NY Jets: Analyzing the running backs after the first wave of free agency

Mason Smoller

NY Jets (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

No, the NY Jets‘ monster deal with Le’Veon Bell did not work out. In fact, it was really a disaster from the start, as the two-time All-Pro back could never find his footing in the Big Apple. Yet it did teach the Jets an important lesson — running backs should not be overpaid.

Considered the most replaceable position, the prime shelf life of a back comes and goes in a flash. For example, simply take New York’s recent rushing leaders into consideration.

Since 2015, the Jets have had a different leading rusher every year, being Chris Ivory (2015), Matt Forte (2016), Bilal Powell (2017), Isaiah Crowell (2018), Le’Veon Bell (2019), and Frank Gore (2020).

In other words, the Jets are well aware of how interchangeable running backs can be. And with that, it makes sense why the team did not invest heavily again into running backs.

After all, general manager Joe Douglas did not want to make the same mistake his predecessor Mike Maccagnan did with Bell.

With new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, the Jets are likely going to take the committee approach that embraces this flexible backfield approach. And now, the question becomes, who exactly will be running the football for the Jets in 2021?

To this point, the Jets have five running backs under contract for this upcoming season. So let’s take a look at where each one of them stands with the team prior to the 2021 NFL Draft.

Next: Looking to stick on the roster

NY Jets (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Looking to stick with the NY Jets: Ty Johnson, Josh Adams, Pete Guerriero

On paper, nobody in the running back group is safe. All have their strengths and weaknesses, and nobody stands out. Meaning that the offensive scheme LaFleur will run will be a major factor in who makes the roster, and who does not.

Two players to watch that would make excellent complementary backs in the committee are Ty Johnson and Josh Adams. Both spent this past season with the Jets, and in limited usage, proved they belong.

Johnson, a former sixth-round pick in 2019 by the Detroit Lions, was extremely encouraging. Picked up off waivers mid-season, it was not expected for him to be much more than a depth piece.

Instead, Johnson averaged five yards per touch on his way to 353 yards from scrimmage, doing so on only 17 percent of offensive snaps.

Like Johnson, Adams did not see much time on offense, playing on only eight percent of snaps. Yet, he managed to rush for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, earning a 77.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

Adams also has proven in the past he can handle a larger role, having rushed for 511 yards with a 4.3 average back in 2018 for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Adams is a bigger back at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds compared to Johnson’s 5-foot-10 and 210-pound frame, but both deserve a shot at more snaps in 2021. Meanwhile, Pete Guerriero simply needs a chance to prove himself.

The Monmouth product has excellent speed and accelerating ability, though has not yet broken into the NFL. At 5-foot-10 and 190-pounds, he has a different build than the other Jets running backs on the roster.

Nevertheless, with the zone running scheme taking shape for the Jets, Guerriero’s speed could come in handy.

Next: The veteran of the running backs

The veteran addition: Tevin Coleman, RB, NY Jets

When the Jets hired San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their head coach, many started to determine which 49ers free agents could come to New York with Saleh. And after over a week into free agency, Tevin Coleman became the first to make the move.

As things stand right now, Coleman is the veteran of the Jets running back room.

Drafted 73rd overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2015 NFL Draft, Coleman will be entering his seventh season in the league. He also will be looking to bounce back following the worst season of his career.

Prior to the 2020 season, Coleman never missed more than four games in a season. Then, due to a nagging knee injury, Coleman missed eight games, leading him to only make one start. On the year, Coleman rushed for a career-low 53 yards on 28 carries.

Obviously, those numbers are not why the Jets signed him. Yet, they are the reason why the Jets signed him to a one-year, incentive ladened deal. Simply take a look at what Coleman brings to the table when healthy.

The Indiana prospect had never averaged fewer than four yards per carry prior to 2020. He also provides a reliable weapon in the passing game, with 1,224 yards receiving on his career. Additionally, from 2016-2019, Coleman had at least 700 yards from scrimmage every season.

Yes, Coleman was banged up this past season. But there is no reason that if he is healthy, he cannot provide that reliable veteran that the Jets need to lead their committee backfield.

Next: The wild card of the unit

NY Jets (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

The wild card: La’Mical Perine, RB, NY Jets

Former Jets head coach Adam Gase made many questionable decisions this past season, and snap distribution at running back was one of them.

Johnson and Adams were effective in little usage, while an aging Frank Gore held 38 percent of offensive snaps. Meanwhile, fourth-round pick La’Mical Perine only saw 20 percent of offensive snaps in 2020.

Taken with the 120th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Perine’s usage this past season was rather peculiar. At 5-foot-11 and 216-pounds, Perine is a bigger back who is capable of making an impact whether rushing or receiving, as displayed by his 64 carries to 11 receptions on only 200 snaps.

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Then again, Perine did not exactly show anything special when he got the ball. He averaged 3.6 yards per carry, only taking the ball to the house twice. He also only had 63 yards receiving as well.

Of course, no running back could succeed in Gase’s offense, as proven by the ineffectiveness of Bell and Gore.

That said, it would have helped Perine’s case for a larger role this season should he been on the field more. The Florida product dealt with an ankle injury that saw him only appear in 10 games in 2020.

At the end of the day, Perine is a powerful and versatile back that is only one year into his NFL career. No, Perine may not be the most dynamic runner. But he, like every other running back currently on the roster, brings talent to the table that can be utilized in the team’s new offense.

Chances are the Jets are not done adding to their running back unit this offseason. But one thing for certain is that there is promising talent already residing on the roster to form a quality committee backfield for Mike LaFleur’s offense.

Mason Smoller