Theres a logjam, at WR right now, with plenty of bubble players to choose from. So, simple question: who makes it? Lets safely assume Decker and JK are obviously in. Nelson is very likely to make the team, Saunders will probably be the punt returner (although the fact that he's not even ON the KR depth chart makes me believe he will NOT also handle kickoffs) So thats 4 spots, and something tells me we won't just carry 5 guys, especially not with the only kick returners on this team being on the WR corps. I believe theres room for one pure WR spot and one spot left for KR. Hill's got his ever touted physical set and upside going for him, but one wonders how much rope there is left to afford to him on that basis alone. It would be dishonest to to say he hasn't made some good catches, but it would be just as dishonest to ignore his drops and poor form at times. Are the more positive blips on the radar enough to keep him over other more reliable players with less measurables and straight line speed? Salas was hardly talked about all offseason and was assumed to be nothing but another camp body, but he's been playing his way into the job. It may come down to him and Hill, which is unfortunate because it could mean giving up a man that becomes an asset for some other team either way. Ford, Hakim and Gates are fighting for the KR spot, and I don't think ANY one of them gets a roster spot without winning this job. easier bets are on Ford, but should either of the other two provide a better WR presence they could sneak onto the team. yes jets fans cringe at the thought of another decent preseason leading to Gates coming back…. so who do you think makes it, and how will these spots be allocated?
Good point. In that case I guess Ford makes it. Even though Id rather see Hakim in that spot. Doubtful he's even in the running for it though.
Agree with this list and would say at this point Hill and Nelson are probably on the bubble on that list battling Gates/Ford for the final spot if this is a true competition.
Saunders is not playing Friday. Unclear what happens with him right now. Salas needs to make it or Idzik's competition mantra is hot air.
Can anyone besides Ford return kicks? I doubt him or Saunders contribute much in the receiving game and I'd rather only have one player taking up a return slot. I'd like to see more of Enuwa. I doubt it happens, but for me he could easily take Hills spot. He had a few good practices and I'd be interested in seeing him take some snaps with the ones.
How are Hill and Nelson locks? Hill has not proven he deserves a roster spot other than his lofty draft pick and measurables. Nelson probably makes it but he's not a lock either
I'm calling them locks simply because I don't see anyway they don't make the team. Not a huge fan of Nelson in particular. But at this point I dont see how he doesnt make the team, especially after the Evans injury. Hill is apparently having a great camp. He'll be on the team.
No. Schefter got wrong information or he said something wrong. Official Jets twitter says IR. New York Jets @nyjets 33m We have placed WR Shaquelle Evans on injured reserve.
It really doesn't make any sense to keep Saunders and Ford if they're main two responsibilities are going to be the punt returner and kick returner. It's so silly to waste a spot on Ford if we're keeping Hill as well, because that basically means that Ford is here just to kick return. It's such a silly position to waste a roster spot on this point with the new rules. How many kickoffs are actually returned, and in that, effectively? It's too easy for the coverage teams to fly down the field and cover the kick.
Good thread, as this is a bit of a predicament. Decker and Kerley for sure. At this point, I think Salas has to make it because he's practiced his ass off, AND we've seen him produce in games, dating back to last year. For me, this becomes problematic when we get to Nelson and Hill. Nelson is a solid WR but does nothing that overwhelms; Hill can overwhelm with his elite physical abilities, but he's not remotely close to being a solid WR. Nelson has bounced around; Hill has been developing. Nelson has reached his potential; Hill hasn't tapped into his. Who brings more to the table? I would hate it if we spent the time developing Hill and suffered through his growing pains, only to have another team scoop him up and continue his development until he might reach his potential. I think Hill should get one last chance this year. We know Evans is now on IR. Saunders I haven't seen much of, but I read about him in TC, and it seemed like he was doing well. I think he stays. So, the definites: Decker, Kerley, Salas, Saunders With that, we could keep both Hill and Nelson, carrying six WRs. But then that leaves the issue of KR. I agree with whoever said that the roster spot shouldn't be given to a KR alone. The Kickoff is waning; therefore, someone who specializes in it (Ford) but who might also take a roster spot from someone else with potential (Hill), to me, just isn't worth it. If you need a big return in the clutch, then stick someone back there who can make a play (e.g. Cromartie for us; Dez Bryant has done this for Dallas) in that moment; the regular KR duties can belong to someone else who's merely just capable, as there aren't a lot of strong opportunities to return anymore, anyway.
Decker Kerley Nelson Saunders Salas Ford Figured Hill would get one more chance but this pre season is just pathetic. Hope we can stash Enunwa on the PS.
Problem is if we keep Ford he wont be taking Hill's roster spot. Most likely he'll be taking the spot of a CB , LB or OL that can actually make a difference here. Maybe Kyle Wilson can kick return?
