NFL Draft

Jets trade up to select Joe McKnight

Admin - April 24, 2010

After staying put on the first two days of the 2010 NFL Draft, the New York Jets traded up in the 4th round to select RB Joe McKnight from USC. The Gang Green made a trade with Carolina and selected McKnight at #114 overall. The Jets gave up their #124 overall (4th round) and #198 overall (6thround). McKnight, 5'11", 198 lbs, played in 12 games for USC in 2009, gaining 1,014 yards on 164 carries, 8 TDs.

According to NFLDraftScout.com, McKnight "is a versatile performer with explosive receiving skills. He also could serve an NFL team well as a returner." He, however, "lacks the size needed to be an every-down, power-style runner."

According to the Sporting News, McKnight "is an elite athlete with top-level explosiveness and playing speed. Can stop and start in a flash, which helps him make quick, sharp cuts and make tacklers miss. Has the explosive cutting ability to get to and through holes fast. Combines good balance, agility and coordination to make tacklers miss; is a legit TD threat any time he gets the ball in the open field."

The Sporting News list the following as his weaknesses "a slight frame and struggled in college to avoid injuries, including many minor dings; must prove he is tough enough for the NFL. Is not an aggressive runner and has a tendency to dance to avoid contact while searching for a hole. Tries to bounce almost all rushing attempts outside if he does not see a hole initially; will not lower shoulder and attack line of scrimmage to gain tough yardage. Is not good in short-yardage situations. Runs upright, leading to hard hits and limiting his ability to run after contact. Does not gain nearly as many yards after contact as you would expect for someone with his elusiveness."

McKnight has a website at http://www.joemcknight.org

Following the trade to get McKnight, the Jets now have just one pick left - #236 overall in the 7th round.