I think we can all guess how much of the team is going to look .... at least who the players will be, if not their order on the depth chart. Might be a few suprises, but I think the most wide open spot has to be at Wide Receiver. We have three who are locks: #10 - Santonio Holmes (PUP) #11 - Jeremy Kerely #84 - Stephen Hill #17 - Braylon Edwards We have two who actually saw the field a year ago: #19 - Clyde Gates (4th round pick (D'fins)) #15 - Ben Obomanu (7th round pick (Seattle) - has played in 57 games) And then we have the rest ... a huge pile of unknown: #4 - Joseph Collins (1st year - undrafted - Canadian League - 1st NFL team) #18 - Vidal Hazelton (1st year - undrafted - 4th NFL team) #86 - Titus Ryan (1st year - undrafted - Canadian League - 4th NFL team) #85 - Ryan Spadola (rookie - undrafted) #83 - KJ Stroud (rookie - undrafted) # 9 - Zach Rogers (rookie - undrafted) #16 - Michael Campbell So how do you see this shaking out? Do the Jets have to add another vet, or do they roll the dice with some of the unknowns and try and find a diamond?
I think we go with the top 3, then as backups, Clyde Gates, Jordan White, and Zach Rogers. Ryan Spadola goes to the practice squad. Edit: Reason why I picked Gates, White, and Rogers is because I think that they can all play. I liked Gates last year. Not as a #2, but I think he'll be fine at #4. I think that White can excel in Marty's offense. He's a good route runner and has good hands. Rogers has been impressive according to everyone. I think he makes it and goes in occasionally for Kerley or as the #4
Not a very impressive group. The Jets really need Hill to step up. As with the past few years, very difficult to win games when the offense lacks playmakers. I hope Garrard starts, Sanchez gets dumped and Smith sits for six games or so. Hopefully Idzik will take the approach of building around the QB. Maybe our OC/Offensive head coach will have some imput.
thats pretty scary looking, the best outlook is no injuries. if there is an injury there will be a problem. gates is not a terrible player but the jets need a guy who can run good routes and catch the ball. as a 4 you dont need a huge playmaker you need a body who can come in and play if necessary and do the little things like block and play special teams.
what i find interesting is, despite the opinion that the wr spot is bad, we have not sniffed a wr in f.a. and the only 1 we have been linked to was austin who was just an obvious top talent in the draft. i wonder if idzick sees the group as better than popular opinion or does he not want to rotate wr's in a competition so it won't hinder the qb competition. just a thought i have had for a while now
We need to sign a veteran receiver. We cannot assume that Hill or one of the young receivers are gonna produce consistently. Holmes and Kerley are the only sure things. Everybody else is a question mark. We should sign Braylon Edwards as insurance. It gives the Jets a vet for Hill to learn from. Having Edwards also can benefit Geno as well.
And holmes is not a guarantee to be what he once was coming off that injury. We absolutely need to add a vet at wr imo.
Don't bank on Holmes being ready for the season opener. I expect another FA Wr - probably Braylon - but possibly someone else. The rookie the underground expected great things from (Royce Pollard) is gone now. Although there is the possibility that the competition will bring out someone. We do have a couple of RBs that can catch as well as a capable HB.
I'm excited to see what Mayo and Rogers bring. they are my dark horse players who may be able to contribute, and likely compete with Gates and White respectively. Bringing in Edwards or Lloyd on the cheap is a good idea. Push Hill, and/or provide depth. Even Cribbs i wouldn't mind, due to his Gunner, Punt returning, Kick returning abilities on top of being WR speed depth.
Lloyd may be an intriguing option for the WCO. But as others have said, why waste time on a 32 y/o WR when we are rebuilding. Let's give those reps to our young guys and hope at least one of them can grow into a reliable NFL WR.
Really want Braylon back he's played very good for us and wants to be here. I'm hoping for Holmes, Braylon, Kerley, Hill, Rogers. Don't see us with 6 but White/ Gates would be fine too. Interested to see if we add Cribbs how things will shake up.
I think Braylon's opportunity with this team rests solely on the arm of Sanchez, If he steps up in the beginning of TC I could see them adding Braylon as someone familiar with Sanchez who has played in a WC offense albeit briefly with the 9'ers. If it's looking like Geno or Garrard are going to get the nod to start the season I see us bringing in a younger guy with a higher ceiling, We've all already seen what Edwards brings to the table at this stage of his career. A Good, not great, receiver with good anticipation and blocking down field. One thing I will say though Is i'd love to have him come in and Coach / Work with S Hill. Edwards was once known for having dropsies in the same way as Hill ( Mental mistakes on open balls but makes crazy grabs when needed ). He's also another big body receiver that can help Hill learn how to be an affective downfield blocker. No one on the current roster can even come close ( I don't know if i've ever seen Holmes block anyone )
I could see us carrying 6 with this offense, with the readiness questions on Holmes. Especially if the backups can play ST. Wouldn't complain if we started the season with the 5 you mention. I think there is room for 1 vet FA. Edwards seems like the best fit to compete with Hill. Cribbs i see as more depth than starter, but of course very valuable in a number of ST facets.
I'm a lot more optimistic about Hill than Holmes at this point. At least Hill has some potential to surprise. Holmes already showed declining skills and a bad attitude - add in a major injury and I'd be surprised if he goes for more than 30 catches/500 yards this year.
WR is really thin. I think Idzik could have done a little better in the draft to address the position. Kenny Stills, Ryan Swope, Corey Fuller or Tavarres King all were available for the Jets in the 5th round. I'm not proclaiming any of these guys stars, but IMO are all better prospects than what currently constitutes the bottom of the depth chart. Hell, Da'Rick Rogers could have been had at any point.
The jets will bring in a veteran route runner to add some proven production to the fold. That said i hope it isnt braylon. Hes way over the hill & represents a different era of jets football. We're moving forward not backwards. Ramses barden would be a good fit.Nothing flashy but has great size, runs good routes & can move the chains. The arrow is still pointing up on his development as he is still young. Could easily ser him win the #2 job which would really settle things with the depth chart.
I think he should be fine he's had close to a year to heal and rehab. Hill has yet to do anything to give me any confidence in him. At least Holmes is a proven NFL wide receiver. We need a veteran WR that our youngsters can learn from. Gates is a young receiver that was here last year and was solid I wouldn't mind seeing him back another year.