As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players on the Jets roster. Each weekday we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game. Hope you enjoy.
No. 19: BILAL POWELL
Last year’s ranking: Unranked
Position: Running Back
Age: 24
How acquired: Selected in the fourth round of the 2011 Draft
Contract status: 2 years, $1.4 million remaining
Looking back at 2012: Powell looked like a different back from the start of training camp. He was faster and ran with a purpose that helped him beat out Joe McKnight for the backup spot to Shonn Greene.
During the season, Powell emerged in the second half to the point that he and Greene were basically splitting carries at the end of the year. He finished with 437 yards on 110 carries and four touchdowns.
Powell improved as a pass blocker dramatically and allowed just one sack.
Outlook for 2013: Powell will be fighting for carries with Chris Ivory, Mike Goodson and McKnight. It will be interesting to see if he can improve off of last year. Clearly, the Jets don’t view him as an everydown back or they would not have traded for Ivory. Powell opened some eyes during training camp last year. Maybe he can do it again.
He does not have the speed of Goodson or McKnight, so if Ivory wins the starting job and one of those guys becomes the change-of-pace back it will be hard for Powell to get on the field. But each of the running backs comes with some question marks and Powell could snag a big role if he improves off of last year.
The running back competition will be one of the most fascinating of the summer and Powell will be in the center of it.