Douglas' NFL Draft Resume Points to Running Back Pick or Possible UDFA Signing

Should they opt not to spend a pick on a ball carrier, the Jets could add one post-Draft

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
Apr 27, 2023 9:49 AM EDT

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New York Jets' general manager Joe Douglas has been in charge during the last three drafts and a running back has been amongst the team's selections each time.

Past performance does not guarantee future results, but Gang Green's GM has developed a pattern of sorts.

Despite a solidly-stocked running backs' room in Florham Park, it shouldn't shock anyone if Douglas goes back to the well again in some form this week.

“We love our running back room. I'll leave it at that,” said head coach Robert Saleh in response to a question about Ezekiel Elliott at the NFL Owners' Meetings last month.

With only five total selections at their disposal, the likelihood of the Jets drafting a ball carrier is low. Even so, Gang Green could opt to bolster its stable of backs by going the undrafted free agent route like they did with North Carolina State's Zonovan Bam Knight last spring.

Knight proved to be worthwhile UDFA signing, gaining 400 yards from scrimmage over seven appearances (4 starts) in 2022.

With RB1 Breece Hall coming off ACL surgery, adding insurance to the position group may be a good idea. The Jets Country Draft Series has a few suggestions for Jets' brass when it comes to the 2023 running backs group.

Douglas and Co. used a second-round pick to acquire Hall in 2022 and even traded up two spots to get the draft class's top-ranked running back prospect at No. 36 overall. It was worth it as the Iowa State product totaled 681 yards from scrimmage in his first 6.5 games before the injury.

One year earlier, the Jets made North Carolina's Michael Carter a fourth-round selection (No. 107 overall). Carter has rushed for 1,041 yards and seven touchdowns in 30 NFL appearances.

La'Mical Perine, a 2020 fourth-round pick, played only 14 games with Gang Green and has since landed with the Kansas City Chiefs on a futures deal.

Since reportedly releasing running back Ty Johnson on Wednesday, the Jets have at least one available spot in their RB room. One of four ball carriers listed on the 2023 spring roster, Johnson was a core special teamer. He played nearly 200 snaps on specials last year.

Jets' Recent RB Draftees

2022: Breece Hall, Iowa State (R2, 36 overall)

2021: Michael Carter, North Carolina (R4, 107 overall)

2020: La'Mical Perine, Florida (R4, 120 overall)

2019: N/a

2018: Trenton Cannon, Virginia State (R6, 204 overall)

Editorial Opinion: Monmouth RB Owen Wright would be the perfect UDFA signing for the Jets if he isn't nabbed by a team in Rounds 6 or 7. The 5-foot-9 Wright, who was extremely effective in red-zone situations when taking snaps out of wildcat formation, totaled 17 touchdowns over Monmouth’s 11-game slate last fall. He played for all four special teams units and offers value as a short-yardage back. TCU's Emari Demercado is another potential UDFA worth examining.