JETS COUNTRY DRAFT SERIES: Running down Running Back Possibilities

Gang Green can re-inforce a strong position group through NFL Draft and UDFA signings

The New York Jets showed little to no interest in pursuing a veteran running back like Ezekiel Elliott through free agency.

When speaking at the NFL Owners’ Meetings in Arizona, Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh provided a short, stern response to a question regarding the potential pursuit of Elliott, who won two NFL rushing titles during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.

“We love our running back room. I'll leave it at that,” said Saleh.

While Jets’ brass appears confident in the ability of the team's current ball carriers, it doesn’t hurt to add hungry, talented reinforcements

With budding star Breece Hall coming off ACL surgery, taking out an insurance policy through the NFL Draft isn’t a bad idea.

Hall totaled 681 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns over his first seven NFL games prior to suffering the season-ending knee injury, but he may not return to his prior playing condition until midway through the upcoming 2023 campaign.

Former fourth-round pick Michael Carter (2021) and undrafted Zonovan Knight (2022) have shown play-making ability off the bench.

Carter has rushed for 1,041 yards and seven touchdowns in 30 games since being the No. 107 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Knight, who made his NFL debut in a 31-10 home win over the Chicago Bears in Week 11, totaled 400 yards from scrimmage in seven appearances as a rookie.

Come Day 3 of the three-day NFL Draft, the Jets could be in the market for a short-yardage back who can contribute heavily on special teams or a proven producer who has been overlooked due to injury history.

Here are some sleeper prospects who could pique the Jets’ interest...

Emari Demercado, Texas Christian

Ht: 5094 | Wt: 215 | Hand: 0912 | Arm: 3134 | Wing: 7558 | 40: 4.57

The three-time Big 12 Conference All-Academic selection, who earned his master’s degree prior to the 2022 season, stepped up for the Horned Frogs in their CFP Semifinal victory over Michigan. Shining on a national stage, Demercado rushed for 150 yards on 17 carries.

Playing second fiddle to Kendre Miller in the TCU backfield, the 5-foot-9 bulldozer totaled 681 rush yards on 121 attempts in 2022. He scored seven touchdowns (6 rush, 1 rec) in 15 games. Demercado saw an increased workload late in the 2021 season, rushing for 90 yards and 89 yards in back-to-back Big 12 games.

Demercado participated in the invitation-only NFLPA Bowl, landing on the National Team roster.

RB Emari Demercado powers into the end zone in TCU's CFP Semifinal win over Michigan :: Joe Rondone / USA TODAY NETWORK

Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota

Ht: 5074 | Wt: 203 | Hand: 0878 | Arm: 2828 | Wing: 7018 | 40: 4.55e

Ibrahim suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Minnesota’s 2021 opener, but the Baltimore product bounced back during a record-setting 2022 campaign.

The stout 5-foot-7 ball carrier earned 2022 Associated Press All-America Second Team honors after rushing for a Golden Gophers’ single-season record 1,665 yards and 20 touchdowns on 320 attempts.

Ibrahim, who earned an AP All-America Third Team nod in 2020, totaled 24 100-yard rushing performances in 41 career games. The resilient runner set a freshman single-game program record with 224 yards against Georgia Tech in the 2018 Quick Lane Bowl. He is Minnesota’s all-time leader in rush yards (4,668) and touchdown rushes (53).

The sixth-year senior received an invitation to the 2023 East West Shrine Bowl.

Emanuel Wilson, Fort Valley State

Ht: 5106 | Wt: 229 | Hand: 0878 | Arm: 3312 | Wing: 7918 | 40: 4.52e

The D2 college prospect tested his ability against Power 5 conference players at the 2023 NFLPA Bowl in Pasadena, CA, appearing comfortable with the step-up in competition. Wilson carried four times for 16 yards in the annual all-star game.

Wilson, a bruising back, averaged 6.6 yards per carry and rushed for 17 touchdowns in 10 games for Fort Valley State last fall. He totaled 1,610 yards from scrimmage, including 239 yards on 24 receptions, in 2022.

NFLPA Bowl participant Emanuel Wilson standing outside Rose Bowl Stadium :: Kevin Koski / NFLPA Bowl

Owen Wright, Monmouth

Ht: 5090 | Wt: 215 | Hand: 1000 | Arm: 3034 | Wing: 7400 | 40: 4.53

The hard-running Wright tied for the fourth-most touchdowns (17) in the entire NCAA Football Championship Subdivision.

Complementing Monmouth’s Walter Payton Award finalist Jaden Shirden as part of a loaded backfield, Wright totaled 328 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone on 16 of his 72 rushing attempts in 2022. The core special teamer played two full seasons for Monmouth after transferring from William & Mary, where he logged 22 appearances.

Wright, who ran a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash and recorded a 34” vertical jump in March, was tabbed a NFLPA Bowl “Weigh-In Winner” by NFL Draft Bible founder Ric Serritella this past January.

All player measurements supplied by NFL Draft Bible (allaccessfootball.com).

Monmouth RB Owen Wright at NFLPA Bowl practice :: Kevin Koski / NFLPA Bowl

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