New York Jets: Breaking down the 2019 running back depth chart

The New York Jets welcome Le’Veon Bell to their running back corps for 2019. Here we analyze Gang Green’s depth chart at the position.

The New York Jets offense will feature their prize free agent acquisition this coming season in running back Le’Veon Bell. The Michigan State product is regarded as one of the finest running backs in the NFL and should provide an anemic Gang Green offense with a tremendous boost in 2019.

With that being said, Bell won’t be the only player garnering touches out of the Jets backfield in the 2019 season. There are other bodies in the mix that will have a say in the offense.

Let’s take a look at New York’s 2019 depth chart at the running back position.

Le’Veon Bell

A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro selection, the Reynoldsburg, OH native will be the bell cow, so to speak, of the Jets offense this upcoming season. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for Bell to shake off the rust after sitting out the entire 2018 campaign with the Steelers due to a contract dispute.

Maybe the year off will do him some good. He’s had a lot of wear and tear on his body over his first five years in Pittsburgh. He’s still just 27 years old and when healthy, is one of the most dynamic overall running backs in the league. Bell compiled 1,946 total yards from scrimmage in 2017 when he led the NFL in touches (406). He’s the best receiving halfback in the business as well with 160 catches in his last two seasons.

If New York’s offensive line improves, and it has to, Bell should be able to take a great deal of pressure off the shoulders of quarterback Sam Darnold. Bell likes to wait for a hole to develop so the offensive line must be stout at the point of attack. The Jets ranked 26th in rushing in 2018 (101.4 yards per game) so Bell can only help. He’ll add another dimension with his elite pass-catching ability out of the backfield or via the slot on occasion.

Bell promises to be a true difference-maker. He has to be.

Elijah McGuire

The 5-10, 214-pounder began the 2018 season on the IR, but he finished with respectable numbers in his second campaign. A sixth-round draft pick (188th overall) out of Louisiana, McGuire recorded 304 yards and four touchdowns last year.

Although he averaged just 3.0 yards per carry, McGuire averaged 10.2 yards per reception on 19 catches. The Houma, LA native also contributed on special teams and for a sixth-round selection still has some upside based on his age (25) and moderately decent ceiling.

Ty Montgomery

This was an interesting signing by former general manager Mike Maccagnan. Injuries have derailed Montgomery’s recent two seasons (21 games played) but he’s a truly versatile performer with excellent receiving skills out of the backfield (107 career receptions, three touchdowns).

The Stanford product also provides added value by serving as a kick returner if needed (22.7 return average on 35 returns). Montgomery is only 26 years old and if he can remain healthy, will provide Gang Green with a viable receiver that can line out wide or in the slot if need be.

Trenton Cannon

The lanky speedster from tiny Division II Virginia State is probably the fastest player on the team. He was very active on special teams as a rookie last year and had a brief moment in the sun last Oct. 21 against the Vikings — four receptions for 69 yards on five targets. Hey, he’s another sixth-round pick (204th overall in 2018), so to last the entire season on an NFL roster is an accomplishment in itself.

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You can’t teach speed and Cannon, as in shot out of a cannon, has it in leaps and bounds. He’ll continue to contribute as a reserve halfback and special teams performer moving forward for New York.

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