First things first. As I mentioned previously, this year’s rookie class isn’t here and did not practice. That means no updates on Vernon Gholston, Dustin Keller, Dwight Lowery, etc. until next week when we next get to watch an OTA. Here are some things from today, keeping in mind that this was only the third OTA practice and it is non-contact and it's only May…
1. Lining up at the corner spot opposite Darrelle Revis with the “first team” was the veteran David Barrett. Lowery will certainly be given an opportunity to win that spot. The safeties were Kerry Rhodes and Eric Smith.
2. Tight end Bubba Franks was a beast, catching everything thrown at him, whether it was from Chad Pennington, Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff. In one sequence, Franks made a nice catch on a Pennington pass that was a bit behind him – beating Barrett – then on the next play, with Clemens at quarterback, getting away from linebacker David Harris in the back of the end zone.
3. Clemens and Pennington are alternating working with the first and second teams, lest either one get the idea they’re “ahead” at this stage of things. More on that in tomorrow’s paper but today was Pennington’s turn to work primarily with the first-teamers after Clemens worked with the 1’s on Tuesday. In the first OTA practice of the week, on Monday, Pennington was with the first team, having won a coin toss. Seriously.
4. Again, keeping in mind the rookies weren’t out there, lining up on the outside were Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas, while David Harris and Eric Barton were on the inside.
5. Kris Jenkins is listed as 6-4, 349 pounds. Eric Mangini earlier today: “He makes 360 look good. I wish I could say the same. He’s a fluid athlete especially for someone his size.” Tough to judge anyone in non-contact situations, especially at nose tackle, but it’s hard not to say Jenkins will be a significant upgrade.
6. Second-year receiver Chansi Stuckey, who impressed last preseason before getting hurt, showed some good speed in making a handful of nice catches.
7. Justin Miller was running full-speed.
Time to work on the newspaper story but, as always, questions/thoughts - even yours Darrell - are welcome.
Comments (19)
I like Pace and Gholston, but I am most excited about Jenkins this year. Ellis and Coleman will benefit when it comes to Jenkins commanding doubles ... it doesn't mean either will be seeing double digit sack totals ... this is the 3-4 but it's only going to make them look better.
I'm looking forward to seeing the new d-line in action!!!
Erik, was Elam at practice? I know he had another tragedy in his familly, and I have to believe if he was there he would have lined up opposite Rhodes rather than Eric Smith.
Joe, you are correct. Elam is still in Florida dealing with his family situation.
Erik, don't know if you saw the Bubba Franks interview on the Jets official site, seems like he preferred catching a ball from Pennington/Clemens than Brett Favre.
“Brett throws the ball like he’s playing baseball all the time. He cocks his leg and half the times you can hear the ball whistling as it comes towards you,” Franks said. “I don’t think Brett had as much touch. All he knew was full-speed and he mainly only had one speed, but there is more of a touch with Kellen and Chad. It’s a lot easier to catch, so you have time to react to the ball.”
Erik, How did TJ look? Along with that, how about Tony Richardson? (I really think this guy is going to surprise with his contributions, he's been solid forever. A guy that looks like he really likes to hit people)
** oh... and your day wouldn't be half as fun if I wasn't givin' ya' some s*** here and there.**
Matt, yes I did see that. Odd comments, to say the least. I can understand ingratiating yourself to new teammates but come on, Favre is Favre.
Darrell, it's all in good fun of course. I actually talked to Thomas Jones after practice. He looked pretty good on some cuts in taking some swing passes out of the backfield. As for Richardson, tough to get a read on him based on what we saw today because it was non-contact and he didn't have many touches. I agree, though, that he's been underrated.
Why is David Barrett on the team? I mean seriously, he is easily, and I say EASILY the worst starting CB in the league at this point if that's where Mangini has him. I cringe when I watch him line up against ...try to think of the worst WR in the league... I seriously throw up in my mouth a little bit.
Erik, if David Barrett is as bad a corner as most seem to think, why do the Jets start him? Is there something we're not seeing that the coaches like about him? Something to keep in mind as you get your opportunities to observe practices, I mean activities.
DKnyj and Big A, just remember this is the third OTA practice. Dwight Lowery wasn't there because rookies can't report until Friday, Hank Poteat just signed last week, and there's no reason in mid-May to force Miller, coming off surgery, to do too much. I agree that the starting corner opposite Revis is a major concern. And I really don't see it being Barrett.
Erik, ESPN for the longest time had Erik Coleman as signing with another team...I was under the impression that we had lost him this offseason, I'm not doubting your reporting, just making sure that is, in fact, who as there (gotta love the run-ons). I hope I am mistaken because him and Rhodes really played well together and seemed to react very nicely together in which case I'd love to see Lowrey out there as a corner and have the 3 of them drop into zone coverage, could make for some lethal and confusing defensive schemes.
Also, what are the implications of Franks looking as good as he did? Does this make Baker's bargaining chip disappear? I mean, we got Franks fairly cheap unless I'm mistaken again. Plus, he's actually a proven blocking/red zone threat. I really hope the Jets just let Baker sit...I hate players who had a minimal impact one season and demand more money the next.
Hey Erik,
How do the rookies look? Gholston, Keller, & Lowery in particular...
Cliff, Erik Coleman signed a four-year deal with the Falcons on March 1. As for Franks, I'm not sure there's any implication for Baker based on his standout practice Thursday. There are questions about how effective Franks can be as the primary tight end at this point in his career as opposed to the backup role for which he was signed. I think it is significant that Mangini spoke Thursday about keeping in contact with Baker during this dispute. That's not always the case when these contract issues come up. That said, there's no way Franks doesn't view Baker's absence as an opportunity to grab a bigger role. These guys are all "the man" in their own minds and that's not a bad thing. Franks' contract, by the way, was a one-year deal for just over 1.6 million.
Rich R., Rookies by league rule couldn't report until today (Friday). We will see them next week.
Wow, maybe that price tag on Franks is what spurred Baker's attitude? And when will Coleman be leaving us for the Falcons? I'm pretty upset, again, that we let him go. You sparked my hopes and dreams and then crushed them all in a matter of hours.
Yes, Cliff, that price tag has something to do with Baker's unhappiness but also remember Baker was fronted a portion of his contract last November, so this year's base salary looks lower than it really is (there's a run-on for you). Had he not been fronted that money, he would be making about the same as Baker this season. Now, the rightness or wrongness of that is another discussion.
Thanks Erik...I misunderstood the rookie thing. I thought they were making their first appearances today.
Super Erik, I'm hoping we saw at least a handful of DREW Coleman in the secondary. He certainly showed some flashes, although undersized of having some man to man skills?
Hey Erik, can you confirm that this is how it works? Rookies are allowed to participate in OTAs, but not in mini camp or training camp with out a signed contract?
On the Baker contract, I posted elsewhere that if the guy is underpaid according to his total salary, they should rework his contract to get him some more money. I'm saying take the 800K that was fronted to him already, out of the increase would give him, and that would get him to the $2.5M area anually. I think the dude would be happy with that.
Otherwise, I think he'll honor his contract, come in and play this year, and then leave to get paid somewhere else. Or worse yet, the Jets will have to pay him more to keep him, rather than if they had just reworked his contract now. But, I'll leave that to Mr. T to ponder.
Big A, rookies are allowed at the minicamp. To participate in training camp they must be signed. As for Baker, the hangup, I think, is the Jets just don't want to set a precedent for this sort of thing. Based on comments that have come out, I do think, even if it's somewhat unhappily, Baker will show up for camp.
Erik, I think you're right, Baker will show up and honor his contract. I think he'll benefit from an improved running game and will continue to show his receiving skills this year. If the Jets don't extend him at some point when they have the $$, they will either lose him or pay more later to sign him. I think they had the leverage early in his career, but now they are about equal. Later, if Baker continues to perform, they'll lose all leverage and Baker will get his payday. Just lookin into my crystal ball...