NY Jets: 3 positions to avoid with the No. 23 overall pick

2. The NY Jets shouldn’t target a running back at No. 23

Make no mistake, the Jets do need to find their true No. 1 running back for the future.

La’Mical Perine had a quiet rookie year in 2020 and while recent the acquisition of Tevin Coleman should help Mike LaFleur implement his offense, he’s hardly a top-tier option.

Looking to the 2021 NFL Draft, there should be quite a few excellent running backs available. Clemson’s Travis Etienne is someone the Jets have been linked to in mock drafts by many commentators and the man himself also recently said he would ‘fit perfectly’ with Gang Green.

He’s an explosive ball carrier and is one of the most productive players entering the draft, having racked up almost 5,000 yards during four years at college. Overall, Etienne would be a good addition for the Jets.

Just not at No. 23 overall.

There are too many other significant holes on the current roster that Joe Douglas must address first, rather than using one of his precious early picks on a running back.

Taking Etienne in the second round would be a better move than in the first. But considering their other needs, there are plenty of options for the Jets to take a running back later in the draft.

Javonte Williams, Kenneth Gainwell, or Michael Carter may still be on the board by the time the Jets select in Round 3, so waiting until then would make much more sense.

As previously stated, they should focus on selecting a cornerback or an offensive lineman in the first round, not a running back.

Next: 1. Wide receiver