New York Jets: What to expect from rookie Elijah McGuire in 2017
The New York Jets hope they have found a late round gem in Elijah McGuire. What can they expect from the rookie running back in 2017?
The running back depth chart of the New York Jets is pretty much set entering training camp on July 28. Bilal Powell and Matt Forte are expected to split carries for the most part this coming season, but there is a newcomer on the horizon that should see some occasional playing time as well — rookie Elijah McGuire of Louisiana-Lafayette.
The speedy ex-Rajun’ Cajun running back was selected in the sixth round (188th overall) of this year’s NFL Draft. That pick marked the first time general manager Mike Maccagnan drafted a running back in his three years as GM, so the Jets are hoping they’ve discovered a hidden gem very late in the draft process.
So what can Jets fans expect from the 5-10, 214-pounder in 2017? In a word: Versatility. McGuire was used as a punt returner, kick returner and a halfback during minicamp and OTAs. He is known for being an excellent receiver out of the backfield, just like Powell and Forte are. In fact, Gang Green should have the premier trio of pass-catching backs on one team in the NFL this year.
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McGuire tore up the Sun Belt Conference during his four years with Louisiana-Lafayette, rushing for 4,301 yards and 42 touchdowns. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry and added 130 receptions for 1,394 yards and 10 scores out of the backfield. He was named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year in 2014 as a sophomore after averaging 7.6 yards per carry and 1,732 yards from scrimmage.
New York running backs coach Stump Mitchell has really liked what he’s seen so far from McGuire, as he explained to nj.com:
"“I like everything (about him),” Mitchell said. “He’s got great hands. As a third-down back or simply a back, he can catch the ball extremely well. He has good vision, and a good ability to make cuts. I like him. He’s a student of the game.”"
How much playing time McGuire will receive this season remains to be seen, but he’s already made a strong impression. He’ll be used to spell Powell or Forte in third-down situations from time to time and should be a factor on special teams. The Jets have not had an outstanding kickoff/punt returner since Leon Washington 10 years ago. So if McGuire can provide a spark on special teams, it would help improve the team’s starting field position immensely.
Brandon Wilds, Romar Morris and Jordan Todman are also on the running back depth chart but McGuire is clearly third in the pecking order behind Powell and Forte. That’s really not a bad place to be.
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Expect McGuire to be used occasionally on passing downs and to receive a few rushing attempts per game as well. He is known for having strong ball security, so don’t be surprised to see McGuire get some goal line carries as well. By studying some of his video highlights, McGuire has quick feet, fine balance and a solid burst when he hits the hole.
It appears that the Jets got excellent value with this late-round selection. Now he has to prove it on the gridiron.