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New York Jets 2018 Rookie Profile: Trenton Cannon

By Stephen Smith

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 25: A New York Jets helmet is held behind a player's back during the national anthem before NFL action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium before the game on September 25, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 25: A New York Jets helmet is held behind a player's back during the national anthem before NFL action against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium before the game on September 25, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets selected running back Trenton Cannon in the sixth round (204th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. Here is his rookie profile.

Speed. The New York Jets could certainly use more of it up and down their roster. With that attribute in mind, general manager Mike Maccagnan selected running back Trenton Cannon in the sixth round (204th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

It was their final pick in this year’s extravaganza. The 5-11, 185-pounder played at Division II Virginia State where he rushed for 4,035 yards (7.28 YPC) and 44 touchdowns in 32 games.

Sixth-round draft picks are never guaranteed to make the opening day 53-man roster. They might not even earn their way onto the practice squad. Cannon will have to compete with Isaiah Crowell, Bilal Powell, Thomas Rawls, Elijah McGuire for touches in training camp.

His entry way into making the team may be via his return specialist abilities. The Jets need an impact player on special teams. Their last premier one was Leon Washington way back in 2008.

Let’s take a look at some of Cannon’s career highlights:

PROS: The Hampton, VA native possesses explosive, breakaway speed. He’s a dynamic change-of-pace halfback who can change direction on a dime. Cannon literally looks like he is shot out of a cannon on some plays.

He can accelerate quickly and is able to zip past defenders when bursting around the edge. He’s a true home run hitter, especially if he gets into the open field. The Jets hope Cannon can make a real impact on special teams — he returned three kickoffs for touchdowns during his career with the Trojans.

CONS: Cannon is slight of build and needs to hit the weight room to get stronger for the rigors of NFL life. He’s not effective gaining yards after contact. He profiles as a change-of-pace back only. Cannon recorded just 48 receptions while at Virginia State so he needs to improve his pass-catching skills out of the backfield. That will take time.

Next: NFL 2018: Biggest offseason mistake for each team

SUMMARY: It’s very hard to make an NFL team as the 204th pick in a draft. If Cannon is to either make the opening day roster or practice squad, he is going to have to excel as a punt and/or kickoff returner. There are too many other quality running backs ahead of him on the depth chart. Cannon needs to impress via special teams during training camp and preseason contests. He should be considered a long shot to make the opening day roster but a spot on the practice squad seems very likely at this point in time.

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