RB Joe McKnight, New York Jets

HT: 6-0, WT: 198, Born: 4-16-1988, College: Southern California, Drafted: Round 4

2013 Projections

Outlook

Joe McKnight's career as a Jet hasn't exactly been covered in glory. While he has had moments, normally they are not consistent and quickly followed up by an underwhelming run. Where McKnight most has value is in the return game and if he's on the roster come September, it will be for that purpose. He's far enough down on the depth chart that he's unlikely to see much time even due to injury.

2013 Schedule

2012 Game Summaries

Week 5 - McKnight ran a kick-off return back 100 yards for a touchdown. During the run back, McKnight was patient, letting his blocks develop before accelerating into the open field. While McKnight has been an excellent special team’s player, his success hasn’t translated on offense. The Jets made an effort to get him the ball, but he didn’t do much with his opportunities. McKnight’s best play occurred on a 2nd-and-14 play right after halftime. The Jets ran a draw, giving the ball to McKnight. McKnight showed his shiftiness, slashing his way past defenders in space for 11 yards. A few drives later, McKnight appeared as a ‘Wildcat Quarterback’, but appeared lost and took a nine yard loss, negating his previous positive play.

Week 6 - McKnight sparked the Jets’ biggest play of the day. During his team’s seventh drive, McKnight took a hand-off, broke one tackle, bounced left and accelerated into the open field for a 61-yard gain. McKnight was patient, letting his blocks develop before finding a crease and accelerating into the open field. McKnight was finally brought down, but landed on his shoulder and did not return to the game. McKnight’s big play ability is undeniable, but he has obvious durability question marks.

Week 7 - McKnight did not take his first offensive snap until the fourth quarter. McKnight came on to replace the injured Shonn Greene and immediately demonstrated his play making ability. During his team’s tenth drive, two of McKnight’s runs set-up Nick Folk’s game-tying field goal. On a first down carry from the New England 44-yard line, McKnight showed some patience, letting his blockers take care of their assignments before accelerated up the middle for a 13-yard gain. McKnight kept his legs moving after being met by the first tackler for additional yardage. The Jets called McKnight’s number again on the next play, giving him another designed run off right tackle for five yards. After this run, McKnight was shown favoring his ankle, but played through the pain.

Week 11 - Also returning from from injuries, McKnight caught his first pass of the season on Sunday. Although he has played very sparingly this season, McKnight flashes big play ability in the return game, and could be an asset in the passing game on a team that features few playmakers. He did lineup as a wide receiver on a few plays, and that would be one way to get him on the field, but as long as Green and Powell are upright, he won’t see a lot of the field.

Week 12 - McKnight lone carry occurred during the last play of the game. McKnight took a toss to the left for a six-yard gain. McKnight had a key kickoff return fumble that led to seven points for New England.

Week 13 - The Jets continue to deploy McKnight as a change of pace back, but he cannot stay healthy. After taking two sweeps for eight yards, McKnight left with an injury and did not return.

Week 15 - When utilized, McKnight provided a much-needed spark. During the third quarter, McKnight took a toss left and accelerated up the sideline for a 20-yard gain. McKnight was also utilized on special teams, but has the ability to make big plays on offensive.