New York Jets: Reaction to Trenton Cannon selection in the sixth round

Here we have our reaction to the third choice the New York Jets made in the sixth round, Trenton  Cannon.

After back to back picks in the round, the New York Jets had one more pick in the sixth round. With it, they selected Trenton Cannon, running back out of Virginia St. Let’s take a look at that decision.

First things first. This was another selection of need. Now that Matt Forte is gone they needed another body in the running back room. Bilal Powell is turning 30 and isn’t getting any younger. One more young player won’t hurt by a long shot.

Cannon put up big numbers. Last year, he was fantastic, rushing for 148.9 yards per game to go along with 17 touchdowns. 41 touchdowns in three years is a big number no matter what the level of competition was.

However, he is a bit tiny at 5-11, 185 pounds. A running back doesn’t have to be huge but some additional bulk would help Cannon stay healthy.

His ten yard split time is 1.49 seconds and that is elite. That is a number that translates to a game in that is shows he can get to top speed quickly. If he already has his foot on the gas ten yards in, Cannon will look like he was shot out of a cannon. Yes, there was definitely a pun intended.

Next: Nickerson and Fatukasi reactions

The size is going to be an issue. In this league that has grown towards the bigger defenders, Cannon will take a pounding if he doesn’t add more bulk. At this size he could be a participant in sub packages but that is about it.

If he plays well on special teams he could make this roster. Remember, these days there are a lot of change of pace backs. There aren’t too many teams that have 25 carry per game running backs. With his speed, Cannon could make a difference on the NFL level if you get him in open space.