NY Jets: 3 players who earned larger roles in 2021

1. Ty Johnson, RB, NY Jets

The Jets finished the 2020 season in the bottom-10 of all teams in rushing yards and yards per carry. And if it wasn't for Ty Johnson, they would have ranked even lower in both categories.

Johnson was claimed off waivers by the Jets in early October and would finish the year as the team's most productive and efficient running back.

In 11 games, Johnson carried the ball 54 times for 264 yards and a touchdowns averaging an excellent 4.7 yards per carry. Compared to his teammates, it was night and day.

Veteran Frank Gore averaged a miserable 3.5 yards per carry while rookie La'Mical Perine was hardly any better averaging just 3.6 yards per attempt. Johnson, however, was different.

The former sixth-round pick was explosive and dynamic, breathing new life into the Jets' running game late in the season.

Whereas Gore and Perine underperformed (in terms of expected rushing yards) given their situation, Johnson exceeded his projections.

He'll be tasked with competing for snaps as part of a crowded rotation in 2021 alongside the returning Perine and offseason additions Tevin Coleman and Michael Carter.

But Johnson has the potential to be the star of the group. And considering how well he played in a poor offensive system a year ago, hopes are high for Ty Johnson this season.