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New York Jets: Biggest Needs for 2016

By Christian Kouroupakis

Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets new general manager Mike Maccagnan speaks during a press conference at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/NJ Advance Media for NJ.com via USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back

Another important decision to make is what to do with running back Chris Ivory. He is eligible for free agency this year and the Jets need to decide if they are willing to pay him the big bucks in order to retain his game-changing abilities. Ivory produces his first 1,000 yard season of his career in 2015 and should be tempted to test the market. Number 2 running back Bilal Powell is also a free agent.

Ivory was on his way to a have monster year, but he ran out of gas as the season progressed. For Powell, he posted 313 yards on the ground and 388 yards in the air along with two touchdowns. These stats may not pop out on paper, but his versatility will earn him a solid pay check this off season and he was integral to the Jets’ success.

An ideal fan would love to keep both Ivory and Powell because of their complementary set of skills, but there will be some problems with retaining the deadly duo. If New York plans to keep Ryan Fitzpatrick, Damon Harrison, and Muhammed Wilkerson, there simply won’t be enough money to retain Ivory or Powell.

Running backs can be found in a variety of cheap options such as mid-round draft picks, late-round picks, and even un-drafted free agent running backs. There are also dozens of veteran running backs who would accept the minimum veteran contract.

I think it’s time for the Jets to use a first or second round draft pick on a speed back to replace Ivory and Powell. The only running back under contract for 2016 is Zac Stacy, who was on injured reserve but could make an impact as a backup running back for Gang Green next season. Who starts, though?

If I’m Maccagnan, and Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott is still on the board, I’m taking him.

Ezekiel ran for 1821 yards 289 attempts  and 23 touchdowns, and ended his year with a 149 yard, 4 touchdown performance against Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. He’s an impact guy with undeniable talent. He does have a chip on his shoulder that will need to be controlled, but Todd Bowles could easily fix that once training camp opens. The Jets could also use Stacy as a veteran who can show him the way and groom him into an elite NFL running back.

The buzz regarding who the Jets will target with the 20th overall pick will grow as the off season progresses, but if Ezekiel is available I see no reason why he should not be pursued.

Next: Defensive Line

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