NY Jets 2021 Training Camp State of the Roster: Running backs

Welcome back to the State of the Roster series here on The Jet Press. In the last article, I analyzed the current quarterback situation and shared my thoughts on what the future holds for the NY Jets quarterbacks.

This time, I will be breaking down the current running back room on the roster and offering my predictions for what the 2021 season will hold for them.

Who are the NY Jets running backs?

There are two new faces this year in the running back room, one of whom could play a critical role in this NY Jets offense. That key player is fourth-round rookie Michael Carter.

A Florida native, Carter had an electrifying season as a senior in high school, earning him offers from North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee.

Carter eventually committed to UNC and produced effectively for the Tar Heels, culminating in a fantastic senior season. Despite his high-quality play, Carter slipped to the fourth round where the Jets selected him 107th overall.

Next is the most experienced back on the roster, six-year veteran Tevin Coleman. Coleman, originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, has proven to be a solid but unspectacular player throughout his career.

During his four years with the Falcons, the Indiana product accumulated 3,350 yards from scrimmage and 29 total touchdowns over 56 games played.

As a free agent, he signed with San Francisco in 2019 and played two seasons with current Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. During that time, Coleman saw a sharp decline in his quality of play.

He signed with the Jets back in March on a meager one year, $1.1 million contract. After Coleman comes Ty Johnson, a former sixth-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions back in 2019.

In college, Johnson produced relatively well at Maryland but saw fewer touches as a senior, dealing a severe blow to his draft stock.

As a rookie, Johnson accumulated 87 snaps with the Lions but was waived during this past season. Jets general manager Joe Douglas signed him in October, but the former Maryland standout did not see much playing time under Adam Gase.

Last on the list is La'Mical Perine, one of Douglas' fourth-round selections from the 2020 NFL Draft.

Perine's production at the University of Florida was less than stellar, as he was never able to break 1,000 yards from scrimmage in a season while there.

Douglas nabbed him with the 120th selection just 15 months ago, but Perine could be a potential cut considering his lack of NFL success. However, he's played well so far this summer.