Even though the Jets have some of the most money dedicated to the running back position in the NFL, it’s still an area of need come draft weekend.
Beyond Le’Veon Bell, who is coming off the worst statistical season of his career, the Jets lack depth. Entering his third season, Trenton Cannon has been nothing more than a special teamer and lost most of last season to injury. While intriguing, undrafted free agent prospect Jalin Moore spent his entire rookie campaign on the non-football injury list. In addition, Kenneth Dixon and Josh Adams have yet to prove worthy of their draft slots and are just names on a depth chart.
It also looks unlikey that Ty Montgomery or Bilal Powell will return.
So yeah, the Jets need to draft a running back, but that won’t happen until the middle rounds at the earliest. Runners such as D’Andre Swift, J.K. Dobbins and Clyde Edwards-Helaire were intentionally left off this list because the Jets don’t have the roster flexibility to spend a first-round or high-Day 2 pick on a running back.
With that said, let’s take a look at six running backs Gang Green could target during draft weekend.
Zack Moss, Utah
Zack Moss is a very quick back for someone who weighs 223 pounds. He’s a violent runner but also possesses the necessary vision, balance and patience to be an eventual starter at the next level.
Moss returned for his senior season at Utah, spurning the NFL due to knee concerns. He started 12 of 13 games and earned third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team all-conference honors as one of the nation’s top rushers. Moss was the Utes’ workhorse, rushing 235 times for 1,416 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was also a threat in the passing game, catching 28 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns.
There have been growing concerns about Moss’ medicals due to the lack of in-person information teams have been able to receive during the pandemic. Moss’ surgically repaired knee checked out well in a recent exam, though, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Moss’ agent told Schefter that all 32 NFL teams have been notified of the results, which could lead to a rise in draft stock.
The cousin of former Jet Santana Moss, the Utah product would be the perfect complement to Le’Veon Bell if New York elects to spend a Day 2 pick on a running back.