Risers,.. fallers & top newbies from the Jets' offseason ~ ~ ~

[kelly]

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  Rich CiminiESPN Staff Writer

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Now that the New York Jets' offseason workouts are in the books, let's highlight a few players who raised their stock over the past few weeks ... and a few who need to rally in training camp:

RISING STOCK

Dee Milliner, cornerback: He hasn't played a defensive snap in a game since October 2014. Injuries have ruined the early part of his career, but the former ninth overall pick was healthy and active on defense in the offseason. With Darrelle Revis (wrist) sitting out, Milliner started in the nickel package and made plays on the ball. He will push Marcus Williams as the No. 3 corner.

Lorenzo Mauldin, linebacker: One moment jumped out -- a diving intereception on a tipped pass at the line, a play that showed his athleticism. Now that he's had a year in the system, Mauldin looks more fluid than he did as a rookie. They expect him to be an every-down player, and he's on the right track.

Deion Barnes, linebacker: After spending his rookie year on the practice squad, Barnes made a big improvement in the offseason, giving himself a legitimate chance to make the team. The coaches are excited about his progress.

 

FALLING STOCK

Bryce Petty, quarterback: Petty felt he made strides toward the end of the offseason, but there were rough patches along the way. He has to work on ball security, his pocket presence, and reading coverages -- all part of the growing process. He needs a solid camp to avoid being the odd-man out in the game of quarterback musical chairs.

Jarvis Harrison, tackle: He was drafted last year in the fifth round as a guard, but he saw time at right tackle in minicamp ... and he struggled in pass protection. The scholarship is over; it's time for Harrison to earn his keep.

Dexter McDougle, cornerback: The former third-round pick (2014) didn't do anything wrong; he just didn't jump out on the practice field, making you wonder if he'll get passed over on the depth chart. The Jets have five experienced corners, so McDougle will need a strong camp to avoid being the next draft pick from the Idzik 12 to get bounced.

 

STRONG FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Jordan Jenkins, linebacker: The rookie from Georgia, a third-round pick, did so well that he will compete for a starting job in camp. The coaches downplayed his fast start, but that may have been a case of them trying to tamp down expectations. They can't wait to see him in pads. Jenkins is known as a physical, heavy-handed player, so he might actually be better when the hitting starts.

Charone Peake, wide receiver: He's big and fast, and you can't teach big and fast. Former Clemson receivers tend to thrive in the NFL, so it'll be interesting to see how Peake, a seventh-round pick, fares when the pads go on. His problem in college was staying healthy.

 

UNEVENTFUL DEBUTS

Christian Hackenberg, quarterback: He struggled with his accuracy, appeared methodical with his footwork, and made some poor decisions. Hey, it happens to the best of them. You can see the arm strength, especially on deep balls. The Jets' second-round pick needs to build a foundation and develop consistency. He's not expected to play this year; this will be a one-year process, at least.

Darron Lee, linebacker: Can anybody remember a first-round pick that generated such little fanfare? A lot of it was out of his control, as the former Ohio State star was overshadowed by other storylines, namely the Ryan Fitzpatrick drama and the Hackenberg selection. On the practice field, Lee's speed was evident, but there weren't many "wow" moments. He's learning a new position and a new scheme, so there's a learning curve. His skills as a blitz-and-cover linebacker should become more apparent in game plan-specific roles.

>     http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/61063/risers-fallers-and-top-newbies-from-the-jets-offseason

[j4jets]

I'd put Fitzy on the "Fallers" list. 

[Jetscode1]

1 hour ago, j4jets said:

I'd put Fitzy on the "Fallers" list. 

Not on roster so cares...

[JETSfan4life_1]

Rising Stud: Jalin "Pinball" Marshall

[peekskill68]

I'd put Breno on the fallers list based on all the first team reps Qvale got...

[Warfish]

Fitz not on list because he's not on the team, otherwise +1

Breno it's hard to say, camp is camp, for Vets doesn't mean sitting = getting benched.  Coaches want to see the kids and take it easy on the Vets, but he could certainly be a faller, aye.

[32EBoozer]

Was hoping that there might be some ST insight by the "all seeing, all knowing" Semeni.

Man his articles lack substance. I could have written that sitting on the toilet.

How is Folk and the kid from Duke fairing?

The punters?? Has anyone gained an inside track on the position?

Inquiring minds want to know!

[Big Blocker]

Since many picked Mauldin as a most likely to improve, he's not the pleasant mention in that article that Milliner is.  Is it really possible he can put his fragility behind him, play well and maybe even start?  The mention of Williams being pushed and of course him not being an incumbent starter suggests if healthy Milliner might properly be considered more likely to start or rotate with Skrine, Skrine going to nickel as indicated.  Williams then goes down in the depth chart.