Breaking Down the New York Jets' Running Backs

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The NFL Draft is only one month away, and the Jets still have needs all over their roster that they will attempt to fill with their six draft choices.

In preparation for the draft, I am going to go through each of the positions on the roster and examine what they currently have, who they could add through free agency, and who they could potentially draft.

Today, I will look at their running backs:

New York Jets Current Running Backs:

1. Thomas Jones - Jones is coming off a career year but has missed the Jets voluntary workouts in protest of his contract. It remains to be seen if he will skip anything mandatory, and if he does how the Jets will respond.

Jones is a legit No. 1 back but is over 30 years old, and the Jets philosophy is not to re- negotiate contracts with veterans. If Rex Ryan wants the running game he has talked about all offseason, he is going to need Jones on the team, so I think something will be worked out.

2. Leon Washington - The Jets are currently working on extending their do everything back. Washington's production speaks for itself when he has the ball in his hands. All I can say about him is that the Jets' No. 1 priority on offense this year should be to get him more touches.

I firmly believe Washington could be a Brian Westbrook type of player if given the chance.

3. Tony Richardson - The Jets were smart for bringing the veteran fullback on for another year. He is a great lead blocker and was a big reason the Jets improved so much in short yardage situations last year.

4. Marcus Mason - The Jets signed him last season and he never made it to the active roster. He was the NFL's leading rusher last preseason for the Redskins, so there could be some potential there.

5. Jehuu Calucrick - A big back, who could play fullback and halfback in short yardage situations. It will be tough for him to make the active roster if Tony Richardson stays healthy all season.

6. Danny Woodhead - A big training camp story last year, Woodhead was a monster in Division II before being picked up by the Jets as an undrafted free agent. He missed all of last season with an injury, but will try to make the roster this year as a punt returner and scat back, which will be tough with Leon Washington and Jim Leonhard on the roster.

Free Agency

- I can't see the Jets touching any of the remaining backs on the free agent market, unless Jones ends up holding out or somebody gets hurt. It wouldn't hurt to have another halfback with some experience but they may be willing to give Mason, Caulcrick, and Woodhead a long look in training camp before signing a veteran.

Draft

- A few mock drafts have the Jets taking a running back with their first-round selection. If the Thomas Jones situation gets taken care of, I'd be shocked to see them spend a first rounder on a guy like Knowshon Moreno or Beanie Wells.

Even if they are anticipating a hold out from Jones, I'd still be surprised to see them pass up a receiver or quarterback for a RB in the first round.

They do still have a pro-bowl player in Leon Washington at the position, while they absolutely still need another starting caliber wide receiver and more talent at the quarterback position.

However, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jets take a long look at a guy like Donald Brown in the second round, especially if Jones contract issue becomes a bigger problem.

If the Jets spend a day-one pick on a running back, it will show they are expecting an extended problem with Jones.

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