New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Target: Royce Freeman
The New York Jets can bolster their running back corps by targeting Oregon’s Royce Freeman in the middle rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.
The 2018 NFL Draft is almost here. Anticipation is building quickly. The New York Jets will select their franchise quarterback with the third overall pick but they have some key selections to make in round three (72nd overall) and the fourth round (107th overall). Let’s face it, there are a lot of holes on their roster and an influx of young talent is needed.
One area where Gang Green can bolster their depth chart is the running back position. A player that General Manager Mike Maccagnan should consider selecting in the middle rounds is Oregon halfback Royce Freeman.
The 5-11, 234-pounder is the all-time rushing leader for the Ducks with 5,621 yards (5.9 per carry) and 60 career touchdowns. Freeman scampered for 1,475 yards (6.0 per carry) and 16 touchdowns in his senior campaign in 2017.
Let’s take a look at some highlights:
The Imperial, CA native is not going to remind anyone of Kareem Hunt or Todd Gurley, but he’s not that type of player. Freeman is very effective running between the tackles with his strong, muscular frame. He breaks tackles well, has good balance and is very adept in red zone and goal line scenarios.
Freeman is the epitome of a workhouse back. He logged 947 carries in his four seasons in Eugene. There is a lot of wear of those tires. That may be a concern moving forward but we are talking the middle rounds here. You’re not going to get a Saquon Barkley this late in the draft.
The main reason Freeman is not expected to go higher is his lack of breakaway speed. He’s not overly elusive. He’s an adequate receiver out of the backfield with 79 career receptions for the Ducks. That skill set needs to be improved in the pass-happy world that is the NFL.
Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Two rounds with massive trades
Let’s not forget that Hunt was a third round selection (86th overall) in last year’s draft and he wound up leading the league in rushing with 1,327 yards. Gems can be discovered in the middle rounds. It’s happened time and time again. Hunt was a Pro Bowl performer last season. That does not guarantee that Freeman will be but he can provide quality depth and upside to an improving Jets roster if Maccagnan grabs him.
(Projected round: 3-4)