NFL Running Back Situations: AFC East
Division-by-division, MotleySports takes a look at the running back situations around the NFL.
Bills - LeSean McCoy
Not much debate here. Bills acquired McCoy and gave him a huge new contract so lead the team in carries.
Only competition entering training camp is who backs up McCoy - Fred Jackson, Anthony Dixon, Bryce Brown, Karlos Williams. With needs at other positions and McCoy the undisputed lead back, our money would be on only two of these five making the week 1 roster. Expect Jackson and rookie Karlos Williams to backup McCoy, although Bryce Brown could be an option IF the Bills keep four RBS. Expect the Bills to shop Dixon for a late round draft pick in August.
Jets - Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell, Steven Ridlay, Zac Stacy
The Jets have a lot of redundancy in their backfield. Don't expect all four of these men to make the final roster. Ivory and Powell should have secure spots which leaves Ridlay and Stacy battling for a backup role. Our money would be on Stacy to win the job, given the uncertainty with Ridlay's injury.
Patriots - LeGarrette Blount
Blount is unquestionably the Patriots lead back, but who will be the passing back that replaces Shane Vereen? The candidates includes 2014 draft pick James White, former Saint Travaris Cadet and long-time Pats RB Brandon Bolden. Jonas Gray may be dealt in training camp as he fell out of favor with the coaching staff after a 200-yard breakout performance last season. Expect White and Bolden to lead the Pats in catches, while Blount leads the team in carries and TDs again.
Dolphins - Lamar Miller
Miller should remain the #1 RB, but like with the other teams in this division, the backup spot is up for grabs. 5th round draft pick Jay Ajayi is a strong candidate. Damien Williams, LaMichael James and Mike Gillislee will also receive consideration.
Bills - LeSean McCoy
Not much debate here. Bills acquired McCoy and gave him a huge new contract so lead the team in carries.
Only competition entering training camp is who backs up McCoy - Fred Jackson, Anthony Dixon, Bryce Brown, Karlos Williams. With needs at other positions and McCoy the undisputed lead back, our money would be on only two of these five making the week 1 roster. Expect Jackson and rookie Karlos Williams to backup McCoy, although Bryce Brown could be an option IF the Bills keep four RBS. Expect the Bills to shop Dixon for a late round draft pick in August.
Jets - Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell, Steven Ridlay, Zac Stacy
The Jets have a lot of redundancy in their backfield. Don't expect all four of these men to make the final roster. Ivory and Powell should have secure spots which leaves Ridlay and Stacy battling for a backup role. Our money would be on Stacy to win the job, given the uncertainty with Ridlay's injury.
Patriots - LeGarrette Blount
Blount is unquestionably the Patriots lead back, but who will be the passing back that replaces Shane Vereen? The candidates includes 2014 draft pick James White, former Saint Travaris Cadet and long-time Pats RB Brandon Bolden. Jonas Gray may be dealt in training camp as he fell out of favor with the coaching staff after a 200-yard breakout performance last season. Expect White and Bolden to lead the Pats in catches, while Blount leads the team in carries and TDs again.
Dolphins - Lamar Miller
Miller should remain the #1 RB, but like with the other teams in this division, the backup spot is up for grabs. 5th round draft pick Jay Ajayi is a strong candidate. Damien Williams, LaMichael James and Mike Gillislee will also receive consideration.
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