Jets Sign RB L. Washington (1 Viewer)

[mario8723]

LINK

The New York Jets announced today they have signed their second pick in the fourth-round of the 2006 NFL draft, running back Leon Washington. The announcement was made by Jets’ General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Washington, a 5-8, 202-pound product of Florida State University, was selected in the fourth round with the 117th overall pick. He became the first player in the Bobby Bowden era to score a touchdown five different ways (rushing, receiving, punt return, kickoff return and fumble recovery).

The fourth-round selection was traded to the Jets from Kansas City.

Washington is the first Seminole selected by the Jets since 2000, when the team made WR Laveranues Coles the 78th overall selection. He finished with 2,041 rushing yards, good enough for 10th place in school history, while leading the team in both rushing and receptions in his final game, the 2005-06 Orange Bowl.

 

[fsufan]

this makes the 2nd FSU player that signed today

 

[newbetterbucs05]

I think he was a steal

 

[Sweet Love]

I am a Jets fan and would love to hear some people's thoughts on him. I follow the ACC somewhat and realize he was one of the best RBs in the league last year, but that could be like being the smartest on the short bus :11:

Is he fast and strong enough to be only 5'8 and 202 and have success if given an opportunity?

 

[Kleck.]

Although I believe Blaylock is being underrated for the #2 job, it is nice to see Washington signed before camp starts to maybe add something to the battle. Injuries and size are a big concern with him, but I have always liked his talent.

 

[mario8723]

Though there certainly is a crowded backfield right now, what with the likes of Curtis Martin, Cedric Houston, Derrick Blaylock and Leon Washington, I really feel that Leon has an opportunity here.

As a Jets fan I'm not sold on either Curtis Martin or Derrick Blaylock are solutions at this point. Martin, after a stellar career, is most certainly winding down, and I was never a Blaylock fan to begin with. I did like the way Houston ran last year, and he may emerge as the primary ball carrier, but I certainly like Washington's chances at the 3rd down back role. I can definitely see him being used in a Kevin Faulk type of role with the possibility of more carries if the Jets catch lightning in a bottle.

Whether or not Washington can function as a primary back is to be seen, but he may surprise. Definitely a worth-while pickup late in a dynasty draft imo.

Click here to see Washington's highlight video

 

[Z-Dog]

5'8" 202 lbs is awfully small... yeah, I know, Curtis Martin isn't a whole lot bigger and Warrick Dunn and so forth. Still, pretty small. Not a lot of guys that size hold down a starting job. Also, every summer there is some team that finds a little guy and think they can do something with him. Last year it was Darren Sproles, and he became a return man. Very few corss over into Charlie Garner territory.

Washington will probably end up doing special teams. I could see him replacing Justin Miller on KRs if Miller becomes the starting corner. I could easily see him returning punts instead of Cotcherry. But I have a very hard time seeing him getting 3rd down work this season on any consistent basis. I feel that if someone other than Martin is the primary ballcarrier, Martin will be the 3rd-down back, and if Martin is primary, 3rd-down work will go to Houston and Blaylock.

 

[chris1969]

I was sure I posted on this earlier, but anyway....

I think Washington was a great value for where he was picked, but Blaylock could pick right up where Martin left off. It's just a matter of how many teams will respect the pass. Martin is one of my favorite players, but he's done.

 

[Biabreakable]

The Jets have 2 rookies probobly starting at LT and C for thier OLine. I think they need thier best blocking Rb in there on 3rd downs to help out and thats CuMart.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

Despite my allegiances to VaTech, Washington was always someone who wowed me with his ability. Im really looking forward to seeing him get NFL touches and a few years down the line, with perhaps a few more upgrades to the O-line, I wouldnt be surprised to see him the starter and putting up solid numbers.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

I am a Jets fan and would love to hear some people's thoughts on him. I follow the ACC somewhat and realize he was one of the best RBs in the league last year, but that could be like being the smartest on the short bus :11:

Is he fast and strong enough to be only 5'8 and 202 and have success if given an opportunity?

Check out the archives from 2005 and read The Ones To Watch each week. It follows Washington over his somewhat disappointing season in 2005.Click here for the week 1 & 2 recaps.

 

[RestoreTheROAR]

I've followed Leon for the last 4 years. Hes one hell of a football player. Very unselfish! He may be small, but he runs with authority and has quick feet. He runs low and will punish defenders. Hes pretty damn fast too.

What are the chances he gets playing time this this year?

I am a Jets fan and would love to hear some people's thoughts on him. I follow the ACC somewhat and realize he was one of the best RBs in the league last year, but that could be like being the smartest on the short bus :11:

Is he fast and strong enough to be only 5'8 and 202 and have success if given an opportunity?

Check out the archives from 2005 and read The Ones To Watch each week. It follows Washington over his somewhat disappointing season in 2005.Click here for the week 1 & 2 recaps.

He had to split time with Lorenzo Booker and played behind a decimated offensive line. It was horrid. We lost our best o-lineman in preseason. There was a brand new scheme being implemented that year and 3-5 linemen were inexperienced & playing new positions.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Washington could be a very good 3rd down/COP back, but I don't see him as the kind of back that could carry the load. I was VERY impressed with his pass catching ability and route running and the way he carried himself like a vet. Still, all signs indicate that he's not a feature back. Will help the Jets win games, but probably not your fantasy team.

 

[Traders2001]

I think he was a steal

The very best he will ever be is a third down back , how come such a steal.

 

[cstu]

Despite my allegiances to VaTech, Washington was always someone who wowed me with his ability. Im really looking forward to seeing him get NFL touches and a few years down the line, with perhaps a few more upgrades to the O-line, I wouldnt be surprised to see him the starter and putting up solid numbers.

I don't think he'll end up a starter, but he could be a good 3rd down back with his hands. Houston is the more traditional starting RB and will get a shot to take over for Martin. However, if Washington impresses then the Jets could use him like Westbrook.