ROSTER dept. - as of now... ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

saw this...

 

Quarterbacks

#6 Mark Sanchez

#9 David Garrard

#14 Greg McElroy

#5 Matt Simms

#? Geno Smith



Running Backs

#23 Mike Goodson

#?? Chris Ivory

#29 Bilal Powell

#25 Joe McKnight

#24 John Griffin

#36 Lex Hilliard(FB)

#?? Tommy Bohanon(FB)



Wide Receivers

#10 Santonio Holmes

#84 Stephen Hill

#11 Jeremy Kerley

#89 Jordan White

#19 Clyde Gates

#1 Thomas Mayo

#16 Vidal Hazelton

#18 Royce Pollard

#17 Emmanuel Arceneaux

#4 Joseph Collins

#88 Titus Ryan



Tight Ends

#82 Hayden Smith

#86 Jeff Cumberland

#87 Konrad Rueland



Offensive Linemen

#74 Nick Mangold©

#60 D'Brickashaw Ferguson(LT)

#66 Willie Colon(OG)

#62 Vlad Ducasse(OG)

#77 Austin Howard(RT)

#72 Caleb Schlauderaff(G/C)

#76 Dennis Landolt(LT)

#?? Brian Winters(OG)

#?? Oday Aboushi (G/T)

#?? William Campbell(OG)

#69 DJ Young(OT)



Defensive Linemen

#96 Muhammad Wilkerson(DT)

#98 Quinton Coples(DE)

#93 Kenrick Ellis(NT)

#71 Antonio Garay(NT)

#94 Damon Harrison(NT)

#92 Tevita Finau(DE)

#99 Junior Aumavae(NT)

#?? Sheldon Richardson(DT)



Linebackers

#52 Davis Harris(ILB)

#97 Calvin Pace(OLB)

#56 Demario Davis(ILB)

#95 Antwan Barnes(OLB)

#53 Josh Mauga(ILB)

#55 Ricky Sapp(OLB)

#50 Garrett McIntyre(OLB)

#54 Nick Bellore(ILB)

#48 Claude Davis(OLB)

#49 JoJo Dickson(ILB)

#51 Jacquies Smith(OLB)



Defensive Backs

#31 Antonio Cromartie(CB)

#20 Kyle Wilson(CB)

#26 Dawan Landry(S)

#21 Ellis Lankster(CB)

#32 Josh Bush(S)

#39 Antonio Allen(S)

#?? Dee Milliner(CB)

#22 Aaron Berry(CB)

#35 Isiaih Trufant(CB)

#27 Darrin Walls(CB)

#38 Royce Adams(CB)

#41 Eric Crocker(CB)

#34 Donnie Fletcher(CB)

#40 Cliff Harris(CB)

#37 Jaiquawn Jarrett(S)

#42 Brent Lockett(S)



Specialists

#8 Derek Dimke(K)

#2 Nick Folk(K)

#3 Robert Malone(P)

#46 Tanner Purdum(LS)

#7 Ryan Quigley(P)

#44 Travis Tripucka(LS)

[kelly]

AFC East cornerback rankings

 

The NFL offseason is just about over. Only a few tweaks will be made before teams begin training camp.

It's a good time to continue our AFC East rankings. Here are the top cornerbacks in the division :

No. 1: Antonio Cromartie, New York Jets
Analysis : You almost forgot how good Cromartie was when he played

second-fiddle to Darrelle Revis
in New York. But when Revis went down last year with a knee injury and
missed 13 games, Cromartie shined as the Jets' No. 1 cornerback and made
the Pro Bowl. New York had the NFL's second-rated pass defense with
Cromartie leading the way. That was a major reason new Jets general
manager John Idzik was fine with trading Revis this offseason. Cromartie
is now the top corner in New York for the foreseeable future. He will
team with young Jets corners Kyle Wilson and Dee Milliner.

 

rest of above article :

> http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/58564/afc-east-cornerback-rankings-2

[kelly]

W2W4: He-e-e-e-r-e's Geno !

Geno Smith, the most hyped second-round pick in Jets history, will be on his best behavior.

The Jets open a three-day rookie minicamp Friday in Florham Park, N.J., and there will be

no shortage of storylines:

1. Geno, meet the microscope: After two weeks of intense, post-draft scrutiny, QB Geno Smith
finally gets a chance to play football. Nothing he does over the next
three days will determine his 2013 role, but this is his first
opportunity to answer his critics -- on and off the field. He'll be on
his best behavior, of course, because he knows he'll get skewered if he
coasts through a drill or snaps at a teammate. Reporters and cameras
will be trained on his every move, watching to see if he's the sulking
diva that some have painted him to be.

The coaches will look to see how well the former West Virginia star
has digested the playbook, which he received the night he was drafted.
Smith has been in touch with coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, receiving
long-distance guidance as he attempts to navigate a foreign offensive
system. He reportedly spent two days this week interviewing prospective
agents, robbing him of time he could've spent preparing for the
minicamp. He fired his agents after his draft slide, as you may have
heard. If he shows up unprepared, it'll fuel more questions.

It'll also be interesting to see how Smith operates from under center,

in a conventional offense. In West Virginia's "Air Raid" offense, he was
in the shotgun or pistol formation 96 percent of the time in his
career. The footwork is dramatically different in a pro-style offense,
especially the Jets' West Coast system, which is predicated on precise
footwork.

2. Dee-sy, does it: Because of Smith, the most ballyhooed second-round

pick in Jets history, CB Dee Milliner
will be an afterthought this weekend. Crazy, huh? We're talking about
the ninth pick in the draft, a consensus all-America and a integral
player on Alabama's national-championship team. And, oh yeah, he's the
guy who will replace Darrelle Revis.
Actually, Milliner, two months removed from labrum surgery, will be
limited in drills. The Jets won't push him; they say the goal is to have
him ready for training camp. They already know he's a terrific athlete.
This weekend will be all about getting him immersed into the playbook.

3. Rex's new helpers: Rex Ryan revamped his
coaching staff, which features three new coordinators -- Mornhinweg,
Dennis Thurman (defense) and Ben Kotwica (special teams). This minicamp
will be the first time the new staff works together in a practice
setting, albeit rookies only. Thurman and Kotwica are holdovers, but
Mornhinweg is a newcomer to Rex World. He and Ryan have different
philosophical roots. Ryan has always been a believer in Ground &
Pound, while Mornhinweg comes from a pass-happy team, the Eagles. Ryan
says he's willing to take a walk on the wild side, so, in essence, this
represents a new beginning.

4. The new line-up: After the draft, the Jets wouldn't divulge specific

positions for their three offensive linemen -- Brian Winters (third round),

Oday Aboushi (fifth) and Will Campbell
(sixth). Now we'll get to see the early stages of the plan. Chances
are, Winters and Campbell will be at guard, with Aboushi at right
tackle.

5. Adjustment bureau: The transition begins for DT Sheldon Richardson,
a probable Day 1 starter who must learn how to become a two-gapping
interior lineman in the Jets' 3-4 base scheme. At Missouri, he made a
name for himself as a penetrating, one-gap lineman in a 4-3. This isn't
an easy adjustment for young players, who have to develop a keen sense
for reading blocks/keys and reacting. It's a whole new ballgame.
Athletically, Richardson is freakishly gifted for a 300-pound man, so he
will stick out in the crowd based purely on raw talent.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23139/w2w4-he-e-e-e-r-es-geno

 

[kelly]

On Thurday we take a look at New York Jets second-year receiver Stephen Hill.
2012 stats : 21 receptions, 252 yards, three TDs
What he has to prove : Hill has to prove that he’s
polished enough to be a starting wide receiver in the NFL. The former
second-round pick came to New York very raw and with little experience
catching passes at Georgia Tech. But Hill has the kind of size and speed
that you like at the position. New York doesn’t have many weapons on
offense this year. So Hill should get ample opportunities to prove his
worth with the rebuilding Jets.

Walker’s 2013 outlook : Hill still has a long way to
go based on what I saw in his rookie season. Hill had issues with drops
and overall concentration, which is not a surprise considering he
wasn’t asked to be a pass-catcher much in college. He must also stay
healthy this season. It’s going to take a lot of coaching for Hill to be
a polished receiver at the NFL level, and he did not get very good
coaching with the Jets last season. This will be Hill’s second offensive
system in two years. Perhaps offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg can
get more out of Hill's potential in a West Coast scheme than former
Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano. Veterans Santonio Holmes

and Jeremy Kerley should get most of the receptions in New York. But

Hill has the potential to at least be New York’s top deep threat this season.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/59237/show-and-prove-jets-wr-stephen-hill

[kelly]

>  http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23529/top-5-players-on-the-hot-seat

[kelly]

Jets contracts by length

 

Breaking down the Jets' roster, based on length of contracts :

* - Starter/potential starter






2013 LB Nick Bellore CB Aaron Berry WR Joe Collins G Willie Colon* TE Jeff Cumberland* LB JoJo Dickson OL Vladimir Ducasse DT Tevita Finau PK Nick Folk* DT Antonio Garay RB John Griffin WR Vidal Hazeleton FB Lex Hilliard* OT Austin Howard* OT Dennis Landolt CB Ellis Lankster LB Danny Lansanah S Bret Lockett LB Josh Mauga LB Garrett McIntyre RB Joe McKnight WR Ben Obomanu LB Calvin Pace* G Stephen Peterman* TE Konrad Reuland WR Titus Ryan LB Ricky Sapp QB Matt Simms TE Hayden Smith DE Jacquies Smith LS Travis Tripucka CB Isaiah Trufant CB Darrin Walls WR Jordan White 2014 WR Royce Adams DT Junior Aumavae CB Antonio Cromartie* DT Kenrick Ellis* DB Donnie Fletcher WR Clyde Gates LB David Harris* DT Damon Harrison S Jaiquawn Jarrett WR Jeremy Kerley S Dawan Landry* P Robert Malone* QB Greg McElroy OL Mark Popek RB Bilal Powell LS Tanner Purdum G Caleb Schlauderaff DE Muhammad Wilkerson* CB Kyle Wilson* 2015 S Antonio Allen* LB Antwan Barnes S Josh Bush* DT Lanier Coleman DE/LB Quinton Coples* CB Eric Crocker LB Demario Davis* WR Marcus Davis LB Troy Davis CB Mike Edwards C Dalton Freeman OL Trey Gilleo RB Mike Goodson WR Stephen Hill* WR Santonio Holmes* RB Chris Ivory* PK Brett Maher WR Thomas Mayo DT Jake McDonough S Rontez Miles TE Chris Pantale LB Sean Progar P Ryan Quigley WR Zach Rogers TE Mike Shanahan WR Ryan Spadola WR K.J. Stroud 2016 OT Oday Aboushi FB Tom Bohanon G William Campbell OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson* QB Mark Sanchez* G Brian Winters* 2017 Nick Mangold*

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/

[kelly]

New York Jets' 'Big Snacks' Harrison Might Make a Big Impact

COMMENTARY | Damon Harrison, the not-so-tiny nose tackle whose teammates call him 'Big Snacks,' is an under-the-radar player who could make a major difference for the New York Jets in the coming season. Room on the depth chart has been cleared for this powerful player to earn playing time and make an impact for the first time in his pro career.

Why Big Snacks?

Why do they call the big man Big Snacks? According to Ricky Doyle of MaineNewsSimply.com, Harrison earned his nickname shortly after being signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by the Jets last year. Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar apparently would leave Rice Krispie Treats on his desk to motivate Harrison to lose weight and improve his speed.Harrison looked solid in the 2012 preseason but ultimately did not see a whole lot of playing time during the regular season. He and his nickname, however, stuck around throughout the season as he held his roster spot. Though he is not yet on the national radar, he is becoming popular in some Jets' fan circles.

Defensive nose tackle is a physically demanding position. The nose tackle in a 3-4 defensive set generally lines up against the offensive center and faces an extremely high number of double teams. Massive size to handle offensive centers is required as well as the athleticism to deal with double teams and to close line gaps more quickly than running backs can reach them.

Is 2013 His Year?

Rex Ryan's defense is very much a hybrid defense now, and he is not as reliant on 3-4 formations as he has been in the past. Especially with the move of Quinton Coples to rush linebacker, there should be increased usage of plays with four defenders playing with their hands on the ground.Nonetheless, 3-4 sets are sure to be part of the scheme, and the Jets need a solid nose tackle. Sione Pouha, who used to be one of the best in the business, was released as a salary cap casualty.Then Mike DeVito was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. DeVito was a mix between a defensive end and a defensive tackle, but Ryan often made use of his ability to play nose tackle.

The result is that a top-heavy depth chart at nose tackle is suddenly wide open. Certainly Kenrick Ellis and Antonio Garay are in the mix. However, with both of them being unproven, there is nothing to stop Harrison if he can demonstrate his own abilities on the practice field.Will Noble of OneJetAtATime.com sees possibilities for Big Snacks. Noble argued, "Let me note how well Big Snacks did in the first day of open-to-the-media OTAs... Harrison will make [an] excellent substitute... Hungry is the definition of Damon Harrison in every sense."Harrison is not a name that will be heard too much just yet in the national media. He is more of a local name and is still a developing player. He plays an unsung role and still needs to prove that he can help the team win. Hopefully for Big Snacks his career path will continue to head upward and not downward.

As for Jets fans, now is the chance to hop on the Big Snacks bandwagon before the rest of the country catches on.

>  http://sports.yahoo.com/news/york-jets-big-snacks-harrison-might-big-impact-214000055.html

[kelly]

Long odds don't faze Jets' Jake McDonough

Defensive end Jake McDonough

is one of the few undrafted free agents to make the transition from the

rookie minicamp to a spot on the Jets' roster as OTAs wear on.

Life is tenuous there, but no matter what happens, McDonough counts

himself as lucky. Just four years ago, a mysterious illness nearly took

him out of competition altogether.

“I had a few offers to play college ball and I chose Iowa State,”

McDonough recalled. “I redshirt my freshman year and then following that

I got really sick. Lost 70 pounds, had to fight back from that.”

 

Jake McDonough

Doctors

weren’t sure what was making him so ill, and extensive tests were done

at a hospital in Des Moines. The results showed some food allergies --

he must avoid dairy products -- and some less common problems.

“They tested me out and found out it was food allergies and they

also found traces of a parasite,” McDonough said. “I got calls from the

government trying to find out where I’d been. I was like, 'I hadn’t been

anywhere -- Iowa.' I had a parasite, gallstone and a food allergy all

at the same time. One thing compounded, one after the next.”

The combination of allergies and giardia knocked McDonough's weight

down to 220 pounds at his lowest point. That was a drastic drop; he's

now back up to 305 pounds on a 6-foot-5 frame.

He remembers walking into the Cyclones' weight room and weighing in at 280. The next day he was at 273.

“One day I was at home and stood up to do mow the lawn and passed out,” McDonough said.

Cyclones coach Paul Rhoads, who was new to the job at the time,

thought that might be it for McDonough’s Division I career, which was

not of paramount importance at the height of the illness.

“He looked sick -- and he acted sick,” Rhoads said. “There were a

lot of people involved in it and a lot of opinions were thrown his way

for better or for worse. But they got something figured out and he got

back on his feet.”

He did get better, but then he had to prove himself as a player all

over again. Since he was relatively new to the Cyclones, and there was a

new administration under Rhoads, it was a tough spot to be in.

“It was a struggle,” McDonough said. “I was young and adjusting to a new coaching staff.”

McDonough had initially impressed Rhoads by showing up at the new

coach's introductory press conference. He's been trying to make that

kind of personal connection with the Jets as well. McDonough has sought

out his coaches for additional instruction with the playbook, and as a

way to get to know them.

Now he’s trying to pick up the defense with the help of Muhammad Wilkerson,

and learning that coach Rex Ryan expects his defensive players to know

what every position is responsible for in a system where safeties can

blitz and even a linebacker like Calvin Pace may play defensive back on a play just to confuse things. At times, it feels like a lot to learn.

“[They want] to see how you respond,” McDonough said, “and if you respond well you’re going to make it.”

McDonough was an All-Big Ten defensive tackle, but the Jets have

moved him outside because of his height. Rhoads said McDonough can be

immovable in certain schemes.

“When he’s going to put his hands on you, he’s going to knock people

back on their heels,” Rhoads said. “He’s one of those naturally strong

guys who can move a pile.”

So far, Ryan likes what he sees. He joked that he accidentally

called McDonough by Mike DeVito’s name. DeVito might not be with the

Jets anymore, but Ryan regarded the defensive lineman highly and any

rookie would see it as a compliment.

“I like him. He’s tough, he competes,” Ryan said of the 23-year-old

McDonough. “If he doesn’t make the team, it’s not because of his work

ethic or anything else. He’s a hard-playing kid.”

It was a sentiment that Wilkerson -- thrust into a leadership role

after the loss of several high-profile veterans -- echoed in the locker

room after one OTA practice: “He’s definitely a hard worker. But he’s a

rookie so he’s going to make mistakes but you’ve got to put that behind

you.”

Right now, McDonough is clustered with other UFAs and rookies in the

middle of that locker room. Some of them will eventually make it

through the gauntlet and secure a permanent spot in one of the

wood-paneled lockers. He knows he’ll be lucky to make it, but McDonough

has faced long odds before.

“I’m very blessed to be here with the Jets,” McDonough said. “They’re giving me

a chance to show what I can do.”

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23725/long-odds-dont-faze-jets-jake-mcdonough

[JoeKlecko]

Found some interesting comments about 5 unheralded prospects and their play in OTAs at the JetsBlog.  I tried to post them here, but for some reason was unable to.

[Bleedin Green]

Found some interesting comments about 5 unheralded prospects and their play in OTAs at the JetsBlog.  I tried to post them here, but for some reason was unable to.

 

http://thejetsblog.com/nyjets/top-5-unheralded-performances-of-otas-in-no-particular-order/

 

With OTAs over and voluntary minicamp set to begin, let’s take a look at some guys who had some of the better under-the-radar performances during the Organized Team Activities that could unexpectedly lead to them getting a bigger role than previously anticipated. Keep in mind, the media was only allowed to attend one practice each week, meaning they have no idea how guys performed when they were not around. Thus, after speaking to a variety of sources, here’s some guys who separated themselves, albeit in shorts, during this period.

1. TE Hayden Smith - Everybody I’ve talked to has absolutely raved about Hayden. The progress he has made from year one to year two is nothing short of phenomenal. If you think about it, this time last year he was just learning to put on a helmet for the first time. Now, he’s getting ready to be make a major impact for this team. In his West Coast offense, the two-tight end set is very common, so it’s more than likely we will see Hayden out there with Jeff Cumberland a majority of the time. While Konrad Reuland is a formidable player, he’s not as versatile as Hayden. People at the practices have raved to me about his route running, improved blocking, and overall understanding for the game. It’s been a while since the Jets have had a legitimate pass catching threat at the TE position. Maybe one might classify Dustin Keller as one, but he would show up for five games than disappear. Hayden is here to stay. This is a guy to watch closely as camp rolls around.

2. WR Zach Rogers - Overshadowed by Cordarrelle Patterson and Justin Hunter at Tennessee, Rogers has been lining up everywhere during OTAs. I’m told in addition to playing slot receiver, Rogers has been handling the duties as a punt returner and kick returner as well. In fact, he was the reason the Jets cut Royce Pollard after minicamp. Rogers, who caught 32 passes for 491 yards and seven touchdowns last season, performed so well that Pollard, who spent the entire season on the practice squad, was suddenly let go. Right off the bat Rogers clearly has a leg up on a guy like Titus Ryan in terms of making the team just due to his versatility. Rex has taken notice has well, “Rogers was very productive there and he really did a nice job of running routes and catching the football. He stood out. He caught a lot of balls out there, he was a slot receiver, you saw him return punts. And he did a good job in the special teams drills.” Rex, who is notorious for not knowing undrafted free agents names, clearly has his eye on Rogers. As should you.

3. LB Ricky Sapp - Let’s start off with something that has been reported yet. Last year, Ricky found out in the middle of the season that he was playing with a stress fracture in his right ankle, which was causing him unbearable pain. As such, Rex decided to make a bold decision. He made Ricky inactive for the latter part of the season. With the season pretty much over and Rex looking ahead, he decided to “hide” Ricky. He didn’t want to get him on tape, and also felt it necessary to let his ankle heal. After the season ended, Rex asked Ricky to add on some weight, but not so much that it will affect his speed. He did, and came into camp in the best shape of his life. While the team has said Quinton Coples will be starting at one of the OLB spots, the media has labeled Calvin Pace the starter. Not so fast. They should know on the days they weren’t there, Ricky was receiving a TON of reps and was playing with the first team. I can see a scenario in which Antwan Barnes and Pace end up in more of a situational role with Ricky and Quinton starting. Barnes is probably best suited for that kind of role anyway, and Calvin is getting up there in age. Kristian Dyer said of every single defensive player on the field last week, Ricky “looked the best.” With his ability to drop back in coverage and also get after the QB, will will be playing a lot this season. I can promise you that.

4. RB John Griffin – Like Ricky, Griffin was lighting it up in camp last summer, but suffered a high ankle sprain and was ultimately let go. After being resigned to the practice squad late in the season and activated for the Week 17 game vs. Buffalo, he’s back in camp turning heads once again. RB Coach Anthony Lynn said, “he was really raw when he got here at first but I’m expecting John to really compete, not just be a camp guy but compete for playing time. He’s a big back … He’s fast, he’s quick, he can make people miss inline and he does some really nice things that I like.” The problem is, the Jets are extremely loaded at the running back position, with Mike Goodson, Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell and Joe McKnight. Interestingly, however, I’ve been told Griffin has the best hands out of the aforementioned group, something that is a necessity in a West Coast Offense. Griffin has been making the most out of his reps, and if he continues to shine, he might just push one of these guys off the roster…

5. DB Eric Crocker - First and foremost, from all of us here at TJB, we send our condolences to Eric, who left OTAs this week to return home to California to be with his family following the loss of his father. Signed by the Jets in March, he went attended University of Arkansas at Monticello. After going undrafted in 2012, he joined the San Antonio Talons last season, where he finished the year with 70 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 3 interceptions. Crocker, 6’2, 190lbs., has been making a name for himself during OTAs. The Jets coaches feel he has a real shot to make the team, I’ve learned. He has shown a ton of toughness and ability to match up with receivers during practice. Furthermore, I’ve been told they “can’t wait” to get him in pads. His ability to run down the field and make plays on special teams will also help his cause. He reminds me a lot of Marquice Cole, who like Crocker, was signed by the Jets to a reserve/future contract. Quice became in instant star on special teams while slowly showing he had what it took to play in Rex’s complicated defense as well. Crocker has been working one-on-one with Dennis Thurman and Tim McDonald to better himself every day.

[JoeKlecko]

http://thejetsblog.com/nyjets/top-5-unheralded-performances-of-otas-in-no-particular-order/

 

Thanks.  I don't know why I couldn't post it.  I kept getting an errors message saying I couldn't post that image here.

[kelly]

Hayden Smith
arrived a year ago, a former international rugby star with no
experience in organized football. He never wore a helmet, never put on
shoulder pads, never ran a pass route. The most basic aspects of
football -- i.e. mastering the quarterback cadence -- were a challenge.


 

Hayden Smith could be a factor for the Jets this coming season.

"If you've never played football, it's hard to sit on the line," Smith
recalled of his not-so-long-ago neophyte days. "You have to know what
the cadence is and you don't want to jump and be edgy."

Smith has come a long way in a relatively short time. The 6-foot-6,
255-pound Australian was one of the bright spots during OTAs, impressing
with his dramatic improvement. Instead of worrying about where to line
up and trying to remember his assignment on each play, Smith actually
made plays, including a couple of acrobatic receptions.

"Coming in the second time around, not having to worry about the
game of football itself, it takes a lot of the thinking out of it," he
said. "That was always going to be the challenge early on, getting
comfortable with the sport. Now I feel like I'm at the stage where I can
just concentrate on execution rather than the bigger things."

Smith, 28, spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad,
seeing some playing time late in the season. He played a total of 17
snaps on offense, plus 15 snaps on special teams. Basically, it was a
redshirt year, but now he's ready to make a name for himself.

"I feel like I'm at the stage where I can contribute," he said.

"My primary goal is to help the Jets win football games."

He's already mastered the veteran cliches.

But seriously, he should get a good look, considering the downtrodden

state of the tight end position. Jeff Cumberland and Konrad Reuland
are the only experienced tight ends on the roster, so we're not talking
about Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez here. Maybe, just maybe,
"Aussie" -- his nickname -- can make a move up the depth chart. He has
gone from Down Under to under the radar. Who knows what's next ?

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23747/aussie-making-his-move-at-tight-end

[kelly]

The Jets are ready for the next phase of the offseason, their mandatory
minicamp -- three practices (no pads) from Tuesday to Thursday in
Florham Park. A note to fans: Wednesday's practice (11:45 a.m.) is open
to the public.

What we'll be covering throughout the week :

1. Distribution of QB reps: Mark Sanchez and rookie Geno Smith
shared approximately 90 percent of the reps in the OTAs (based on
practices open to the media), but Sanchez received most of the work
(call it a 60-40 split) and stayed predominantly with the first team.
That's not a major surprise, considering he's the veteran, but now it'll
be interesting to see if there's a shift in the plan. Neither
quarterback was lights-out in OTAs, so the competition will go into the
preseason, as expected. Minicamp is the last team activity until
training camp (July 25), a chance to leave a positive impression during
the hiatus.

 

Stephen Hill (knee) is expected back this week.

 

2. Calling all receivers:
The wide receiver corps was so decimated by injuries last week that
Sanchez said he didn't know the names of some of the fill-ins. Funny,
yet not-so-funny. Stephen Hill (knee), Jeremy Kerley (heel) and Clyde Gates
(hamstring) are expected back this week, according to Rex Ryan, so that
should help with the overall efficiency of the offense. Maybe now
they'll be able to run a successful two-minute drill. Santonio Holmes
(foot) still isn't close and may begin training camp on the PUP list.
Holmes, who has avoided the media this offseason, is expected to speak
to reporters. Actually, it's mandatory, so expect a State-of-the-Tone
address.

3. From courtroom to huddle: Mike Goodson,
arrested last month on drug and weapons charges, has a court appearance
at 9 a.m. Wednesday in Morristown, N.J. This is a pre-trial hearing in
which the prosecution may or may not offer a plea bargain. If there's no
deal, the case will be forwarded to the grand jury. Goodson may have
received a break last week. His attorney said a report by the New Jersey
State Police includes an admission from Goodson's co-defendant that the
confiscated gun belongs to him, not Goodson. Police say ownership still
hasn't been determined. The embattled running back, whose future with
the team could be resting on the gun charge, may address the media this
week for the first time since the arrest.

4. Casting call: Two veteran free agents, TE Kellen Winslow Jr., and

WR Mike Sims-Walker,
will participate in the minicamp on a tryout basis. Hey, why not ? The
Jets are thin at both positions, so there's no harm in a little
look-see. No doubt, Winslow will draw a lot of eyes. He was a stud when
he came out of Miami in 2004 (sixth overall pick), but his career got
knocked sideways for a variety of reasons. The Jets' tight end position
doesn't look great on paper, but you have to admire Jeff Cumberland's
attitude. "I feel like I can be one of the premier, elite tight ends,"
he told the Star-Ledger of Newark. Forget elite; the Jets would be happy
with just premier.

5. Class of 2012: The four defensive players from Mike Tannenbaum's

last draft will be under the spotlight -- DE/OLB Quinton Coples, LB Demario

Davis, S Josh Bush and S Antonio Allen. Coples and Davis are slated for

starting positions, while Bush and Allen are battling for the safety spot

opposite Dawan Landry.
The job is wide open. Meanwhile, Coples is making the transition to
linebacker and Davis is trying to prove he has what it takes to be a
stout run defender. If Coples and Davis can be productive starters,
it'll help Ryan's defense stay in the top 10.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23787/w2w4-a-minicamp-with-major-issues

[kelly]

Where is Geno ?

 

The Jets will be focused on rookie Geno Smith to see how he is
handling Marty Mornhinweg’s offense. His performance this week will help
the coaches craft their plan for how to handle the competition between
Smith and Sanchez in training camp.

 

Is Winslow a keeper ?

 

Kellen Winslow Jr. is trying out for the Jets over the next three
days. They are extremely thin at tight end, so he can stick if he is
healthy.

 

Do they need to add receivers ?

 

The Jets have been dealing with injuries at wide receiver all
spring and it has made the offense look terrible. Rex Ryan expects
everyone but Santonio Holmes to be in practice this week. The Jets need
to figure out if they have enough depth here.

Are the young pups ready ? 

 

Seven starters are gone from last year’s defense and the Jets are
counting on several first- or second-year players. It’s time to see how
far they’ve come since last year.

 

Is there any “Ground and Pound” left ?

 

Mornhinweg’s offense will be pass-heavy, but Ryan loves to run
the ball. It’s hard to judge running backs in no-pad practices, but the
Jets need to see how their revamped running attack looks.

 

> http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/jets/things_the_jets_want_to_learn_qa6knS5Dl4J6E9JvFUymXL?utm_medium=rss&utm_content=Jets

[kelly]

1. Marty likes the deep ball :

New OC Marty Mornhinweg runs a West Coast system, which means

he gets labeled as a coach whose
offense is predicated on quick, short passes. To a large extent, that's
how he operates, but Mornhinweg, by his own admission, likes to take
deep shots more than his West Coast brethren. That philosophy was on
display Tuesday. In the 7-on-7 drill, quarterbacks Mark Sanchez and

Geno Smith attacked downfield with several long passes. They weren't

too successful. Sanchez connected with Vidal Hazelton, and that was

about it. Smith made a fantastic throw to Stephen Hill
-- quick release by the rookie QB -- but it was dropped. Truth be told,
the entire passing game was out of sync, as Sanchez and Smith were a
combined 7-for-16 in 7-on-7s. The longest completion was Greg McElroy

to Marcus Davis, a wobbly pass that somehow found its way into the

right hands.


 

Marty Mornhinweg got another look at Geno Smith in action on Tuesday.

 

2. Geno's learning:
When Smith has time to set and throw, he throws a pretty ball -- good
velocity with a tight spiral most of the time. But the former West
Virginia star needs to work on his pre-snap responsibilities, mainly
recognizing the blitz and finding his hot reads. Rex Ryan's defense can
be tough on an inexperienced quarterback, showing a myriad of different
looks. But it's good preparation for the real thing.

3. Bilal be seeing you: Third-year RB Bilal Powell
got his number called a few times, mostly on draw plays out of the
third-down package. He has been overshadowed this offseason by

Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson,
but Powell still looms as a factor in the backfield. He's battling
Goodson for the third-down job. Powell has running skills, but he lacks
the pure speed of Goodson, who shows a burst whenever he gets the ball
in his hands.

4. Fab Four: It'll be interesting to see how the Jets set up their defensive

front in nickel situations. On Tuesday, it was Calvin Pace and Antwan Barnes

at end, with Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples
at tackle. That's could be a formidable interior rush with the two
former No. 1 picks, but Pace and Barnes have to prove they still have
enough giddy-up to get the job done on the edges.

5. Tebow's history: The message was loud and clear: The Jets are

done talking about former QB Tim Tebow.
Ryan wasn't comfortable answering questions about the newest Patriot
(at least he didn't get testy and walk away, a la Bill Belichick) and
many of his players seemed downright afraid to talk about Tebow. GM John
Idzik is trying to change the culture around the organization, and
Tebow, through no fault of his own, symbolized the "circus." The new
philosophy: Out of sight, out of mind.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23842/what-we-learned-on-day-1-of-minicamp

[kelly]

Kellen Winslow
turned his audition into an extended stay -- or at least that's how it
might happen. The Jets would like to sign the veteran free agent to a
contract, and there's a good chance that will happen soon.

Rex Ryan was coy when asked about it before Thursday's final

practice of minicamp."I'm not going to discuss that now," he said.

"I see exactly what
you see. I see that athleticism and his ability to catch the football
jumps out at you."

Ryan said Winslow, who hasn't been a full-time player since 2011,
still has a "presence" on the field. Based on his three-day tryout, it
looks like he'll have a presence in training camp as well.

Odds and Ends : Ryan reiterated what QBs coach David Lee said

Wednesday about rookie Geno Smith,
acknowledging that Smith is struggling. He expects Smith to take a big
leap in training camp. "When he's on, the guy is absolutely terrific,"
Ryan said. ... CB Kyle Wilson is having his best offseason, according

to Ryan. But that doesn't mean he'll replace Darrelle Revis in the

starting lineup. Ryan noted that No. 1 pick Dee Milliner
was "one of the top corners I've seen come through the draft in a long
time." ... It sounds like Ryan, frustrated by all the dropped passes
this week, wants to sign a veteran wide receiver. He has a pretty good
one on the sideline -- Santonio Holmes, recovering from foot surgery.

"We need Santonio Holmes, I don't think there's any doubt about that,"

Ryan said.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23889/winslow-could-become-official

[kelly]

One of the intriguing position battles for the Jets this summer will be at

safety, as the team is in need of two new starters.

Newcomer Dawan Landry
appears to be the favorite for one spot, and the other starting
position appears to be a battle between 2012 late-round draft picks

Josh Bush and Antonio Allen. Former Eagles second-round pick

Jaiquawn Jarrett also figures to be in the mix as well.

Allen had been working with the first team during OTAs, but he found
himself working with the second string during this week's minicamp,
which concluded Thursday.

"It's no surprise. I've been going with the first team all OTAs and I
guess minicamp, they put me with the second team," Allen said Thursday.
"It's a learning experience. I'm not frowning upon it. I just got to
work hard."

He added: "Whatever is going to help the team win, I guess. It might

not be permanent, but it is for right now."

The Jets find themselves looking for new safeties after last season's

starters, Yeremiah Bell and LaRon Landry, departed this offseason for

Arizona and Indianapolis, respectively. The Jets also released veteran

Eric Smith as part of their purge of veterans this offseason.

Allen, a seventh-round pick out of South Carolina, played in just
seven games for the Jets last season and had six total tackles. Tuesday,
it appeared he made an error which landed him in the doghouse for the
minicamp. Allen did say he thought he had a pretty good camp "for the
most part."

"[Defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman]'s a good coach, he knows
what he's looking for," Allen said. "I'm just motivated to come back
knowing the playbook a little bit more. Come back faster, stronger.
Everything I can do to get that spot."

Allen said he will not be joining the team's defensive backs in California

for the workouts hosted by Antonio Cromartie. He believes the vacant

starting positions have created a great opportunity for him.

"Trust me, I got it locked in what I want to do," Allen said. "I'm
working hard every day and trying to prepare myself for that position."

Bush, a sixth-round pick out of Wake Forest, has a little more
experience than Allen. He played in all 16 games last season while
recording a total of 11 tackles. The wildcard in the mix is Jarrett, who
played in a total of 13 games with Philadelphia in 2011-12 before being
released. The Eagles used the 54th pick of the 2011 Draft on Jarrett,
although it didn't pan out as they expected.

"He's shown me some stuff," Allen said of Jarrett. "How he came in,

he knew the playbook."

In addition to the two new starting safeties, the Jets are expected

to use rookie first-round pick Dee Milliner
as a starting outside cornerback. Just one season after having
primarily a veteran-filled secondary, the Jets will rely on youngsters
to help anchor their pass coverage. The Jets allowed the second-fewest
passing yards last season, yielding just 189.8 yards per game.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23911/battle-between-safties-its-on

[kelly]

Eight in the Box: Can’t-lose players

 

Other than the quarterback, which player could each AFC East team least afford to lose to injury? Here's a look :

 

~ ~  New York Jets : C Nick Mangold.

This was a tough choice. The Jets lack the overall talent to be a

playoff team this season. However, they do have a handful of key

players. Cornerback Antonio Cromartie is a Pro Bowler. But the Jets have talented young backups like Kyle Wilson and Dee Milliner, who are both former first-round draft picks. Defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson and linebacker David Harris

are talented. But Jets head coach Rex Ryan has always had a good scheme

to get production out of his defense. So former Pro Bowl center Mangold

is the choice. The Jets' offense desperately needs Mangold's leadership

and consistency in the middle. Mangold is one of the toughest players

in the NFL and has played through injuries in the past. He has been

their one reliable player on offense the past couple years.

 

rest of above article :

> http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/60721/eight-in-the-box-cant-lose-players

 

 

* * by the way...imho , i think we'd be better off if we did " lose " OUR qb but NOT due to injury/illness.

i do NOT want to see ANYONE get injured or sick....i just think " all concerned " would be better off if we " went in a new direction "

 

 

 

 

cheers ~ ~

[TechJet]

I saw this! 

[kelly]

Continuing out "Take 5" series ... here are our top breakout players for the coming season :

1. NT Kenrick Ellis: After two nondescript seasons, it's time for Ellis to bust out. The former third-round pick was slowed in his first two seasons by injuries and legal issues that hung over his head, but he has matured and should be ready to take a giant step. He has the size (6-foot-4, 346 pounds) to be an exceptional run stuffer.

2. LB DeMario Davis: The second-year player is slated to replace Bart Scott in the base package. Davis got a good taste of the NFL last season, playing in 308 defensive snaps (29 percent). He probably will play in nickel and should excel in coverage, adding speed to a perennially slow linebacking corps.

3. TE Jeff Cumberland: Because of Dustin Keller's injuries, Cumberland played a lot last season -- 592 offensive snaps (55 percent). That ratio should increase into the 70s now that Keller is gone. Cumberland has limitations, but his receiving skills should be enhanced in a West Coast-style offense. Plus, it's a contract year.

4. DE/OLB Quinton Coples: You don't find too many former No. 1 picks on a "breakout" list, but we're including Coples because he only scratched the surface last season as a backup. He led the team with 5.5 sacks, but that was hardly a monster rookie year. The plan is to make him a rush linebacker, which should create more sack opportunities. He has the raw talent; the question is whether he wants to pay the price for greatness.

5. S Josh Bush: After playing only a handful of defensive snaps as a rookie, Bush is the favorite to win the starting job opposite Dawan Landry. The former sixth-round pick is known for his coverage ability, which should make him a nice complement to Landry. Bush is raw, but his skill set translates to the pass-happy NFL, so he should have chances to make plays.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/23956/take-5-breakout-players-for-2013

[kelly]

Following an "off" year, look for Joe McKnight to return to the top of his game this season.Breaking down the Jets, one position at a time, as we head to training camp:

Position: Special teams

Projected starters: Nick Folk (PK), Robert Malone (P), Tanner Purdum (LS), Joe McKnight (KOR), Jeremy Kerley (PR).

Projected reserves: Antonio Cromartie (KOR), Mike Goodson (KOR), Kyle Wilson (PR).

New faces: Goodson.

The departed: None.

Player to watch: Actually, we're going to focus on a coach -- new special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica, who replaces the retired Mike Westhoff. Kotwica has big shoes to fill (just ask Westhoff), but he spent the better part of six years at Westhoff's side, learning from the best. Under Kotwica, a decorated officer who served seven years in the army, the unit will be disciplined and well prepared. But he will have a hard time matching Westhoff's ability to make in-game adjustments.

Potential strength: It was an "off" year for McKnight, slowed by a severe ankle sprain, but he still finished third in the NFL with a 27.5-yard return average. He's healthy and dropped a few pounds in the offseason, so he should be at the top of his game. McKnight's ability to create field position with long returns will be a huge factor, especially with the offense likely to experience growing pains.

Potential weakness: The kicking units were an uncharacteristic mess last season, a virtual comedy of errors. There were so many moving parts at the bottom of the roster, due to injuries, that Westhoff was forced to juggle lineups on a weekly basis. In fact, 20 players ended up playing at least 100 snaps on special teams, 16 of whom are back this year. The lack of quality depth and speed on the roster contributed to the woes. When constructing the roster, Rex Ryan should put an emphasis on special teams, looking for run-and-hit players who will help raise the overall level of play in the kicking game.

Wild card: Kerley has a chance to be an above-average punt returner ... if he takes an aggressive approach. He set an NFL record with 36 fair catches. Run, Jeremy, run!

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/24312/camp-preview-special-teams-3

[kelly]

Braylon Edwards and the New York Jets are together again.

Desperate for wide receiver help on the eve of training camp, the Jets reunited with Edwards for the second time in seven months. The team announced the reunion through its Twitter account Thursday in a tweet that included a video message from Edwards.

 

"Hey Jets fans, Braylon Edwards, back in the green and white, signed today so I'm excited and ready to get back to Cortland," he said in the Instagram video. 

He signed a one-year contract, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The Jets brought in Edwards for a visit a month ago, according to a league source. They followed up Wednesday with a physical at their team facility in Florham Park, N.J.

Jets' 10 Biggest Camp Issues

What are the biggest issues facing the Jets at training camp? We ranked
the top 10.  Top 10  Blog »

They also auditioned veteran free agents Austin Collie and Laurent Robinson earlier in the week, but Edwards was their top choice.

The team leaves Thursday for Cortland, N.Y.

Considering the state of the receiving corps, Edwards might be one of their best options. He's always had good chemistry with quarterback Mark Sanchez, who enjoyed his best season when Edwards averaged 17 yards per reception in his first tour with the Jets in 2010.

Top receiver Santonio Holmes, still rehabbing a surgically repaired foot, will begin camp on the physically unable to perform list. There's no guarantee he will be ready for Week 1. Stephen Hill, coming off a disappointing rookie year in which he had a serious case of the drops, was hampered by post-surgical knee soreness in the offseason.

Edwards was a productive player for the Jets in 2009 and '10, but they let him walk as a free agent even though he wanted to return. He bounced from the San Francisco 49ers to the Seattle Seahawks, who released him last December.

The Jets claimed him on waivers -- a stunning move because, only days earlier, he blasted members of Jets management on Twitter for undermining Sanchez's career, calling them "idiots." But they took him back because injuries had decimated the receiving corps.

Once again, they're hurting. New general manager John Idzik ignored the receiver issue in the offseason, finally making an 11th-hour move. Idzik, a former Seahawks executive, became familiar with Edwards last season.

Edwards will be reunited with former Cleveland Browns teammate Kellen Winslow, whom the Jets signed in June after a minicamp tryout. They were supposed to be a dynamic receiver-tight end tandem in Cleveland, but that never materialized.

Two days ago, Winslow lobbied for Edwards on Twitter.

 

video...http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/9506273/new-york-jets-poised-re-sign-wr-braylon-edwards-source

[kelly]

Analysis : Braylon's back -- again

 

 

Thoughts and observations on WR Braylon Edwards, who is planning to sign a one-year contract, a source familiar with the deal told ESPN Insider Adam Schefter:

1. Desperation: Why not? Obviously, a 30-year-old receiver with only 33 catches over the last two seasons isn't a savior, but he will upgrade a young and beat up receiving corps that was neglected in the offseason by new GM John Idzik. Edwards was the Jets' most productive receiver over the final three games last year -- 10 catches. That's not saying much, but you get the picture. Look, at this point, you're not going to find anything better on the scrap heap.

 

Jets' 10 Biggest Camp Issues

What are the biggest issues facing the Jets at training camp? We ranked

the top 10.  Top 10  Blog »

2. Chemistry: Edwards and QB Mark Sanchez have always had a nice rapport on the field. The highlight was 2010, when Sanchez enjoyed his best year and Edwards averaged 17 yards per catch. Who can forget that tremendous catch-and-run for a touchdown in the playoff win over the Patriots? Edwards' 6-foot-3 frame, and his ability to adjust to off-the-mark throws, makes him quarterback-friendly.

3. Concern: The 11th-hour decision to make this move tells me there's some concern about Santonio Holmes and surgically-repaired foot -- and, possibly, Stephen Hill, who was slowed by post-surgical knee soreness in the offseason. The Jets are hoping Holmes is ready by Week 1. If not, Edwards is an insurance policy.

4. Combustible locker room: Suddenly, the Jets have three headstrong veterans in Edwards, Holmes and TE Kellen Winslow, who played with Edwards in Cleveland and lobbied (via Twitter) for his return. The Jets tried this in 2011, with Holmes, Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason, and it blew up. If adversity strikes -- and it will -- Rex Ryan could be putting out brushfires.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/24402/analysis-braylons-back-again

[kelly]

Two years ago, safety Jaiquawn Jarrett entered training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles as a second-round rookie out of Temple looking to fill the void from the departure of nine-time Pro Bowler Brian Dawkins. Things didn’t work out as planned for Jarrett in Philly, however, and the Eagles decided to part ways with the hard-hitting safety just one game into the 2012 season.

This past New Year’s Eve, Jarrett signed a reserve/future contract with the Jets. Now he joins a group of young safeties eager to fight for a starting role alongside veteran safety Dawan Landry.

Jarrett said he never questioned the reasons for his release from the City of Brotherly Love. He is, however, grateful that the Jets are giving him a look to see what he can do.

“The Jets gave me a second chance at the occupation that I love,” he said, “so I’m just happy and blessed for this opportunity to come here and prove myself.”

Today, in the first practice of training camp with full pads, Jarrett (6’0”, 196) lined up at safety with the ones. Dropping back in coverage, he knocked down a ball intended for TE Chris Pantale forcing an incompletion. Rushing past the line of scrimmage on a blitz, he tackled the running back for a loss of several yards.

He has no preference for blitzing versus covering. “I prefer to do whatever’s going to help the team win,” he said.

Jaiquawn makes sure to take advantage of any and all learning opportunities. Having played with the likes of Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in Philadelphia and now joining teammates such as Antonio Cromartie and Landry with the Jets, Jarrett feels “blessed for the opportunities to have played with some of the great players in the league.”

Trying to constantly soak in everything his teammates and coaches have to offer, he appreciates the help he receives from the “old guy” on the team.

“Dawan has been great to all of us,” Jarrett said, referring to the safeties. “He knows each position, from D-line to linebackers to the secondary. He can coach at any position. So we call him ‘mentor’ or ‘OG.’ He’s an old head.”

In addition to learning from his veteran teammate, Jarrett’s ears perk up any time that any safety on the team slips up, as he knows a teachable moment awaits him.

“Every safety gets different coaching points,” he said, “because you all mess up certain things. But when a coach is talking to a specific safety, he’s really speaking to the whole group. It’s important to take notes and learn from it so from that point forward, when that play comes up, you know what not to do.”

While knowing what to do and what not to do are necessary, taking the field and executing the plays will be something that Jarrett must accomplish to lock up a roster spot and compete for a starting role. Still only 23 years old, he's hoping to convince the Jets that one team’s trash is their treasure.

 

video...http://www.newyorkjets.com/news/article-1/Jarrett-Gets-a-New-Chance-to-Prove-Himself/635ce9df-33b0-457f-adf6-64da6ee0e82d

 

[kelly]

Positives and negatives after four days of practice:

THREE UP

1. The young receivers : Stephen Hill and Clyde Gates have improved their route running, pass catching and separation ability, allowing the brass to feel a bit better about the wide-receiving situation. It looked bleak after minicamp, which turned into a drop-fest. There were some drops Monday, but the arrow is pointed up. Rex Ryan doesn't want to jinx it. Asked about Hill, he said, "I'm not going to comment on Stephen because he's doing so well." I think Ryan's fingers may have been crossed.
 

 
2. A real QB competition: Based on the early returns, rookie Geno Smith will make this a tough decision for Ryan, John Idzik & Co. If Smith can take it to the pre-season games, he just might win the job. But there's a long way to go and Smith needs to do a better job of getting rid of the ball under pressure. But, hey, at least the competition is legit.

3. Improved depth: A year ago, G Vladimir Ducasse was battling for a starting job; now he's a certain backup. The illustrates the improved depth on the offensive line, especially at guard. Veteran Willie Colon, formerly of the Steelers, has jumped out and likely will land one starting job. Ex-Lion Stephen Peterman is the leading contender for the other guard spot, but he'll be pushed by rookie Brian Winters. The depth at cornerback also has improved. Antonio Cromartie called it the deepest group they've had in recent years.

THREE DOWN

1. Empty stable: The current running-back situation isn't good. Chris Ivory (hamstring) still hasn't practiced, Mike Goodson isn't in camp (no one is saying when or if he'll show up) and Joe McKnight seems to develop a daily ailment, leaving Bilal Powell and John Griffin. Actually, Griffin has demonstrated some cut-back ability, but they'll need the big dogs to make this running game go.

2. Tone time running out: WR Santonio Holmes continues to rehab his surgically repaired foot, but people in the organization are losing confidence that he'll be ready for Week 1. This is troublesome, although not unexpected.

3. Q's transition: Quinton Coples, a down lineman his entire college and pro career, is learning to play on his feet as an outside linebacker in the base defense. As expected, he has encountered some hiccups. Ryan noted that Coples stepped up his aggressiveness in Monday's practice, perhaps a sign that he's turning the corner. "You move a guy to a different spot, sometimes you're thinking too much," Ryan said. "It's hard to be physical if you're thinking a lot."

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/24683/an-early-evaluation-of-camp

[kelly]

Depth Chart -

 

POS First Second Third Other WR Stephen Hill Braylon Edwards Ben Obomanu Vidal Hazelton
Ryan Spadola
K.J. Stroud
Michael Campbell LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson Oday Aboushi Trey Gilleo   LG Willie Colon Brian Winters Dennis Landolt   C Nick Mangold Caleb Schlauderaff Dalton Freeman Erik Cook RG Stephen Peterman Vladimir Ducasse Will Campbell   RT Austin Howard J.B. Shugarts     TE Jeff Cumberland Kellen Winslow Konrad Reuland Hayden Smith
Chris Pantale
Mike Shanahan WR Jeremy Kerley Clyde Gates Joseph Collins Titus Ryan
Zach Rogers
Santonio Holmes QB Mark Sanchez/Geno Smith   Greg McElroy Matt Simms FB Lex Hilliard Tommy Bohanon     RB Bilal Powell Chris Ivory Joe McKnight John Griffin
Chad Spann
Mossis Madu
Mike Goodson Legend QB Quarterback FB Fullback RB Running Back WR Wide Receiver TE Tight End LT Left Tackle LG Left Guard C Center RT Right Tackle RG Right Guard     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

POS First Second Third Other DE Muhammad Wilkerson Tevita Finau Leger Douzable   NT Kenrick Ellis Damon Harrison Junior Aumavae   DT Sheldon Richardson Antonio Garay Lanier Coleman   OLB Quinton Coples Antwan Barnes Ricky Sapp Sean Progar-Jackson WLB Demario Davis Josh Mauga Danny Lansanah   MLB David Harris Nick Bellore JoJo Dickson   OLB Calvin Pace Garrett McIntyre Jacquies Smith Troy Davis CB Dee Milliner Kyle Wilson Isaiah Trufant Royce Adams CB Antonio Cromartie Darrin Walls Ellis Lankster Mike Edwards S Antonio Allen Jaiquawn Jarrett Bret Lockett   S Dawan Landry Josh Bush Donnie Fletcher Rontez Miles

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

POS First Second Third Other K Nick Folk Billy Cundiff     P Robert Malone Ryan Quigley     H Robert Malone Ryan Quigley     PR Jeremy Kerley Kyle Wilson Zach Rogers Mike Edwards
Joe McKnight KR Joe McKnight Clyde Gates Mike Edwards Antonio Cromartie
Mike Goodson LS Tanner Purdum Pat Scales  

 

 

 

> http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/depth-chart.html

[kelly]

roster re-check : Jobs on the line

 

Rex Ryan said there's more roster uncertainty than he's ever experienced, so predicting the final 53 is tougher than usual. Here's a breakdown of where it stands as the Jets prepare to open the preseason Friday night in Detroit:

QUARTERBACK

Safe Bets: Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Greg McElroy

Bubble: Matt Simms

Analysis: The starting job remains up in the air. Simms' arm strength still intrigues the coaches.

RUNNING BACK

Safe Bets: Bilal Powell, Chris Ivory, Joe McKnight

Bubble: Mike Goodson, Lex Hilliard, Tommy Bohanon, John Griffin, Chad Spann, Mossis Madu

Analysis: Goodson's future in football is a huge question mark. Bohanon, a rookie, is giving Hilliard a run for the fullback job. McKnight will stick because of his return ability. Griffin is challenging for a spot.

WIDE RECEIVER

Safe Bets: Santonio Holmes, Stephen Hill, Jeremy Kerley, Braylon Edwards, Clyde Gates

Bubble: Ben Obomanu, Ryan Spadola, Joseph Collins, K.J. Stroud, Titus Ryan, Zach Rogers, Michael Campbell

Analysis: A lot hinges on Holmes' availability. The odds of him being ready for Week 1 are remote. They will have to decide whether to carry him on the 53 or place him on PUP (six games). There's a spirited battle for the fifth/sixth job. Special-teams ability will be the deciding factor.

TIGHT END

Safe Bets: Jeff Cumberland, Kellen Winslow

Bubble: Konrad Reuland, Hayden Smith, Chris Pantale, Mike Shanahan

Analysis: Because of his knee, Winslow falls between "safe bets" and "bubble." They don't have a true blocking tight end. Keep in mind that Bohanon can play tight end as well.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Safe Bets: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Stephen Peterman, Nick Mangold, Willie Colon, Austin Howard, Brian Winters, Vladimir Ducasse, Oday Aboushi

Bubble: Caleb Schlauderaff, Dalton Freeman, Will Campbell, Dennis Landolt, J.B. Shugarts, Trey Gilleo, Erik Cook

Analysis: The starting lineup is pretty set -- unless Winters comes on strong to challenge Peterman. The key question is backup center, as Schlauderaff struggles with his shotgun snaps.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Safe Bets: Muhammad Wilkerson, Kenrick Ellis, Sheldon Richardson, Antonio Garay

Bubble: Damon Harrison, Tevita Finau, Leger Douzable, Junior Aumavae, Lanier Coleman

Analysis: It's a thin, four-man rotation at the top. They need another player or two to step up. Quinton Coples will play on the line even though he's listed as a linebacker.

LINEBACKER

Safe Bets: David Harris, Demario Davis, Quinton Coples, Calvin Pace, Antwan Barnes, Garrett McIntyre, Nick Bellore

Bubble: Ricky Sapp, Josh Mauga, JoJo Dickson, Danny Lansanah, Jacquies Smith, Troy Davis, Sean Progar-Jackson

Analysis: Great competition for the backup jobs. Sapp, finally healthy, is having a terrific camp and has a good chance to stick. They could end up keeping nine.

SECONDARY

Safe Bets: Antonio Cromartie, Dee Milliner, Kyle Wilson, Dawan Landry, Antonio Allen, Darrin Walls

Bubble: Ellis Lankster, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Josh Bush, Isaiah Trufant, Bret Lockett, Donnie Fletcher, Royce Adams, Rontez Miles, Mike Edwards

Analysis: There haven't been this many questions in the secondary in a long time. The sleeper here is Jarrett, who could push an unspectacular Allen out of a starting job. They will go five or six deep at corner.

SPECIALISTS

Safe Bets: Nick Folk (PK), Robert Malone (P), Tanner Purdum (LS)

Bubble: Billy Cundiff (PK), Ryan Quigley (P), Pat Scales (LS)

Analysis: Cundiff got off to a slow start, but he's coming on and could make it interesting. Quigley punted well in the scrimmage.

 

> http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/62195/roster-re-check-jobs-on-the-line