Eric vs. Erik? Now here's our other intern's take on today's practice: By Katie Strang Second-year safety Eric Smith has made a big impression at Jets training camp and has fueled speculation that he may compete with Erik Coleman for the starting free safety spot. Smith, who nabbed two INT's in his rookie season with the Jets, can be seen shouting out coverage assignments and directing other players, younger and older, to their spots on the field. No big surprise here. Smith is a smart guy -- he was recruited by Harvard and Yale before committing to Michigan State University (and as a Spartan alum, I can say, thank God he did) where he had a team-high 101 tackles his senior season, 323 total, leaving him 13th on MSU's all-time list. Those who like him to replace Coleman for the starting free safety position like his explosive speed and physicality. His athleticism and leadership certainly make him an attractive candidate for the spot. On the last play during today's session, Smith out-jumped everyone in the end zone and batted down Kellen Clemens' Hail Mary right into David Harris' arms. Although Smith has been taking a lot of reps with the first team during camp, he said it's just to get an even amount of reps with each squad. Smith said he receives evaluations every day and is using training camp to work on his weaknesses. He reluctantly admitted that his biggest area for improvement is his man coverage ability. Like last year, expect at the very least to see Smith being utilized in three-safety situations with Coleman and Kerry Rhodes. He may not get the start right away, but don't be surprised if Smith is hot on Coleman's heels throughout the season and makes a big impact on special teams. http://blogs.trb.com/sports/football/jets/blog/2007/07/eric_vs_erik.html
Smith made a huge impression last year and you could tell that Mangini really likes him. I think he'll probably be on the field as much if not more than Coleman, especially down the stretch of the season as he continues to distinguish himself.
Maybe I'm overreacting, as I don't quite remember the details, but I think Eric Smith is an oft-injured type - some guys are. I'd love to have him in a backup role, as someone who can come in and not lose a beat, but I'd be hesitant to hand him the starting job. True, this year we may be ok with Coleman backing him up, but that's not a luxury we'd have for more than one year.
What are you talking about? You can't judge a player on past injuries...if he out performs Erik Coleman, than he should be the starter. He might be healthy now. Who are you to say that he will get hurt and will only last one year?
I am not at all surprised by this. Smith was rated as one of the BEST pure athletes in last years draft. Yes, he had some injury concerns, but this is football after all. Guys get injured. If he is not the starter this year, definitely next.
Interesting. I think it was Big Cotch who mentioned in one of his TC reports that he saw Coleman, Rhodes, and Smith all playing together a couple of times in camp. Even if Smith doesn't win the starting position at least it will give the coaching staff more versatility with what they want to do with their defensive schemes.
I love Smiths phyisicality and where he wins hands down against Coleman is playing the run and getting to the line to get involved. Coleman is better at pass coverage than Smith IMO. This should be an interesting battle throughout camp, no wonder Leonard Peters was cut.
Smith was massive in special teams last year. I always liked the guy, he hit's really hard. I don't know how he is in coverage though, and if he can get that down well, he should be definitely competing to start.
Eric Smith is fast becoming the next Leonard Peters here. Lets not forget that Erik C was our second leading tackler last season with 101 tackle , only behind Vilma which isn't too shabby. If Eric S is going to beat out Erik C its going to take something special. I like both players ,and think that both bring something different to the table in playing ability.
Smith's scouting report (paraphrasing) says he is not fast enough to cover deep, but he is one hell of an athlete , as well as highly intelligent and a hard hitter. If he can run with receivers down field, he'll be a scary guy in the backfield. We could have one of the top safety tandems to come.
So you want to sit a guy with more promise, just because he may have been injured in the past? I don't get it....
I looked at his combine numbers and he had a great vertical but his 40 time still leaves something to be desired. I can see how he was a liability in pass coverage, but I'll be pulling for him as well. I like the idea of a 3 safety package when our guys get better at man coverage.
meh his game speed is much faster than his 40 time . plus i believe he wasnt truley healthy when he did his combine 40 time..
Ya, pretty much. You're way oversimplifying it of course. Let's say you'e got two players who are starting caliber. One is better, but injury prone - who do you sign to a long term deal? The non-injury prone one, of course. By extension, the same applies to starting. To me, if a guy has a history of injuries, but is talented, I think the best way to use him is sparingly. Keep him healthy and you've got a great backup. Given that he is a safety and, in our defense, can back up two positions, it's that much better. The catch is that it's hard to tell the difference between injury prone and unlucky. Is Chad injury prone or did he just get unlucky there two years in a row? Hard to say.
If you want to understand why Smith is such a great athlete, then read this: http://www.jetsinsider.net/forums/showthread.php?t=140404
So you would never take the chance to see if he could last a complete season and help you even further by starting? Players can actually improve their durability. Once you have as stretch on injuries you arent automatically injury prone for the rest of your career
Sorry but I have to disagree. The guy hasn't been hurt since coming onboard. In fact, he's proven to be quite durable. The past is the past- if we worried about "what if's" in this world alot of big things would never have happened. I don't equate past injury with present ability to start. For me, it's quite simple. Both players fight it out in camp- the one who proves to be the best overall player gets the starting spot. Dyson is injury prone, based upon past incidents. Using the above rationale, some might argue to start Poteat in his place, as he's proven himself to also be "starting caliber." I for one would rather have Dyson there. I don't want to keep Smith in a glass case above the mantle, using him sparingly. He's a football player and if his body cannot sustain the daily rigors of starting in this league, I'd rather know sooner as opposed to later, when it comes time to sign him to a new deal.
Ya, I understand this approach and, assuming Smith is the better option, its wise to find out if he can make it through a season before you let Coleman go rather than after. BUT: what if Smith wins the job and has an injury plagued year, then what do you do? Also, on Poteaat vs. Dyson: I agree, Dyson does have a bad history yet I'd still rather have him starting - I guess the key there is how much better Dyson is than Poteat. Poteat is a marginal starter whereas Dyson is a solid one. Will the difference be that great between Smith and COleman? I doubt it, but if it were, then I would also start Smith regardless of a perceived (or real) injury-proneness.
