Washington and the Jets are still having issues getting a contract extension done. But with Rex Ryan wanting to pound the ball down opponent’s throats more than Mangini did, look for Washington’s carries to increase.
(’09 Proj: 125 att, 1,100 total yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
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Washington has proven himself to be a dynamic part of the Jets’ offense, scoring nine touchdowns last season and averaging 5.9 yards per carry. New York doesn’t consider him the long-term solution as their lead running back (which means they are likely to attempt to pick up Thomas Jones’ future replacement in the upcoming draft), but he is being relieved of his punt returning duties so he’ll be fresher for backfield duty. Expect him to establish career highs in several different categories this year.
('09 Proj: 200 att, 1,000 yds, 8 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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Does a bit of everything for the Jets but can’t be counted on for consistent numbers for your fantasy squad unless something happens to Thomas Jones. With an impressive 5.9 yard per carry average and nine total touchdowns you could, however, find worse options to stash on your bench as a #3 or #4 back.
('09 Proj: 900 total yds, 7 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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Leon Washington was a pleasant surprise last season. He warranted enough consideration to be a bye week fill-in or flex starter. You can expect that to continue as he will spell Thomas Jones in every game. Washington has also established himself as one of the premier kick returners in the National Football League. If your league rewards points for return touchdowns, all the better.
('09 Proj: 100 att, 495 yds, 4 touchdowns, 55 rec, 440 yds, 2 touchdowns) ~John Kezer
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An exciting special teams player who can be a serviceable backup in a pinch, however Washington simply lacks the size to be anything more than the occasional emergency play. Last year he had his most productive season, scoring 9 total touchdowns. However, Washington is not a grind it out back who can get you the tough yards. The Jets realized this last year and used Washington almost perfectly. I expect the same type of role for him this year, and that optimism could fall if the Jets draft the heir apparent to Thomas Jones.
('09 Proj: 2,100 yds, 13 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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The 5.9 yards per carry average and eight touchdowns last season (six on the ground, two receiving) were nice, the five carries and 28 yards per game made it all but impossible to start the little speedster. I love Washington but unless you’re in a league that awards extra points for receiving and/or special teams Washington likely will never see your starting lineup but he is a nice number three back with big upside.
('09 Proj: 100 att, 503 yds, 5 touchdowns, 45 rec, 323 yds, 1 touchdown) ~Robb Perkins
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Washington will see his role expanded this year in head coach Rex Ryan’s running game. He’ll cut into teammate Thomas Jones’ numbers and could be a valuable sleeper. If he can manage 15 touches per game, not an unreasonable projection by any means, he could be worth a weekly start in deeper leagues with his big-play potential.
('09 Proj: 150 att, 1,000 total yds, 6 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
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He is a shrimp for sure! On the positive though, he's an inch taller than Maurice Jones-Drew and 6 lbs. lighter. Granted, MJD is a freak with tree trunks for thighs, but watch Washington in action and you begin to notice some striking similarities. He doesn't exactly have skinny legs syndrome either. He has a fantastuc center of gravity in traffic and shows defenders little more than thighs and shoulder pads. Though I'm not willing to step out on the limb that says he could be a full-time back, I AM willing to say he's been woefully underused by the Jets. Let's at least see the guy miss ONE, UNO, SINGLE game to injury (which hasn't happened in his 3 year career) before we label his upside. Leon still has Thomas Jones in front of him as well as a looming NFL Draft to navigate, but I think his present situation is dripping with sneaky upside.
('09 Proj: 175 att, 980 yds, 9 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins.
