Allen is the senior managing editor of newyorkjets.com. He is in his ninth season with the Jets.
File Under: Thomas Jones, Iowa, Leon Washington, Rex Ryan, Shonn Green, Kirkwood Community College
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04/26 — The Jets moved up to open up Day 2 and selected Iowa RB Shonn Greene. Finding a trading partner in the Detroit Lions, the Jets gave up their selectons in Rounds 3 (No. 76 overall), 4 (No. 115) and 7 (No. 228) in this year’s draft in order to get the former Hawkeye.
Green (5'10", 227) set a school-season record with 1,850 yards last season. He averaged a healthy 6.0 yards per carry and was an effective finisher, scoring 20 TDs on the ground in '08. Despite starting the season way down the depth chart, Green became the go-to-guy in the backfield and was named Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
“This is a young man that I think has the ability to be a starting running back in this league,” said Jets head coach Rex Ryan. “You look at his size, and he has outstanding vision for a back and that’s what you have to have to be able to run the football."
After his sophomore season, Greene was ruled academically ineligible and enrolled at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City. Once back in good academic standing, Green was an absolute monster last season. He had 307 carries and an astounding 57 of those runs went for at least 10 yards. And he was consistent week in and week out, running for more than 100 yards in each of the Hawkeyes 13 games.
"We want to a do a little ground-and-pound on people. You put Shonn in there with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, I think that’s about as it good as it gets," Ryan said. "We’ll see. I think everybody’s going to be excited about him once we start playing games for real. You’re going to see why we took this young man.”
A Sicklerville, N.J., native, Green is scheduled to arrive at the Jets' Florham Park complex later this afternoon.
Greene Articles
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Jets Trade Again, Pick RB Shonn Greene
Greene Multimedia
4/26 Shonn Greene 2009 Draft Press Conference
Jets Radio: First Interview with Jets RB, Shonn Greene
NFLN: Iowa RB Shonn Greene Highlights and Analysis
RB Shonn Greene - Highlights from Iowa
NFLN: 2009 Combine - Top RB Standouts
Greene Photos/Wallpapers
Third Round Pick - RB Shonn Greene Photos
RB Shonn Greene Wallpapers
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (72)Greene23 Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:20am ET"I am from Iowa and a Jets fan all I can say is buckle up. This guy in awesome. Maybe not exactly what was needed but he is a stud"
Karl Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:24am ET"Now we have some nice depth at rb. Jones, Washington, Greene and Woodhead. It might be more interedting than I thought this year."
OriginalJetFan Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:27am ET"I love this pick, Sanchez, Washington, Greene, Cotchery, Keller, Cowney and Stuckey , with a great Offensive line are the Offense of the NFL for the next 6 yrs, and the D is there too . J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets!"
Alan Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:28am ET"Obviously the Jets dont think this year's draft runs to deep with talent, And believe in Clowney, Cotchery, and Stuckey, and also believe in Keller, They obviously drafted Shonn Greene, because TJ is 31 Years old, 2-3 Years hes done, Leon Washington will be the starter, and Shonn Greene will be the Thumper, that or hes just an Insurance Policy, "
Chris Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:28am ET"Whyyy??? they traded three picks for eleven spots in the 3rd round i know this kid is good but worth three picks come on thats a bit out of proportion"
Anonymous Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:29am ET"I hope this guy was worth giving up 3 picks for but I think it was to much"
Ira Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:34am ET"This is Mr. T at his best. he continues to show he will go after and get the players he wants. Green rushed for 1800 yds and 20 TD's last year. He wil either be part of a 3 man rotation or TJ is on the trding block. I expect more moves before the end of the day."
Tony Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:35am ET"They paid too much for someone at a position where they are strong."
dpjets12 Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:37am ET"GREAT MOVE! GREAT RUNNING BACK! HE WILL BE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR. YOU HEARD IT FIRST RIGHT HERE."
Anonymous Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:44am ET"Good drafting, we needed an insurance policy for Thomas Jones. Even though we gave up most of the second day picks it wasnt a strong draft to begin with so geeting our franchise QB and a future starting RB (mark my word) in the leauge is a good way to get a leg up in the afc east!!"
adam Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:52am ET"This is too much for one player, we needed them draft choices for other players, come on rex and mike get what we need."
JETS 4 LIFE Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:58am ET"Very pleased with yesterday's Draft pick and with that said we now have our running back so if Jones decides to play out his contract that's great as he should but if not so be it sit his rump and dont play him or trade him, make an example out of him start Washington and get Shonn Greene ready for gang green now Rex can start his game planning for Mini Camps, great moves by the JETS !!!!!!!!"
Guido911 Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:02am ET"yea but why is our 5th round pick given to the eagles?"
Randy Lange Said:
"Guido911, the Jets' fifth-rounder went to Philadelphia in the Lito Sheppard trade."
supercooljetfan Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:06am ET"i like the shonn greene move im a penn st fan so i keep up with the big ten and greene is no joke...nice call on the trade mike...you think there is a way to trade tj for a 4th or 5th rounder???plus i was thinkin if clemens has a good preseason he could be trade bait for a desperate team in late august"
Fred Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:07am ET"Why didn't they go for a WR with the second pick?"
supercooljetfan Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:10am ET"last year shonn greene averaged 6 yards a carry had 20 td's and didnt fumble once last year....those are 1st round stats "
jozy gillaspie Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:11am ET"shonn is a beast i have no doubt he will be a great player for the jets!!!!! GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Drew Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:11am ET"Love the pick but really hate the trade... Greene was the exact RB I wanted but not loving the fact that we are now left with 1 pick. We still have WR, TE OL, DL needs...Hard to fill with one pick and limited cap space remaining"
Al Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:15am ET"Can somebody tell me who Sanchez is going to throw the ball to? I guess we are not goinf to build throught the draft. 2 picks and that's it. I hope they know what they are doing!"
BriGuyinTampa Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:16am ET"Wow..I feel so negative about these last 2 days. I guess that depth at both offense and defensive line is not important, and we dont NEED a TE or WR. Or then again, maybe the professionals know more than I do. Good luck to us all as Jets fans and good luck to our new coach in his first year as a head coach. Lets see what you got Rex!!!! "
josh shetterly Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:20am ET"The jets got a great back,he is extremely strong and does a good jobs of bouncing off tackles.He is a solid person and will be a surprise for the fans-iowa`s offense really does pass alot to our backs,but He showed that he has some ability to catch the ball."
Jason Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:20am ET"We gave up our whole draft....either this guy is just that good.....or i smell a Thomas Jones trade coming soon.....whats your take on that Eric?"
bob n Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:25am ET"WE HAVE TO SIGN THOMAS JONES AND LEON WASHINGTON NOW!!!!!!!!!!"
Christopher Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:27am ET"Maybe Tanny should just trade every pick we have, giving up a 4th round pick for this guy and pretty much ending the draft, no one will be saying we robbed Detroit. At this point maybe we should just trade all our 2010 picks to get Boldin because finding a receiver now will be a stretch, we also better find a TE, a DE, and some versitle OL players somewhere. Very disappointed in this draft."
CC Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:30am ET"Best remaining RB, I guess. But, Phew! Just one pick left. Maybe the “delta” between later rounds and who you bring in as NDFA’s isn’t that much. Idk. Would still like to see a TE (Hill, NCS), or Drew, EC) in camp."
Danny Raccomandato Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:38am ET"By drafting Shonn does this mean thomas jones days are numbered. Maybe a trade is in the works for a reciever? "
mrjetgreen Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:38am ET"This is a good pick for the Jets because we bring in a power guy wih a proven ability to pile up the yardage. His 20 touchdowns show he can finish the job. "
Don Jemo Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:46am ET"Hope he is worth it. 4th Round is where we usually strike gold, and we're giving that away. All TJ's fault for crying over money. He wasn't crying when he was making good money the 1st 2 years of the contract."
Charlie Mitchell Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 11:58am ET"I love the Mark Sanchez selection because we need a long term productive QB. However, Sanchez needs a big time go-to wide receiver around him to succeed. I hope RB Shonn Greene is worth the 3 draft picks we gave up. Lets have an explosive offense that compliments a good defense!!"
JersyJets Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 12:05pm ET"Shon Greene to Gang Green is a great move for the organization. We addressed a need and an insurance policy for thomas jones in case his contract dispute gets uglier, a good back in a weak draft a quality pick for us"
Mike S. Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 12:09pm ET"Why pick a RB? We have great depth at that position already. But if someone has to go I hope that it is Thomas Jones. Leon Washington is a huge playmaker and I believe he could assume the starting position with ease. PLEASE DO NOT GET RID OF LEON WASHINGTON!!! He has the potential to be a star player and losing him would be extremely detrimental to the team. "
Mike S. Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 12:15pm ET"I'm with Don Jemo on this...Let Jones cry like a baby over more money. Leon Washington would do a way better job anyway in the staring position. It's about the love for the game..not the money, and I think that Leon deserves a chance to shine after all of the explosive plays that he has made for us over the past couple of seasons."
JersyJets Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 12:17pm ET"The 5th rounder we sent to the eagles was for the Lito Sheppard trade but who really cares, we got sanchez and greene and both will be stars!!"
Ray P Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 12:40pm ET"Nice draft so far. Sanchez would be best suited holding the clipboard for a year (like Carson Palmer) Let the three of them battle, but let Sanchez learn from the sideline. I love the RB pick. Didn't anyone watch what the Giants did with a 3 headed rushing attack? All 3 backs will stay fresh, and you have depth if one goes down. Thomas Jones has to be the big man here and see the big picture."
sal Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 12:40pm ET"dont think they plan to resign jones, and are happy w/ the recieviers, we will see if that it or do they have somthing else up thier sleeve w/ cleveland"
Vince Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 12:52pm ET"Shouldn't the Jets choose a wide reciever who can have great speed down the feild and is also physical? The Jets already have great running backs with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Or they should earn a defensive end since Koleman is gone. "
Doug Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 1:15pm ET"I'm a Hawkeye fan so saw Shonn every game last season. He uses his blockers better than any RB in the draft, has great vision, very explosive and can cut in the hole. Real good balance. Makes good decisions. He won't break big runs on speed alone, but is a load for DB's so anytime he's in the secondary, he's got a shot. Questionable hands. Runs physical so has to prove he can take an NFL beating."
Vincent Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 1:16pm ET"Just like Sanchez, here comes another (accurate) prediction by me. With this draft of Greene, TJones is now truly up for grabs for being a whiney cry-baby about more $$$. If the tight offer comes along, TJ will be traded for an experienced, proven WR like Boldin or Edwards. Just watch this happen ... your thoughts Randy/Eric?"
eastny Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 1:17pm ET"Jones better watch out. He could be traded for a wide out"
Tom! Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 1:30pm ET"It's absurd that Shonn wasn't a first rounder really. The Iowa offense doesn't throw much to the backs, but Shonn has decent hands if that's what the offense calls for. He's also a low center of gravity power back who can get it done on 1st and 2nd down, and is outstanding blocking on pass plays. Excellent Ferentz-coached technique and he knows how to use that low center of gravity to block."
tyreek Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 1:53pm ET"wow may be im the only one that feels this way but we just traded all this for a qb that played a whopping total of 16 college games just becaause he came from usc , and we draft a running back yea thats all fine and good but who the heck is going to run block for him baker is gone and who is the qb going to through the ball to JC is not a deep threat a total waste "
scjoe Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 2:15pm ET"Let's just break this down, we gave up THREE players and FIVE draft picks for a QB who has started just one year in college and a RB with a third or fourth round grade? God help us, and God help Mr T. if these two guys aren't 1&2 for rookie of the year and long time pro bowlers!"
Paul Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 2:19pm ET""You hit one of us we're hitting two of yours!" That's what Ryan said was the Jet's new mission statement. He brings in some Ravens on Defense gets Sanchez and Greene a RB from Iowa- who ever the number one free agent receiver is - he's a Jet! I've bled kelly green for thirty years- I haven't been this stoked since Al Toon the sack exchange and Freeman Mcniel baby!!!!!"
IAGeek Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 2:20pm ET"This is a great move by my Jets! I'm a lifetime Jets fan living in Iowa for the past 10 years. Shonn is amazing! Fans are gonna love this kid. Great abilities and great character. And, fresh legs since he missed a year in there then left early. I was all set to miss him bad when the Jets traded up! Yeah baby!"
Refayel Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 2:21pm ET"I guess this is a good thing. Weird that they get 2 offensive guys when their new coach is all about defense. I think they were 1 OLB or DE away from having a monster defense this year. Sanchez is nice to have but they could've gotten 4 guys instead of 2 had they waited bit. Larry English would've been nice for this defense & Rey Maualuga, if he can play the OLB. "
quin Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 2:34pm ET" Will start this year. Hard hitting football player!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKZP6d-WP7E DECLINED: YOUTUBE VIDEO MUSIC IS X-RATED RAP"
cliff Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 2:36pm ET"I think Shonn Greene suggests Thomas Jones is on the Trading Block or simply they have 0 intent on resigning him. Honestly, Shonn was projected for the 3rd rd because he came from a smaller school and at 5ft 10 is a little smaller than what most NFL teams like. But he reminds me of that great detroit RB of years ago. He's legit but 3 picks for a 3rd rounder? eesh a bit to much."
Dave Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 2:40pm ET"Great pick, I just wish we didn't have to give up so much to get him (you shouldn't have to give up that much to move up 11 spots in the 3rd round). He's a tank, if Jones wants to pout about his contract we'll just put in Greene...who will probably do better anyway."
Rocketman Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 2:41pm ET" This kid is good. Greene will start. If Sanchez puts a fire in Clemens, then we'll have currency to trade in '10. I expect the Jets to dangle Jones out to Arizona, maybe with a second rounder for next year. But even without Boldin, Greene and Dustin Keller could legitimately give teams and awful headache this season. Someone called Sanchez Pennington-plus: that sounds like Montana to me."
Eric Alpern Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 2:59pm ET"My great grandfather Sunny Werblin was the original owner of the NY Jets, and I ironically grew up in New Jersey and moved to Iowa at 19. I know a lot about Greene ans saw him play against Purdue in his last home game and broke tackle for td. He will be a powerful back with amazing after the tackle yards. Hardworker."
Michael Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 3:09pm ET"Idk what the Jets are doing. Everybody seems to love Sanchez but who the hell is he going to throw to? Cotchery, Smith, and Stuckey? Thats the worst WR core in the NFL. Should have traded up to get Crabtree. Now when I thought we would pick maybe a Derrick Williams or Tate in the third round I see we trade up to get Shonn Greene? Good RB but seriously no WRs?!?!?1"
Joel Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 3:57pm ET"You know, I don't get it. Do the Jets need another running back? They need a tall WR to go up and get the ball in the end zone. They've needed it for YEARS! They trade up to get Sanchez - OK. Questionable. Did they really need him or is this a PSL issue? Then they trade 3,4,7 for a RB so they have NO PICKS LEFT. I don't get it. They used all their picks on 2 players they didn't need."
Andrew Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 4:26pm ET"Although I liked the Greene pick, would've really liked to see Juaquin Iglesias picked in that spot."
ksjetfan Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 5:22pm ET"I don't know why some of you jetfans are so concerned. Sanchez has so much upside and he is someone EXCITED to be here, not just collecting a paycheck. He has the tools, and shows that he can thrive in "big" games. Greene was also a good choice in case TJ writes himself out of NY. This will be an improved team, just be patient and watch what happens. There is still FA and trade possibilities."
Big Jet Joe Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 5:29pm ET"Everyone seems to forget what the Jets are trying to become. Defensive minded , Run First ball control attack offense. T Jones is still gonna got at them but you need to prepare for the future and that's exactly what we're doing. We have a enough weapons to control both sides of the ball snap out of it and stop living up to the Jets Fan Stereotype!!!!!"
Guido911 Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 5:37pm ET"OOOH! (Duh!) Thanx Randy I wasnt thinking.. im still all excited about Sanchez, Greene and Slauson!"
chris garofalo Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 6:44pm ET"it finally happened!!!! mangini does HELP THE JETS!!!!!!"
Prez Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 6:45pm ET"I think Sanchez is a good QB. I just thought Crabtree would have been a hell of a selection also. Clemens i think is sufficient enough. (if dilfer can do it, why not Clemens) Crabtree and Catch-ery would have been a good tandem. Their defense would have help played position ball. I really hope this works out!"
lorenzoJetsFanFromItaly Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 6:54pm ET"Mmmmmm.. Shonn Greene.. Now please find some good Wide Receiver.. Don't know where, dont't know who, but find him!"
L .SCOTT Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 7:49pm ET"SANCHEZ IS A GOOD QUARTERBACK WITH TERRIFIC TALENT.,WHICH IS WHY I THINK THE JETS GAVE UP ALOT AND WENT AFTER HIM THE WAY THAT THEY DID! I JUST THINK THAT THEY SHOULD'VE WENT AFTER A TALENTED WIDE RECIEVER IN THE FIRST ROUND. I MEAN WE DID LOOSE A HECK OF A PLAYER IN LAVARANES COLES! BUT EVEN AT THAT THEY STILL HAVE A TALENT OF WIDE RECIEVERS THAT CAN GET THE JOB DONE. LET'S GO JETS!"
Southern Jet Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 7:55pm ET"Thomas Jones still has value. We still may be able to make a trade for a proven WR. Either way, we addressed offensive needs and will be a playoff team in 2009 and a Super Bo wl contender with Sanchez."
Row Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 8:12pm ET"Just let me know when we get Braylen Edwards..."
Victor Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 8:21pm ET"Mark sanchez is another QB from USC similar to Matt leinart. Look what happened to him with the best 2 receivers in the game. The Jets are rated a 4 on a scale of 1-10 when it comes to receivers. This wasn't the draft to move up for a QB. next year's draft will have a stronger QB class. You should have grabbed Crabtree."
Jets Fan Since '64 Tom Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 9:53pm ET"Victor, Leinart was a Rookie of the Year candidate before he got hurt and if you think a guy like Kurt Warner isn't going to seize the day while you're on the bench, think again. Plus one thing we can see already, Sanchez's attitude's way better than Leinart's moaning and acting out since he blew the gig. Add Sanchez's precision and football smarts and I don't think the comparison holds up at all."
Nymentality1 Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:32pm ET"Is there any heat on a possible Jones for a wr trade. I think the most obvious would be Jones and perhaps Clowney or Stuckey to Cleveland for Braylon Edwards. Both players want out of the current situations and it would probably be in both teams interests to make that move. With the addition of Greene, I think behind the O-Line him and Leon could compliment each other and handle our rb duties. "
JersyJets Said:
Mon, April 27, 2009 - 9:17am ET"Victor must b a dolphins fan, Nick Sanchez is NFL ready. He didnt play in the way to easy to read and QB friendly spread offense, he play for a coach in pete carroll who primes QBs just for the pros. Crabtree?! if Texas Tech was so great why did Graham Harrell go undrafted? BESIDES ALL OF OUR QUESTIONS AT WIDEOUT WILL GET ANSWERED WHEN WE BAG PLAXICO!!!!"
Anthony Said:
Mon, April 27, 2009 - 10:19am ET"Okay now we have a young QB who looks promising. So how about maybe trading big mouth jones to the Cardinals for Boldin....could that work? I mean I really don't want to let Jones go but if he keeps becoming a problem I think he should be let go. "
Jonathan Said:
Mon, April 27, 2009 - 1:03pm ET"Now that the Jets have drafted a pretty good running back in Shonn Greene, the jets should think about trading angry Thomas Jones and a first round pick in 2010 to the browns for Braylon Edwards."
Michael Said:
Mon, April 27, 2009 - 2:36pm ET"I hope the Jets don't waste any value on Braylon Edwards, we didn't take any of the WR in the draft, the only other prospect worth looking at as of now is Anquan Boldin. I wouldn't give up much for Braylon Edwards, maybe at the very most a Thumb Tac and 1/4" Nail"
gerard Said:
Tue, April 28, 2009 - 2:23am ET"all you guys who said that it was stupid to trade all those picks are idiots, and you should just stop rooting for the jets right now! Because you really don't know anything about football. The reason good teams are succesful is because the qb has time and it doesn't matter who the wr is because he'll have time to run his route.with a good ground game our d will b off d feild and rested."
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Hurrahog Said:
Sun, April 26, 2009 - 10:18am ET"Christmas in April.. Sanchez and Greene. Time ta move Thomas Jones."
Offensive Comment?