Bilal Powell's Potential Role

by John B on May 6, 2011 9:00 AM EDT

If you are looking to go to Vegas and bet money on a 2011 Jets Draft pick to become a star, Bilal Powell might be smart money since it was the pick I was most critical of. If stardom awaits Powell in the future, it will probably not be in 2011, though.

The Jets have picked four running backs in three Drafts since Rex Ryan took over. There seems to be a trend. These guys start at the bottom of the depth chart as rookies. Joe McKnight probably did not come in prepared as a rookie. The other two, Shonn Greene and John Conner, could not get onto the field much early in their first campaigns despite having similar and even arguably more talent than entrenched incumbents. Greene only got his big chance when Leon Washington got hurt.

Even when they ran the ball more than any team in the league in 2009, the Jets liked to keep a two man rushing rotation. Powell comes into the team fourth on the depth chart. He will probably not get much time unless somebody gets hurt.

Powell's path to being active on gameday probably depends on contributing on special teams blocking and coverage units. He did not start full time until his final year at Louisville. He got experience on specials those early years. After LaDainian Tomlinson goes presumably after this year, he will probably start getting more carries.

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i dont know about star

but ive been on record in saying i think he will start soon…… annual 1200 yard back is my vision

by SLAUGHTERHOUSE on May 6, 2011 9:25 AM EDT reply actions

I love his running style.

I think he’d be perfect for our blocking scheme. Kinda like Arian Foster.

by Exystence on May 6, 2011 9:33 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I agree.

I think he’ll develop much quicker than McKnight did. McKnight had to retool his game to fit our scheme. He’s trying to bulk up, learn how to run between the tackles, and learn to read zone blocks. All the while switching coasts and adjusting to the pro game.

I think Powell’s style naturally fits our style of offense. He’s a tough, between the tackles, one cut runner by nature. His transition should be much smoother.

by Crackback on May 6, 2011 9:51 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Dump LT not now but right now! mark my words McKnight will be ready to take on a much larger role this year

by JETSFAN IN SC on May 6, 2011 9:48 AM EDT reply actions

Why do you think ANY other Jets RB can pass block and catch as well as LT?

Certainly there’s no evidence of it. What is it that persuades you that LT’s contributions in these 2 areas could possibly be replaced by any other RB on the Jets roster?

Ladanian may no longer have the burst to be a big time RUNNER, but he does so many other things on the field that have tremendous value. For example, if the Jets don’t sign Brad Smith, Ladanian can run the wildcat. He had something like 7 TD PASSES in 12 attempts, with 8 completions and no picks, over his career. That’s a career passer rating of 147!

by D1andonlyDman on May 6, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Powell will be ready sooner rather than later.

The plan will be one of two things:
1) Ride Tomlinson til he burns out, like last year. Then turn it over to Greene and McKnight; and use Powell for a burst at the end of the season and into the playoffs. Or…

2) Go heavy with Greene and McKnight early, and sprinkle in Powell and Tomlinson throughout the season. Powell serving mainly as insurance in case Greene goes down. The idea being to save Tomlinson for the playoffs.

by Crackback on May 6, 2011 9:57 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

I agree

Those both seem extremely likely. I think it’s now apparent what the reason for getting another RB is—the playoffs, pretty much. The past two years the running game has broken down in the AFC Championship game. It’s so obvious now I’m actually pretty disappointed in myself for not seeing it before!

by Exystence on May 6, 2011 10:11 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

If I had to guess...

Greene starts. Gets 200 carries. Powell is his understudy and plays kick coverages. In a run heavy game, Powell get one series. Gets 50 carries.

LDT is 3rd down back. Gets 50 carries. McKnight is his understudy and also returns kicks. Gets 50 carries.

By mid season, Jets fans can guess the play by what back is in the game.

So Let It Be Written, So Let it Be Done.

by GreenBeer on May 6, 2011 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

Lol. damn... this is so on the money.

Forgot to add that we’ll be clamoring for Schotty’s head. Again.

by Crackback on May 6, 2011 1:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I’m guessing that convo starts week 1.

So Let It Be Written, So Let it Be Done.

by GreenBeer on May 6, 2011 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

You give him too much credit.

It will be preseason week 1.

And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!

by Noble_Lance on May 6, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions

matchups

i think the jets are going to use these 4 runningbacks based on the weaknesses in the other teams run game

i.e. week inside run defense let greene and powells pound it up the middle or if they cant stop the run to the outside let mcnight and tomlinson get the bulk of the carries and attack them there

this addition adds so much flexibility to our offense i just hope shotty doesnt over think everything like he usually does

by MrMartain on May 6, 2011 12:47 PM EDT reply actions