The New York Jets finished the 2015 season ranked No. 10 in rushing yards per game (116.8) and No. 14 in yards-per-carry (4.2). Yet despite running back Chris Ivory setting career highs in carries (247), yards (1,070) and rushing touchdowns (7), the Jets are still looking for more from the position. Ivory saw his snaps decrease considerably once Bilal Powell returned from injury late in the season and now ESPN is reporting that the Pro Bowl running back has played his last game for New York.
The Jets have seven starters heading into free agency this offseason and just $14 million in projected salary cap space. Given the increased emphasis on the passing game these days, it's doubtful that Ivory is that high on their list of priorities, especially when the team can find a cheaper and younger alternative in the NFL Draft. In fact, ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects NY to take Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott with the No. 20 overall pick in his Mock Draft 2.0.
"Elliott makes a lot of sense for the Jets, whose top three running backs are all free agents," McShay wrote. "Over the past two seasons, Elliott has shown plenty of examples of his game-breaking ability as a rusher (3,699 yards and 41 TDs). He's also an outstanding pass-blocker - the best RB I've ever studied in that area - and a reliable weapon as a pass-catcher. Depending on what the Jets decide to do with free-agent DTs Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison, [Alabama DT Jarran] Reed also could be in play at this spot."
Elliott ran for a whopping 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns this past season while also catching 27 passes for 206 yards. He averaged 6.3 yards-per-carry and boasts a 6.7 YPC for his college career. While Ivory is a steady and solid player, Elliott is a much more dynamic talent with homerun speed. With both Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon being taken in the first-round last year, it's not out of the question that the Jets could target Elliott with their first pick when the this year's NFL Draft rolls around.
