In just under a week and a half, New York Jets fans will flock to 1 Jets Drive for the most anticipated training camp in franchise history. It has been 12 straight seasons without a playoff berth for Gang Green, yet General Manager Joe Douglas has put together a team that has many believing the drought could end. In a very young running backs unit, the Jets hope a healthy offensive line and the return of one of their most electric playmakers will resolve their late-2022 run game woes. That being said, let’s preview the Jets 2023 running backs ahead of training camp…
Catch up on the New York Jets 2023 Preview series with Quarterbacks
New York Jets 2023 Preview: Running Backs
Running Backs Recap from the 2022 Season
When taking a look at the Jets backfield, it is hard to ignore the commitment to the youth movement. The Jets employ one of the youngest and most talented rushing units in the league. All are on rookie contracts, with three returning from the 2022 roster. When given the opportunity, all have flashed their potential. However, whether due to injury or inconsistent performance, it is easy to poke holes at the position.
Could the Jets afford to add a veteran back as insurance? Absolutely. There are plenty of standout options left on the free agent market. Will they is the question though. And it is all a matter of the Jets being confident in the ability of the youth movement to support their new quarterback.
Week 1 Starter: Breece Hall
If not for suffering an ACL tear in Week 7, Breece Hall likely would have beaten out teammate Garrett Wilson for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. From the moment he made his rookie debut in 2022, Hall became the focal point of the Jets offense. After all, the team had a 5-2 record in games he played compared to a 2-8 record following his injury. The 2022 36th overall only saw the field on 49% of offensive snaps yet accumulated 681 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns. Between his 5.8 yards per carry and 9.0 yards after contact per reception, it is easy to understand the type of playmaker Hall brings to an offense.
At 6’1” and 220 pounds with his rare combination of strength and athleticism, Hall has star running back written all over him. However, it is all dependent on his recovery from his torn ACL. For starters, there is no guarantee he will be back by Week 1. The Jets remain optimistic, but if Hall is not at 100% strength, there is no reason to rush him. Risking his longevity in an all-in season with Aaron Rodgers under center is not worth it. If it takes a few extra weeks for Hall to contribute in full – so be it.
While New York would love that to happen in Week 1, it is more realistic that it will happen over the course of the season. For example, Saquon Barkley progressively improved between 2021-2022, after missing most of the 2020 season with the same injury. If Hall is ready, he will start Week 1 as the lead committee back until he proves he’s ready for the lead role.
Backup Role: Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, Israel Abanikanda
Entering his third year, Michael Carter’s tape has been a tale of two players since being drafted 107th overall in 2021. As a rookie, Carter had 964 yards from scrimmage with 5.9 yards per touch. In averaging 2.3 yards after contact in the run game, Carter seemed destined for a bigger role in 2022. Instead, his yards per carry and after contact dropped by about a whole yard. With a repaired offensive line, one would hope to see Carter tap back into the crafty and explosive back seen coming out of North Carolina. Expect to see Carter begin training camp as the favorite to be the lead committee backfield if Hall is not ready.
Do not be surprised if Zonovan Knight pushes Carter for those reps early and often. The undrafted free agent out of N.C. State stood out last season after rushing for 230 yards on 46 carries in his first three career games. At 5’11” and 210 pounds, Knight is a true power back, as his nickname “Bam” indicates. At the same time, as much as the Jets can use his size, Knight offers little breakaway speed or elusiveness after contact. This issue became prevalent over the final four weeks, as he rushed for just 70 yards on 39 carries.
The X-factor of the Jets backfield will be rookie Israel Abanikanda. The 143rd overall pick out of Pittsburgh is a potential steal, with legitimate speed and athleticism to go with his 5’10” and 216-pound frame. Having rushed for over 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns in his senior year, he can become a key factor in a committee run game. With how big of a factor Hall’s long speed was early in 2022 for the Jets, Abanikanda could play a big role early on.
On the Roster Bubble: Travis Dye
After the success of Zonovan Knight, the Jets added another undrafted free agent running back in USC’s Travis Dye. The 5’10 and 200-pound is the younger brother to Minnesota Vikings linebacker Troy Dye, as well as Tony Dye, a former NFL safety. Travis Dye has great instincts as a downhill runner with upside as a third-down back. Although he may not have any standout traits, with his five years of experience between Oregon (2018-2021) and USC (2022), Dye is a strong practice squad candidate.
Who to Watch for in Training Camp: Breece Hall
At the end of the day, the Jets run game revolves around Breece Hall’s ability once healthy. It is rare for a running back to return at full strength immediately, leaving one to wonder at what capacity can Hall contribute to start the season. Nevertheless, how he performs at training camp will go a long way toward hinting at his status and recovery trajectory. After all, Jets fans alike know the potential of Hall to become a long-term staple in Gotham Green.
Pre-Training Camp Running Backs Projection
It remains to be seen at what capacity, but the Jets have hope Breece Hall will be ready for Week 1. With that in mind, he is joined by rookie Israel Abanikanda as the locks to make the team. Who knows if the team will carry three or four running backs? If four, then both Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight are safe. Thus, leaving Travis Dye on the practice squad. If not, then expect a full-fledged competition between Carter and Knight to emerge. Or, perhaps, the Jets add another running back via free agency to further bolster their unit.
Main Photo Credit: Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
