The New York Jets latest game against the LA Chargers illustrated how good Bilal Powell is. Why don’t they use him more? Plus how Jets can tank right in 2018 NFL Draft.
Believe it or not, New York Jets running back Bilal Powell has been in the league since 2010. This guy is about to turn 30 for Pete’s sake and yet running back will be a need heading into the 2018 NFL Draft.
While Powell has 698 attempts in his career, it has never been enough. Since drafting the versatile running back out of Louisville, he’s been underutilized.
Despite having chances and looking good in those opportunities, the Jets have continued to spurn him for other options. Puzzling, to say the least.
What isn’t puzzling was his magical 145-yard performance which was highlighted by a 57-yard touchdown burst. Voice of the Jets Bob Wischusen had the call …
A counter-toss executed to perfection.@bilalpowell29's 57-yd TD is the Week 16 @espnbob radio call of the game ? https://t.co/x55W6a8uXW pic.twitter.com/q1ZpzfwEyA
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 26, 2017
Here’s some more knowledge dropped on you via the Jets’ official Twitter account on how special Powell has been this season for the lowly Jets:
No #Jets RB has ever had more 50-yd runs in one season than @bilalpowell29 (3 in 2017).
? https://t.co/EX0IBsW2OR pic.twitter.com/f09qwLhKny
— New York Jets (@nyjets) December 25, 2017
The Jets have several needs heading into the 2018 offseason and we’ll be documenting them soon right here on Elite Sports New York. Running back may not be at the top of the list, but it’s a high item.
Matt Forte (32) is a likely cap casualty. According to Spotrac, Forte could be cut with only $1m in dead money. While the Jets would save $3m. They’re already projected to have north of $100m with Muhammad Wilkerson’s expected release, so they won’t need it, but with a team in transition, they could look to add some youth through the 2018 NFL Draft.
Speaking of the draft, there’s a lot of movement to still be done over the next week but the Jets would hold the seventh overall pick if the season ended today.
If the NFL Draft happened today, this is what it would look like. pic.twitter.com/UoHxu1Evs9
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 26, 2017
While ESPN Insider Rich Cimini says, “It’s mathematically impossible for the Jets to crack the top three, but they could make it to four if a lot of things fall into place. To make that giant leap, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11), San Francisco 49ers (5-10) and Denver Broncos(5-10) probably would have to win in the final week.” (You can check out the rest of his piece in our other Jets news, stories below.)
The sixth overall pick has been favorable to the green and white over the last several years (Jamal Adams and Leonard Williams). But the Jets may be looking for another first-round pick quarterback, which would be the first time gang green makes that leap since 2009 (Mark Sanchez).
Other Jets News, Stories
- Why the Cardinals are the wild card of Todd Bowles’ future (Brian Costello of the New York Post).
- Here’s how the New York Jets can make a late leap in draft position (Rich Cimini of ESPN New York).
- Austin Seferian-Jenkins frustrated by second-half disappearance (Calvin Watkins of Newsday).
