ESPNNewYork.com is providing a daily breakdown on how the lockout is affecting the individual position groups.

Position: Running back.

Depth chart: Shonn Greene, LaDainian Tomlinson, John Conner, Tony Richardson, Joe McKnight, Bilal Powell (R), Chris Jennings, Carlos Brown.

Not under contract: Richardson.

Player hurt most by the lockout: McKnight.

Player with most to gain: Tomlinson.

Analysis: More than most, this unit could be hit hard by the lockout. The reason is, you're talking about a handful of young players that could've really benefitted, mentally and physically, from a full offseason. McKnight, in particular, needed the time, considering his early-season struggles last season as a rookie. For all the promise he demonstrated as a rookie, Conner, projected as a the opening-day starter at fullback, also could've used all the time in the off-season program. The Jets have high hopes for Powell, a fourth-round pick, but he will be in a serious catch-up mode, severely diminishing his chances of making an impact.

Greene, the likely feature back, has dealt with weight issues in the past, and the Jets have to be a bit concerned about him working out on his own. Fortunately for the Jets, they have Tomlinson, a pro's pro who knows how to train and prepare himself for a season. The plan is to reduce his carries, making him more of a third-down back, but they might have to adjust if he's in the best shape among the backs. Richardson, heavily involved in the labor fight as a member of the players' executive committee, probably won't be re-signed.