State of the New York Jets Roster, Running Backs

We now move on to the running backs on the roster. Check below posts for an explanation of our ratings.

Shonn Greene (2-C)

2010 was something of a disappointing season for Greene. Part of it was not his fault. LaDainian Tomlinson's hot start led the coaching staff to ride the legend. The staff continued to ride him far longer than it probably should have. After an opener tarnished by fumbles, Greene never got back the job many believed was going to be his. He will enter 2011 presumably as the number one back. Once he takes over the bulk of the carries, will he revert to the form that made him such a force in the 2009-2010 Playoffs? Few can match his combination of power and second gear. He needs to improve as a pass blocker. I am not sure he will ever develop enough as a receiver to play three downs, but he has the potential to be the key ingredient of the team's success grounding and pounding these next few years.

LaDainian Tomlinson (3-E)

Some might argue this is a bit low for LT. I stand by it, though. Tomlinson himself suggests a reduced role is what is best for him. He is at the point of his career where he still has something to offer, but the team would be best advised to limit his touches so he does not have to conserve energy. He needs to go all out on each play. The Jets could probably live with him getting the bulk of touches for a game or two, but he will wear down without sufficient rest.

Joe McKnight (3-D)

To say McKnight was a disappointment in his rookie year would be completely fair. He came to his first workouts out of shape and never seemed to recover. A bout of fumbling in the preseason dug him even further into the doghouse. He seemed to find religion and worked his way onto the active roster by playing special teams and doing a very good job. The Jets started finding him a few touches. He had a breakout game Week 17 against the Bills. It might have been against a bunch of backups, but he was not having that kind of success against backups in the preseason. While Joe improved during the year, the Jets are going to expect much more this season. They want him to become a homerun threat and a change of pace runner. Just working hard will not cut it.

Bilal Powell (3-D)

Powell is an interesting case. He seems to be polarizing. A lot of people seem to think he will be a complete bust. Others think he is a star in the making. I see him as neither. I think Powell will be a perfectly serviceable between the tackles runner. He is built thick and has a physical, straightforward style. I do not think he has the second gear Greene has, but Powell should be good enough to play in the league.

Carlos Brown (4-F)

With so many guys entrenched above him on the depth chart, I do not see how he makes the team unless two or more guys get hurt.

Chris Jennings (4-F)

Ditto.