Leon Washington. When we drafted this kid in the 4th round 3 years ago... I knew that this Jets offense found a play-maker that can make plays for years to come. I'm a HUGE Florida State fan and when we drafted Leon I was excited because I know what this man can do on the football field, he can make plays that most other players can only dream about interms of the open field. I have seen it all from watching Florida State, from Charlie Ward, Warrick Dunn, Laveranues Coles, Peter Warrick, even Thad Busby.... Leon Washington was ALWAYS my favorite Nole to watch on the offensive side of the ball for the simple fact he plays with so much heart and motivation. Yeah, I know we have Thomas Jones as the feature back, but I just hope that Mangini along with the whole front office has seen over the past 2 seasons what we have in Leon Washington, we have a player that can make something out of nothing! With the additions of Faneca and Richardson, lets not forget that Mangold and Ferguson will ALSO be 3rd year players, same goes for Leon, I really feel Leon could take the league by storm with the talent he now has around him. Leon may be short but he's far from small... He was up to about 208 last I heard and in my eyes can be the same type of back than M.Jones-Drew is for the Jaguars. I really hope that Justin Miller is back healthy as the return man because I am praying that Mangini hands the ball off to Washington a good 8-11 times per game while Thomas Jones is pounding the defense, and I would LOVE to see Leon lineup in the slot or even take a screen play once in a while... ANYTHING to get this man the ball in the open field, Anything. If Mangini uses Thomas Jones/Leon Washington in the same way that the Jaguard use Fred Taylor/M.Jones-Drew, with the additions of Faneca, Woody, and Richardson... I honestly believe that our offense would be among the tops in the league (No matter WHO the Quarterback is) With players like Coles, Cotchery, and Baker all making plays in the passing game It just brings me down as a Jet fan with the way that Mangini and company have used Leon Washington in the offense... It really brings me down knowing that we have a player that can be more than just a player, he can be an amazing back
Copy all you say. Washington is a real lightning in a bottle type player who can blow a game wide open. I expect our run game to be elite status this year and if our oline can blossom into the protection we are hoping for the Jets can go a long way this year.
I like Leon Washington as well...he's a total gamebreaker. But my "breakout" pick for 2008 is Brick Ferguson ...having Faneca's mentorship will speak volumes in Brick's play this season, imo.
Funny, I was going to start this very thread, and name the same player. I can see Leon having a MONSTER season this year.
Some might say Mangold should not qualify as an answer here, but we may all know he's one of the two or three best players on the team, but others think the entire OL sucked last year, and he did not build upon the year before for that reason. This year he's got a shot at the Pro Bowl, so I would mention his name to the OP's question.
Leon Washington kind of already had a breakout year last year by returning 3 kickoffs for TD's and being the backup RB.
yea i talked him up alot soon as we drafted him since I'm a FSU fan and watched his whole career. behind a real run blocking OL this guy will be one of the most versatile and dangerous backs around. he doesnt even need to start, as far as im concerned this is officially a two back league. id like to see leon get something around 12-16 carries a game.with callahan in that might be possible now. i think hes capable of more if the playcalling is done right though. the rest of his damage can be done in the passing game and special teams. always been waiting for them to give him a bigger workload but with thomas jones hes the perfect compliment. his name popped in my head soon as i saw the thread title. love the guy hes the shit.
He was the first person who came to mind for me after reading a few posts. If he can live up to Mangini's praise coming out of camp, again, and stay healthy on top of that i think he could have a good year. On offense im hoping its clemens that breaks out. We all better hope that. :wink:
I heard that about Eric Smith too. I heard he has been impressive and could have a great year. I know Revis has a good year last year for a rookie but I think this year he will put some impressive stats. and thats if qbs even pass it that way
Another offensive name that comes to mind is Stuckey lets hope this kid can really turn into a solid #3 that we can groom to move up the depth chart once Coles decides to move on...
I say Calvin Pace. While some may say that he has already had his breakout year, earning himself a hefty contract, I think this year he is going to have a monster season with pro bowl possibility. I picture Pace having adequate sack numbers (probably in the neighborhood of 5), but being a huge addition in run stuffing and coverage.
