NY Jets: Don’t overlook RB Josh Adams making an impact in 2020

The NY Jets’ backfield seems set, but don’t be surprised if Josh Adams steals a roster spot.

The NY Jets‘ running game was almost non-existent in 2019. And after the star-studded offseason addition of Le’Veon Bell, it’s safe to say that the results were underwhelming.

Bell averaged career-lows in essentially every statistic en route to the worst year of his NFL career. Only the Miami Dolphins averaged fewer yards per game while the Jets ranked dead last in yards per carry at an abysmal 3.3.

Something needed to change and while a lot of that change will hopefully come up front with the offensive line, the Jets also decided to rethink their plan for their backfield as well.

Veteran Frank Gore was signed while former Florida standout La’Mical Perine was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The trio of Bell, Gore, and Perine is expected to receive the lion’s share of carries this season.

But one player has seemingly gotten overlooked with many already writing him off as a preseason roster cut. That player is Josh Adams.

Josh Adams could find his way on to the NY Jets’ roster in 2020.

Adams spent the first part of last season on the Jets’ practice squad before being promoted to the active roster in early November. The Notre Dame product played in a total of three games with the team carrying the ball just eight times.

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Those eight carries resulted in just 12 yards, but there’s reason to believe that Adams could find more success with the Jets in 2020.

It seems like a while ago now, but Adams actually led the Philadelphia Eagles in rushing back in 2018. An undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame, Adams would rush for 511 and three touchdowns on a very efficient 4.3 yards per carry in his rookie season.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Eagles would waive him as part of final roster cuts in 2019 and the Jets would swoop in and scoop him up before long. But the promise he once showed in Philadelphia hasn’t disappeared.

The Jets have a solid trio of running backs, but the three all share relatively similar skill sets in the sense that neither represents a true home-run threat.

Bell is an exceptionally savvy runner, but he’s never been known for his breakaway speed. Gore was never a speedy back, to begin with, and age hasn’t been very kind to him. Meanwhile, Perine has a quick initial burst, but his 4.62 40-yard dash speaks for itself.

Adams has the ability to take any run to the house every time he touches the ball. And there’s no reason why he can’t be a capable rotational back if running behind an adequate offensive line.

Of course, Bell, Gore, and Perine are all locks to make the roster. A lot of teams will typically carry only three running backs, but there are also plenty who carry four as well.

And if Adams can prove his worth on special teams while showing his home-run potential on offense, don’t be surprised if he forces his way on to the final 53-man roster.

He’s been overlooked to this point, but Josh Adams might just earn a roster spot when all is set and done.