Jets Team Report E-MAIL PRINT COMMENTS 0 WATCH THIS TOPIC Posted: June 1, 2008 J.P. Pelzman For Sporting News PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: Through the four voluntary practices media members were allowed to watch, it appeared Kellen Clemens had a slight edge over Chad Pennington in the quarterback competition. Clemens' accuracy has been better than Pennington's, and he's gotten more zip on the ball, often against stiff breezes. However, reporters have only seen part of the picture, because only four of the 12 offseason training activity sessions were open to the media. Plus, one of Clemens' biggest question marks has been his lack of pocket presence, something that can't really be judged well when in such sessions, when he's wearing a red "no-contact" jersey. ... WR Brad Smith has been slowed by a back problem this spring. The injury comes at a particularly inopportune time for the third-year pro. Smith has shown flashes since his conversion from playing quarterback in college, but he has yet to put it all together. Year 3 is often a make-or-break season for NFL players, and Smith needs all the reps he can get. Meanwhile, WR Chansi Stuckey, a seventh-round pick who spent his rookie 2007 season on IR because of a foot problem, is again showing he's a good route runner and has excellent hands. Stuckey must prove he can stay healthy, because injuries have dogged him since his days at Clemson. But if he stays on the field, he could beat out Smith for the No. 3 receiver spot. SCOUTING REPORT: Justin Miller, who is coming back from a torn ACL that sidelined him for all but two games last season, is currently No. 1 on the depth chart at right cornerback. He needs to put as much hard work into improving his coverage technique as he did during his rehabilitation from surgery. Miller has been an excellent kickoff returner, but he has been a disappointment as a cornerback because, unlike in college, he hasn't been able to cover up his mistakes with his speed. He needs to give less of a cushion to wide receivers; because of that style, it's not surprising he hasn't had an interception in his three NFL season. DEFENSIVE ENDS GRADE: Shaun Ellis totaled 23 1/2 sacks in 2003 and 2004, but that was in the 4-3, which suited him much better. But Ellis, who turns 31 in June, still comes up with the occasional big play in the team's current scheme and had five sacks last year. Kenyon Coleman is solid at the other end spot and a tough player against the run. He's a good fit for the 3-4. Reserve C.J. Mosley has a good motor and can play end or move inside when the Jets occasionally use a 4-3 front. He came on strong toward the end of the 2007 season and could have potential. Mike DeVito was a feel-good story when he made the team last year as an undrafted free agent, but he needs to get on the field more in 2008. Grade: C-plus. Pro Bowl-caliber players: None.
Yeah, it's too bad we don't have a great ballhawking safety, a strong, tough center, or a punishing inside linebacker, a shutdown corner in the making, a pair of talented wide receivers or the best pair of KR on the planet. Then we'd for sure have a pro bowler.
Right, like being selected for the Pro-Bowl is the way to judge talent. The article itself is not bad for a national guy though. CLEMENS OR BUST!!!!!!!
i think the comment about pro-bowl caliber players was directed strictly at the DE position. which, BTW, is not a necessity in the 3-4, as the linebackers and SS are the most important gears in the machine. jil
I think that was related to the DEs. I really liked the article. Is there more where he says something about the other positions? good to hear that. I think Penny?s accuracy is pretty good, and that that was one of the biggest weaknesses of Clemens. The only question is, did Penny get worse, or Kellen improve big time?
I expect at least one of our ends to have a big year because Gholston and Pace will draw double teams. Given his track record, I think it will be Ellis. He's not a great player because he can't do it on his own, but give some help he does make significant plays in the pass rush. I expect at least 8 sacks out of Ellis (if our new pass rushing LBs are as good as advertised.)
3-4 DEs don't get big numbers. I would be shocked if Ellis or Coleman made the Pro Bowl, even though I could see one or both having very good years, but a good year in the 3-4 for a DE usually isn't rewarded with Pro Bowl appearances without a track record or a dominant defense around you.