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5 best training camp battles for Jets in 2019

By William Schneiderhan

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JUNE 04: Head Coach Adam Gase of the New York Jets coaching drills during mandatory minicamp at The Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 4, 2019 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
FLORHAM PARK, NJ - JUNE 04: Head Coach Adam Gase of the New York Jets coaching drills during mandatory minicamp at The Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 4, 2019 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 23: Elijah McGuire #25 of the New York Jets runs the ball against Josh Jackson #37 of the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 23: Elijah McGuire #25 of the New York Jets runs the ball against Josh Jackson #37 of the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 23, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

4. Backup RB

Le’Veon Bell was the prize signing for the Jets this offseason. The team was in dire need of a major weapon for young signal caller Sam Darnold, so inking Bell was a must-need that was answered.

Even with Bell’s ability and durability, he cannot be expected to take every single rep, especially after a year hiatus due to contractual conflicts with his former team. Early on, the Jets will need their backup running back to take more reps as they ease Bell back into game speed.

Ty Montgomery, also signed this offseason, will battle it out for the backup spot with Elijah McGuire, the recently re-signed Bilal Powell and Trenton Cannon.

Right now, Montgomery may lead the charge as he can fill that Swiss Army knife role and do some of the same things Bell can. Therefore, implementing him into the game plan wouldn’t require an overhaul in play calls.

McGuire averaged just under 17 attempts per game from Week 13-16 last campaign, but he only averaged 2.66 yards per attempt. He did score three times on the ground and had 193 receiving yards and one score through the air in eight games in 2018.

Powell may be the most intriguing option here. Like Montgomery, when healthy Powell can be an effective rusher and a decent pass catcher out of the backfield. He sustained a neck injury that ended his season in 2018, but he can form a solid duo with Bell if he can prove he is back healthy after suffering such a severe injury.

In this instance, the Jets seem to have options and depth at the backup running back position. Cannon and McGuire seem to be the low men on the totem pole right now, with Montgomery probably entering camp with the upper hand on Powell.

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