FanPost

Early Targets: Running Back

Incredibly premature, but undeniably necessary; Jet's scouts and fans will be paying attention to College prospects throughout the 2012 season. As of now I see us drafting for RB, OL, and LB.

In terms of need, as of now, it seems that our two greatest hindrances are the inability to generate a pass rush and a big play run game.

Lets address the run game first:

The Jets need a RB that can block, has vision, and can be a big play threat. Greene is not the answer, I would go as far to say that he in the bottom five starters in the league in terms of talent. I think we should draft a RB in the first 3 rounds. Join me after the jump to check out some possible prospects.

Marcus Lattimore: Senior from North Carolina. Lattimore has decent measurable at 6'0, 218 lbs. He runs a 4.5 and plays fast. Strong between tackles Lattimore hits holes hard, has good vision, and rarely goes down at first contact. However, Lattimore lacks the second gear necessary to be a complete home run threat. That being said he has decent agility and would be a good all around back, with a decent ability to block due to his size.

Projected Round: 1st

Marcus Lattimore 2010 Highlights (via GamecockPolo2)

Montee Ball: Junior from Wisconsin. 5'11, 210 lbs. Ball is a baller, runs a 4.6, but just is a tough, tough dude. A Heisman trophy finalist, Ball racked up 1,923 yards and 33 TDs averaging 6.3 yards a carry. He has excellent vision, gets low, and bounces off contact. Ball is also useful for receiving out of the backfield and has decent enough hands to keep Defenses honest.

Projected Rounds: 1-3

Ultimate Montee Ball Highlights - 2011 Season (via namra1205)

Joseph Randle: Standing at 6'1, 200, Randle plays fast. Randle helped balance the Oklahoma State offense, rushing for over 1,200 yards and 24 touchdowns. He is a tough runner between the tackle with outstanding vision. Defenders have a tough time bring Randle down due to his shiftiness and quick cuts. He is also deceptively strong, bouncing off tackles with regularity last season. Randle will also have the potential to play on third downs at the next level with his talents as a blocker and a pass-catcher. This season, the offense will likely run through Randle, so he will need to prove he is capable of that type of pressure and workload.

Projected Rounds: 1-3

Joseph Randle vs Baylor 2011 (via JmpasqDraftjedi)

Kniles Davis: Junior from Arkansas, Davis is a very talented back that has questions about his durability. Still he is a big kid at 6'1, 226 with great speed and impressive production. But Davis rarely makes people miss and has poor cuts. Still Kniles Davis averaged 6.5 yards per carry and totaled 1,322 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Razorbacks in 2010. He was one of the best backs in the SEC that year.

Projected Round: 2-4

Knile Davis Highlights.wmv (via TylerWayneGilbert)

Giovanni Bernard: Fast and strong, Giovanni Bernard is a sophomore for UNC. 5'10, 205 lbs, Bernard is quick, elusive, and absolutely a home run threat. Still he's only a sophomore so he'll be someone to watch.

Projected Rounds: 1-2

Hi-Def Giovani GIO Bernard Highlights - UNC vs Miami Oct 15th, 2011 - 182 yards (via TheBlackFalconNet)

Michael Dyer: One of the most talented backs in college football, Michael Dyer has had some stumbles on his way to the pros. Kicked of Auburn, Dyer transferred to Arkansas St. 5'9, 210 lbs, and 4.48 40, Dyer ran for 1,093 yards with five touchdowns as freshman in 2010, averaging six yards per carry. That broke Bo Jackson's freshman running record at Auburn. With Cam Newton gone, Dyer carried the load for the Tigers offense in 2011. He ran for 1,242 yards (5.13 average) with 10 touchdowns. Dyer was a First-Team All-SEC selection alongside Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Dyer will sit out the 2012 season. He could enter the 2013 draft, but would be better off playing another season of college football to resuscitate his draft status. His family is saying that he will return to college football in 2013, but minds can easily change with the allure of playing professionally. If Dyer does go pro, he looks like a third-day pick given the character concerns. Could be the steal of the draft.

Projected: Late Rounder

Michael Dyer 2010 (via MrWegl)

Let me know what you think of these prospects, if you have anymore to add, or if you think we should be drafting a RB early at all.

This is a FanPost written by a registered member of this site. The views expressed here are those of the author alone and not those of anybody affiliated with Gang Green Nation or SB Nation.