Heading in to this off-season, the New York Jets have no shortage of needs on both sides of the ball with free agency and the draft approaching.\u00a0 While some holes will undoubtedly be filled by the former, the latter could (and should) be used to upgrade the running back position.<\/p>\n
Matt Forte is unlikely to return next season and Bilal Powell getting a bit long in the tooth, the Jets have to look at options to add to their backfield moving forward outside of rookie running back Elijah McGuire.\u00a0 Luckily for Gang Green, this is a deep class that could offer a suitable option outside of round one.<\/p>\n
Sony Michel, Georgia:<\/strong><\/p>\n It’s not secret that Saquon Barkley is the top runner in the 2018 draft and is likely off the board within the top 10 picks.\u00a0 Michel is the next best option on the board and while he could also go in round one, it’s not all that unrealistic to expect him to fall to the first few picks of round 2.<\/p>\n The 5′ 11” 215 lb Michel can run with speed and power which enabled him to average a gaudy 6.1 yards per carry in his time at Georgia.<\/p>\n Derrius Guice, LSU:<\/strong><\/p>\n Despite splitting carries with Leonard Fournette two seasons ago, Guice piled up over 2,500 yards and\u00a0 26 touchdowns over the past two campaigns.<\/p>\n Kerryon Johnson, Auburn:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n A powerful downhill runner with very good agility, Johnson gave his draft stock a boost late in the season when he had 62 carries for 271 yards and a touchdown to go along with 87 yards and a score on five receptions against the closest thing he would see to an NFL defense in Alabama and Georgia.<\/p>\n Nick Chubb, Georgia:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ahead of Michel on the depth chart during his time at Georgia, the 5′ 10” 220 lb Chubb is a powerful back who averaged 6.3 YPC over fours seasons.\u00a0 There are some questions about Chubb’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, but his production in a tough conference could see him come off the board on day two.<\/p>\n Ronald Jones II, USC:<\/strong><\/p>\n Watching Jones for USC this season made you think he could be one of the most explosive offensive players in this class.\u00a0 Jones had a five game stretch late in the season that saw him run for 814 yards and 10 touchdowns.\u00a0 He may need to put on some weight if he hopes to be a featured back, but the playmaking ability is clearly there.<\/p>\n