The New York Jets got a steal in the sixth round of the 2017 draft when they took Elijah McGuire. The 188th overall pick was able to come in and immediately have an impact in the Jets’ rushing carousel, finishing his rookie year with 88 carries for 315 yards and a touchdown to go alone with 17 catches for 177 yards and a score in the passing game as the third-string back.
The Jets expect more from Elijah McGuire in 2018, could be fantasy sleeper
Changes to the Jets’ running back corps could promote McGuire to a bigger role in the backfield next season.
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McGuire’s season was far from perfect, though, as he struggled to pass block and find running lanes. McGuire only had one breakout performance his first year in the league, which came when he had 131 total yards and a touchdown in Week 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, arguably the best defense in the NFL this season.
Looking ahead to 2018
McGuire should have a much bigger role in the Jets’ running game next season. The team is expected to part ways with Matt Forte over the summer, which would leave McGuire to share snaps with Bilal Powell unless the Jets draft a running back in 2018. The sixth-rounder has a few areas he needs to work on in the offseason, and he is looking at a supplemental role behind Powell at the start of the year.
Fantasy Slant
Forte’s exit will give McGuire’s fantasy stock a big boost next season. The rookie has a lot of work to do to be an every-down back. However, he should still receive a lot of touches in the Jets’ rushing system. McGuire will come off the board in the late rounds of the draft next year, and he has stash appeal in dynasty leagues now as well.
