New York Jets: 3 Mid-Round Running Back Targets In 2017 NFL Draft

3. Jeremy McNichols, Boise St.

Height: 5-9
Weight: 214
Projected Round: 3-5

Mr. Versatility might be the best way to describe McNichols, an exciting player who is effective as a runner, pass receiver and returner. The Long Beach, CA native was named to the second-team All-Mountain West squad by averaging 138.6 rushing yards per game last season, which had him ranked in the Top 10 in the nation. His 2,255 all-purpose yards was also a Top 10 mark so even though he did not compete in the toughest conference in the country, his talent is unmistakable.

McNichols had five receptions of 25-plus yards for the Broncos in 2016 so he should fit right in with the pass-happy world of the NFL. He is known for elusiveness, quick acceleration and the ability to evade multiple defenders in tight spaces. McNichols is not afraid to challenge tacklers as well. His change of direction skills are very acute.

Like Foreman and Mack, McNichols fumbles the football too often — eight times in the last two years — so that issue must be addressed right away. He also has to become a better blocker in blitz pickup so his quarterback doesn’t get smashed.

Next: Jets: Evaluating Last 5 Sixth-Overall Draft Picks

Here is the synopsis that Pro Football Focus gave of McNichols overall:

"McNichols has experience in both zone and gap blocking schemes, though the latter may be a better fit. He had a below-average line in 2016, and sometimes cut away from the intended point of attack before it was necessary as if he wasn’t trusting his blockers. McNichols has good balance through contact and plays bigger than his size at times. He may fit the definition of “jack of all trades, master of none” more than any other back in the draft class."

Although he is still somewhat raw at this point, McNichols would be a running back well worth investing in if available in the middle rounds of this year’s draft.