Just last week, the New York Jets elected to fix their new problem at the running back position by trading for Jacksonville Jaguars back James Robinson. The Jets acquired Robinson in exchange for a sixth round draft pick in next season’s NFL draft.
This trade comes after the Jet’s breakout rookie running back Breece Hall was injured during a game against the Denver Broncos. Hall has suffered a torn ACL and has been ruled out to miss the rest of his rookie season. To fill the void left by Breece’s injury, The Jets looked to find a suitable replacement before this season’s trade deadline had passed. Robinson was available and the Jets finalized their trade with the Jaguars last tuesday.
Robinson now steps into a role as one of the Jet’s two running backs used in tandem, the other being Michael Carter. The strategy of utilizing two backs has worked out so far for New York, as they now sit at a 5-3 record on the season being two games over .500. Jets fans have not seen much winning football in recent history and this winning start to the season has been something to cheer for.
What still remains to be seen however is if Robinson can bring the same type of on field production that the Jets have lost from the Breece Hall injury. While being a standout rookie, Hall was in the top 10 in the NFL in rushing yards when he played, making him one of the best running backs this season. Robinson is now in his third year and given this new opportunity, appears poised to keep improving and increase his value.
Robinson became available due to the Jaguars putting in Travis Eitenne Jr. as the starting running back for the team. Robinson has rushed for 357 yards so far this season and was able to find the endzone for a touchdown three times. Robinson has also been averaging around four yards per carry and has been efficient holding the football with no fumbles so far this season.
The Jets are looking poised to have an unexpectedly winning season this year. Although Zach Wilson has continued to disappoint many with his performance at quarterback, many Jets fans have been pleasantly surprised with how well this year’s rookie class is shaping up for their team.
Besides the aforementioned Hall, rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson has looked impressive so far and seems to be a building block for this team’s offense for years to come. On the defensive side, rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner has set the league on fire with his amazing performances. Sauce is already one of the top corners in the NFL, ahead of even Jalen Ramsey this year in effectiveness.
Although not a rookie, the Robinson trade allows the Jets another younger player who has plenty of potential to grow and develop for the coming years, Jets fans should feel good about the trade and excited how it adds to their already impressive list of young talent.