After being the number one pick nearly five years ago for the Dallas Cowboys, it’s safe to say Felix Jones is a disappointment. Still, his age and hope that there’s still some untapped potential in him might push the New York Jets to go for the running back.
Jones, a 22nd overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft came after some big seasons for Arkansas in College, but couldn’t turn his speed and impressive numbers into something impressive while playing against pros: He has 2728 yards on 569 carries; a good average of 4.8 yards per carry, but every time Jones had the opportunity to break out as a feature back for the Cowboys, he didn’t quite seem to handle the pressure and the load.
Last season wasn’t his best, as he did play 16 games but was hurt by injuries that limited him. The Cowboys pondered last month about what to do with him, but there’s no doubt that DeMarcu Murray is their guy, and if someone is going to be the one helping him with a number of carries, there’s a chance the Cowboys turn to the draft to do that.
David Lee, the Jets new quarterbacks coach, was the offensive coordiantor at Arkansas during Jones’ final season for the Razorbacks, and there’s a chance that just like he’s pushing for the team to sign Brady Quinn to compete with Mark Sanchez, he’ll be doing the same for Jones, who many believe that when healthy can finally find the form of a 1000-yard running back, and just needs the carries and the opportunity.
The Jets averaged only 3.8 yards per carry last season, and Shonn Green, the team’s leading rusher last season, isn’t likely to be staying with them in 2013. Without too much cap-room to work with and needs across the board, signing Jones, who isn’t enjoying a high stock price at the moment, could be the best solution to patch up a hole in the offense.