Jets rookie RB Trenton Cannon turning heads: 'They got a Ferrari back there'

Cannon rushed for 50 yards on 10 carries at Green & White scrimmage

8/6/2018, 4:38 PM

One New York rookie running back has already generated tons of buzz this season. But is expected for Giants RB Saquon Barkley given his No. 2 overall pick status. 

But, just a few miles away, the 204th overall pick Trenton Cannon is thriving at Jets training camp. 

Cannon has been turning heads early on as he looks to be a depth piece behind veterans Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell. And it's Cannon's breakaway speed that is making the Jets smile.

"They got a Ferrari back there," former Jets cornerback and current coaching intern Antonio Cromartie told The Post's Brian Costello.

Cannon's speed was highlighted by beat reporters when camp kicked off, but fans got to see it first-hand at the Green and White scrimmage at Rutgers University on Saturday night. The Virginia State product had 50 yards on 10 carries, while hauling in two catches for 13 yards. He also made an impressive blitz pickup to give fellow rookie, Sam Darnold, time to launch a 30-yard bomb donwn the field. 

Head coach Todd Bowles is excited to see what Cannon can do against other teams when preseason games kick off. 

"We know he's fast," he said. "He's got a chance to make some plays and he's fast so it will be great in preseason games."

Of course, the Jets knew Cannon was fast. His 40-yard dash before the draft was recorded at 4.4 seconds. The question they have now, though, is whether or not he can deal with the physicality of the players trying to tackle him. 

Standing at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, Cannon has already showed his teammates that is going to be hard to wrap him up in the first place. 

"That dude's fast," LB Darron Lee said. "He might be a buck eighty on a good day, but that dude is fast. You better make sure you get the edge on him because he's got some wiggle to him, too. It's more than just straight-line speed. I like his work ethic."

Cannon's impressive outings couldn't come at a better time with Elijah McGuire out for a month. McGuire, who is entering his second year following a decent rookie season, was used when the Jets wanted to mix things up in the backfield. Cannon could have that same role this season if he continues to perform the way he has to date. 

"Cannon looks really good, man," WR Jermaine Kearse added. "Every thime he hits the edge it's like he hits the corner so fast. He's explosive and he makes plays out there."

Cannon will get a chance to show what he can do against another defense that hasn't seen his blazing speed on Friday, when the Jets take on the Falcons for their first preseason game of the 2018 season. 


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With Elijah McGuire expected to be out until the early part of the season, Cannon has an excellent opportunity to make a case for himself over the course of preseason. McGuire brings excellent pass-catching abilities to the table that were expected to add another dimension to the offense this season, but Cannon's college film shows that he has a similar skill-set. 

This could lead to the rookie being the player who gets a chance to contribute in those packages.

As his touchdown in Saturday's live scrimmage reminds us, Bilal Powell is also an accomplished pass catcher, and Isaiah Crowell has also seen some praise for his receiving skills that weren't often showcased in Cleveland.

However, veteran Thomas Rawls has been struggling and Cannon seems to have moved ahead of him for now. Cannon will get a chance to showcase his playmaking abilities in preseason, but it will perhaps be more important for him to display fundamentals in ball security and pass protection if the Jets are going to trust him during the season.

Most people expected him to be little more than a kick returner this season, but if he can build on his strong start to camp, that bigger role is within his grasp.


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