Can New Jets Player Joe McKnight Replace Leon Washington?

The Jets traded their fourth (124th overall) and sixth-round (198th overall) picks to the Carolina Panthers to move up 12 spots and select McKnight, who carved out a solid career in three seasons.

Although he never lived up to the astronomical—and unrealistic—hype of becoming the school's next Reggie Bush, McKnight show some flashes of brilliance. the 5-11, 198-pound running back's explosive open-field skills—he rushed for 2,213 yards (6.4 ypc) with 13 touchdowns in 36 career games—allowed Mike Tannenbaum to ship Leon Washington to the Seahawks.

Because of Joe McKnight talent and versatility, the media and opposing coaches have called Joe McKnight the "next Reggie Bush." Joe McKnight began college at the University of Southern California in June 2007. He was awarded with the inaugural "Frank Gifford Endowed Football Scholarship." which is given out annually by the USC athletic department to an incoming freshman running back, quarterback, or wide receiver who best emulates Gifford life, success, and spirit.

By the pre-season practice before Joe McKnight freshman season at USC, Joe McKnight had already demonstrated some of the speed and moves that made him an impact player in high school. After a slow start during his freshman season, Joe McKnight made a pivotal contribution in a victory against Arizona, where McKnight ran a punt return for 45 yards, and later ran for 59 yards to set USC up for their last 10 points in their game.

Looks like Mike Tannenbaum sees the next Reggie Bush. This pick would be a big plus for New York Jets.