Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest breakout candidate

By Conor Dorney

Mandatory Credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images /
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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Elijah McGuire #25 of the New York Jets carries the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 31: Elijah McGuire #25 of the New York Jets carries the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

New York Jets – Elijah McGuire

If you’re a fan of the New York Jets, you’re likely pretty pleased with how your offseason turned out. After months of speculation that pointed to USC’s Sam Darnold as the number one overall pick, the Jets instead landed him with pick number three. The team’s aggressiveness in its search for a quarterback paid off and now they’ll look to return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season.

Although plenty of eyes will be on the Jets’ passing game, it’s their running back position that may have the biggest role in their offensive success in 2018. Second-year back Elijah McGuire is one player who could burst onto the scene as the new feature back in Todd Bowls’ offense.

A sixth-round selection out of Louisiana-Lafayette, McGuire turned in a respectable rookie season for Gang Green, rushing for 315 yards on 88 carries while adding 17 receptions out of the backfield. A bulk of that production came in Week 4 against Jacksonville, where McGuire rushed for 93 yards and one touchdown to go along with 38 yards receiving.

While McGuire seemed to fall out of favor with the team following that Week 4 outburst, the team isn’t exactly deep at the position and with more consistency, McGuire could certainly establish himself as the lead back. The Jets will do everything they can to protect their new franchise quarterback investment, which should include leaning more on the run.

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