchise tag on safety Marcus Maye

Perine never rushed for more than 850 yards in a single season in college with Florida using a committee approach. But if anything, that’s a positive given the lack of tread on his tires.

The 2019 Florida team captain may not have top-end speed — as evidenced by his disappointing 4.62 40-yard dash time — but he makes up for it with his initial burst and surprising acceleration.

His physical, decisive running style will be a perfect complement to the hesitant, patient Bell. Rather than wait for a running lane to develop, Perine explodes through the line of scrimmage and bowls over defenders in his way.

Sometimes it works in his favor. Other times it’s a detriment. But there is an argument to be made that his style will be a better fit for a Jets offensive line that is still a work in progress.

Perine also has solid pass-catching abilities and he was split out wide in the slot by Florida at times last season.

Good value here in Round 4 and a player who could have a feature role on the Jets offense for years to come if it pans out.

Final Grade: B