kelly Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 NFL Nation reporter Rich Cimini outlines which rookies on the New York Jets will have significant roles this season.The Jets will figure out a way to work talented defensive end Leonard Williams, No. 62, into the rotation Why Leonard Williams could contribute : He could start for most teams, but he won't start for the Jets unless there's an injury or the disgruntled Muhammad Wilkerson gets traded (highly unlikely). That's OK. Even at full strength, the Jets will find a way to integrate Williams into their talented defensive line rotation. They lucked out when the former USC star, considered by many evaluators the top defensive player in the draft, slipped to the sixth pick. At 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, he has the ideal body type to be a 5-technique in the Jets' 3-4 base defense. Todd Bowles doesn't use many 4-3 fronts, but if he's smart, he'll find ways to get Williams, Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson on the field at the same time. Williams has scheme versatility, because he played in different systems at USC. It's an overcrowded defensive line, but it affords the Jets the luxury of not having to force feed their prized rookie. In minicamp, he impressed with his movement skills, particularly his first step. Off the field, he's a hard worker who understands that rookies should be seen and not heard. Why Devin Smith could contribute : The second-round pick won't be a starter, per se, unless the Jets use a four-receiver personnel package. In his previous coaching job, offensive coordinator Chan Gailey used more four-receiver packages than any team from 2010 to 2012 with the Buffalo Bills, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Obviously, it won't be the Jets' base offense, but Gailey likes to spread the field with targets. Right now, Smith projects as the No. 4 receiver, behind Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley. But his role could grow as he gets comfortable in the offense. Smith's skill set is different from the others, because he's a vertical threat. In his final season at Ohio State, he averaged an FBS-leading 28.2 yards per reception. The Jets desperately need that dimension in their offense. Smith isn't a world-class burner, but he's fast enough (4.42 at the scouting combine) and has the ability to maintain his speed when the ball is in the air. Chances are that he'll be a one-trick pony as a rookie, but that one trick will be huge if it results in a few home run plays. He also will have a role on special teams, especially punt coverage. He was a fantastic gunner in college. Why Lorenzo Mauldin could contribute : He probably won't unseat starting strong outside linebacker Calvin Pace, but Mauldin could easily carve out a role as a situational pass-rusher. The Jets have plenty of interior rushers -- Wilkerson, Richardson and Williams, among others -- but they could use a threat on the edge. That's where Mauldin, a third-round pick, can help right away. He didn't generate huge sack numbers at Louisville (6.5 sacks last season), but he has quick feet and a nice burst. He gained confidence as the offseason progressed, making a few attention-grabbing plays in minicamp. The Jets don't expect him to win a starting job right away, but it could be there for the taking if he demonstrates a grasp of Bowles' system. As with Williams and Smith, they have the luxury of bringing him along at his own pace. > http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/51799/leonard-williams-devin-smith-could-be-big-contributors-for-new-york-jets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted June 23, 2015 Author Share Posted June 23, 2015 Dorrell : Rookie Smith a 'Tremendous Talent' WRs Coach Pleased with the 'Quality Depth' at His Position video : > http://www.newyorkjets.com/videos/videos/Dorrell-Rookie-Smith-a-Tremendous-Talent/0f61eb5e-f9f6-40e6-a7be-86aed28373be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Killa Posted June 23, 2015 Share Posted June 23, 2015 I truely hope Mauldin shines this year. It would be great to see our younger OLB's make leaps and bounds. Our linebackers are clearly the weakest spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted June 27, 2015 Author Share Posted June 27, 2015 Rookies Relive Journey to the Jets The 2015 Freshman Class Embarks on New Mission in New York video.. > http://www.newyorkjets.com/videos/videos/Rookies-Relive-Journey-to-the-Jets/96ac4c9e-6591-428f-b165-0d3f97848d89 ~ ~ pretty cool ! .. oh ,...hey !..Bryce is cute ! ! ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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