News: Clowney-Smith WR Battle Sounds like Clemens-Ratliff II
Dave Hutchinson at the New Jersey Star-Ledger tries to separate fact from fiction as it pertains to the looming wide receiver battle. With the quarterback situation seemingly resolved, Hutch believes Tannenbaum will let the receivers go toe-to-toe through June.
Well, I’m hearing that Tannenbaum was at least telling the truth when he said the organization is excited about wide receivers David Clowney and Brad Smith and that’s why the team didn’t draft or trade for a wide receiver.
My sources are telling me that the Jets are going to give Clowney and Smith every opportunity to succeed — and then some. The organization really feels that either or both have the ability to be big-time players.
The plan, I’m told, is that if neither steps up during the offseason program and the mandatory June minicamp, the Jets will then — and not before — seriously consider trading for a veteran wide receiver or signing a veteran off the street (Marvin Harrison, perhaps).
The player I think the Jets will go for if Clowney and/or Smith don’t step up is Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards. I mean, if Browns coach Eric Mangini all but gave the Jets the fifth pick in the draft… for a song and dance… he’ll probably give up Edwards for a year’s worth of metro cards.
Teams also have to make some cap decisions in June, so I’m thinking the team is waiting to see who becomes a casualty first. Otherwise, I think Mangini may be about done with gift-wrapping things for the Jets. Best they can offer for Edwards is a conditional 2010 pick, and (hopefully) Eric Smith since Mangini liked him a lot, too.
Otherwise, don’t like the sound of Harrison, so I’m really pulling for one of these two guys to blow up the field this spring.
(Adding my thoughts to Angel’s since we both posted the same thing at the same time …)
Bassett: After telling the world that they were satisfied with their QBs last summer, and again this spring, you’ve got to know better than take Tannenabum at his word, for which some former players (Pete Kendall, Chris Baker and Laveranues Coles) might have some choice words.
The truth was that on Saturday the Jets were desperately trying to get back into the first round to take Percy Harvin. Once the deal fell apart, Woody was whisked away for home and representatives told the reporters present at the facility that they could head for home “but keep their phones on.”
I like both of those players, and I do think that someone can emerge as the team’s second starter at receiver. But if the Jets were sooooo thrilled about Clowney and Smith, why try to mortgage next year’s draft to get a player like Harvin? It just doesn’t add up …
37 Responses to News: Clowney-Smith WR Battle Sounds like Clemens-Ratliff II
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Hootie says:
My fellow Jets Fans…this is exactly what we need! Players from within the organization working their butts off to become the go to guy. We need to be tough confident and ready for this season and I freaking love Clowney’s attitude thus far!
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MattNYC says:
Metro Cards are pretty expensive starting in May, so better move quick
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i just dont see the B Smith angle here. I mean the guy is okay but he is never going to be a starting caliber WR. Its up to Clowney here…
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AL says:
If clowney can run deep routes and use his speed underneath that can be a good compliment to the intermediate routes that cotch runs
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KDF says:
I’d have to disagree, B smith has very good hands. You don’t see him drop passes, he just hasn’t had that many chances since he’s been on the team. I think he can be a very strong possession receiver.
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Freeman24 says:
I really like the potential for this year on both of these guys. Remember 3 years is the standard “get up to speed” time for WRs in the NFL, in Brad Smiths case you have to even factor more time because the guy was a QB his whole career. I couldn’t agree more with the organization on their approach here. Not to mention how sweet would Clowney starting be to all the nay sayers killing the Jets for trading away picks. That’s how you compensate for sacrificing picks, find a number 2 WR on someone elses practice squad.
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ED says:
Stucky might beat them both. Cotch, Stucky, spread-Leon, and Clowney. Not that bad. But not that great.
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Chris says:
Brad Smith stinks as a WR…if he starts, team is in serious trouble.
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zenlaw says:
This was posted on ESPN today:
Receivers on radar screen for Jets?
The New York Jets have been sending mixed signals by their actions regarding wide receivers this offseason. For the most part, they publicly stayed out of the rumors that had ensnared several other teams regarding trades for Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin, although many speculated that they were interested. Jets management didn’t want anything to do with Terrell Owens or Torry Holt when each of those veterans became free agents, but a call was placed to agent Drew Rosenhaus about the possibility of signing Plaxico Burress. This past weekend, when receivers were flying off the board at the draft, the Jets avoided the position like a group of swine in Mexico.
Inquiring minds want to know, and that’s why the world has people like Dave Hutchinson of the Newark Star-Ledger. Hutchinson reports that Jets management is high on David Clowney and Brad Smith as having the potential to be breakout players. Clowney and Smith will be given a chance to shine through the team’s offseason program up through the June minicamp. If neither has stepped up to the opportunity by that time, the team will review some options for veteran free agents or the possibility of a trade.As per the veteran wideouts still available, the candidate Hutchinson lobs as a possibility is Marvin Harrison, but the team could also investigate Amani Toomer, Matt Jones or Joe Jurevicius. In trade, the likely candidates would be the usual suspects: Edwards and Boldin. As Hutchinson notes, given the relationship between the Jets and former coach Eric Mangini – that which seems to have led to a sweetheart deal for the No. 5 pick in the draft – Edwards could possibly be had for a cheaper price than Boldin.
For folks who like to stay one step ahead of the game, reports on Clowney and Smith coming out of the Jets’ offseason activities could give an indication of the team’s future plans heading into 2009.
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Brett Justin says:
I like this I think clowney if he can stay healthy will prevail at the #2 wideout but then I think i would like smith in the slot and think that could possibly work smith has solid hands and we all know clowneys speed… Itll be interesting to see
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Ed…
I think we all think Stuckey will be our slot WR. He is not going to start on the outside.
His skill set scream of inside route running slot WR.
I like him better than Smoth and Clowney though at this point. He actually had a pretty good year.
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jetsfan says:
What about stucky, he beat both of them last year and he is young too. i dont understand. lets them all battle it out. stucky to me is much better than smith and clowney, although i love him should be number three because he is more of a big play guy, not move the chains.
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Crazy Jets Fan!!! says:
I say Clowney has the best chance to become the #2 WR. I don’t see Brad Smith starting, but we do need to get him the ball. I like Stuckey in the slot as well. Whether Clowney becomes the number 2 or not, we can still use his speed to spread the field in certain packages.
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ramble914 says:
AKA Drew,
I have to disagree with you about B. Smith. I believe he will have a breakout season this year. he has all the tools, height, weight and speed. I was no accident that he was the most prolific rushing QB in college history, which he will use for YAC, and he can catch, his only problem was learning to run routes. I have to believe that after three years in the sam offensive system he has gotten infinitley better, and the reports from the April camp seem to support that.
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Should say “it was no accident”
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Mrjetgreen says:
To leave Stuckey out of the discussion is nothing short of uniformed…….I am hopeful that both Smith and Clowney can step up but fact is Stuckey outperformed them both last season. If Stuckey runs as many plays as Coles did last year he will outperform Coles, no problem.
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MattyMurph says:
I know there has been lots of speculation, but can we get a prospective analysis on the cap situation, post-rookie signing? Bent?
I apologize in advance if I missed this…M
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vinnywasthebest says:
I think you are all fooling your selves and are caught in the immediate-post-draft euphoria.
We are lacking i the WR department.
It’s not the worst thing, though because if we are going to model ourselves after the ravens’s successful formulas, we will be running the ball alot with Leon TJ and Greene.
Last years’ Ravens receiving corps sucked too. -
MaxwellJeezy says:
I have no real issue with Brad Smith but if he were a starting receiver, given his athletic ability and skill set, he’d be a possession-type receiver. This is not necessarily what the Jets need since Cotchery is basically that: a big, skilled, possession guy. Clowney or Stuckey should have the upper-hand on winning the job (if the Jets decide to stay in house) as they both possess the speed to stretch the field and open up the vertical passing game.
If the Jets have to look to the free-agent market, why not look at Miles Austin? Local product. Good size (6-3). Very good speed. Could be a down-field threat. Thoughts?… -
Matt says:
No God damned Miles Austin. Monmouth. Give me a break. 2nd round pick for a 6th round talent. What’re we the Raiders?
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Dylan says:
MaxwellJeezy,
The Jets already looked at Austin but decided not to give up their 2nd round pick which was required to sign him, and now Dallas resigned him. -
Tish says:
Stuckey is the prime candidate for the slot receiver job and he is certainly adequate. Cotch is a #2 receiver often described as a possession receiver. Clowney is a nice backup for the #1 or slot, but the team still lacks a #1 who frightens defensive coordinators. I would love to ask Rex if he would be “afraid” of any Jet receiver if he was coaching the D against them. Smith is not the answer and no one who objectively watches the Jets has seen any sign that he has potential as a #1. If Manweenie wanted him, he would have insisted on his inclusion in the Sanchez trade. Edwards or Boldin remain the best options as they are both clear cut #1 receivers. The problems regarding them are obvious: what do their current teams want in exchange and they really create a cap issue.
Lelie, who looked like a potential #1 a few years ago, is available and probably at a cheap price. He could have an issue we are unaware of or perhaps the $ went to his head, but he does have an upside. BS as a receiver is just that, BS. Henry, who no one seems to really know how fast he is, is the wildcard as he has very good hands, an excellent jumping ability, size, ability to get open and toughness. If he has put on some weight without sacrificing speed, become stronger and understands the passing game, then he at least has the kind of potential that a 1 needs to possess. However, just as the Jets were not really prepared to go into next season with the QB combo, they cannot go into the season with this collection of # 2,3 and 4 receivers. -
Frank says:
We’ll be fine… as I’ve written a few times before, between Cotchery, Keller, Leon, and a few sprinklings of long-balls to Clowney, we’ll be fine. Keller is still young but the only tight ends I’d take over him in terms of pass-catching are Gates, Gonzo, Winslow, and Dallas Clark, all of whom are primary weapons for their respective teams. In terms of pass-catching RBs, there can’t be too many that are better than Leon. I’ll predict 70 catches for 900 yards and 8 TDs for Keller, 85 catches for 1100 yards and 6 TDs for Cotchery, 50 catches for 600 yards and 4 TDs for Leon, and another 1000 yards split up between Stuckey, BSmith, and Clowney with another 6 TDs or so. If our QB can give us 3200-3600 yards, 22-24 TDs and less than 16 INTs I think we’ll be in great shape — because we’re going to run the ball 550 times this year and be in the top 5 in the league in rushing. Again, look at how good San Diego’s offense is despite not having a real #1 receiver (VJackson is quickly becoming one though), also Baltimore from last year. You don’t need top WRs specifically — you just need real threats in the passing game — and I think Keller and Leon have to be considered real threats.
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forgot Witten – he’s better than Keller too.
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dajetz says:
Did Mangini and Thomas Jones get along? if so, why not offer him in a deal for Edwards.
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JACK says:
MARCUS HENRY NOT ONE MENTION,THIS IS A TARGET RICH OFFENCE AS IT IS.NOW WE SEE IF YEARS IN THE SYSTEM WILL HOLD OFF THE MAN WITH THE BIG RED S ON HIS CHEST
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Brad says:
ocho cinco for TJ and we give cinci 2-3rd pick!
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Joe B. says:
It’s nice to know that there’s at least a plan with the WRs and we’re not putting everything into either Clowney or Smith becoming super awesome.
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uhhh, I guess all these comments (or most) are from the same folks who were bashing the Sanchez deal and eager to head into the season with Clemens and Ratliff. David Clowney has one career reception. One. As in, one. Brad Smith? Were we watching different games? Yes, he has talent. Yes, we should look to get him the ball more. No, he hasn’t given any indication he is an average receiver, let alone a #2 or #3 starter who will consistently contribute. He looked completely lost at the position last year. Granted, we’ll see what’s happened in a year, but you can’t go into the season with this WR scenario no matter how much they’ve improved or how much ground and pound awaits.
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al says:
we have plenty of weopons in the passing game to score enough to win games, especially with the new power running game. Also we going to revert back to multiple motion & pre snap hurry up offense that Farve could not run last year.
What we should be concern about is if Kris Jenkins gets hurt, who is going to replace him?
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frustratedjetfan says:
We do need someone to split time at nose tackle or Kris will fade at year’s end. However, worst case, I believe that Rex will be true to form and devise plays with different combos that will provide a breather.
I do not agree that we have plenty of weapons on offense (and will be okay) just because we’re dedicated to the running game. First of all, baring an occasional breakaway by Leon it takes many run attempts vs. 8 in the box and many first downs to march the length of the field and score. Without being able to spread the field, we’ll get stuffed by the better D-lines. Secondly, having a rookie QB always makes “cheating” to stuff the run even worse. NE. Buffalo and even Miami will jam our receivers on the line and dare the rookie QB to beat them.
How many times did Farve get sacked or intercepted last year with the same offensive line, with TJ leading the league in rushing and with our same receivers PLUS Coles? And now we lost Coles who was our #1.
Bottom line is this article is right-on. The Jets know we need help and will either pick up a veteran FA or trade for an impact WR.
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Bent says: MattyMurph: The Jets have been allocated approximately $3.4m to sign their picks. It should be possible to get Sanchez to sign for a big money deal with a cap number of about $3m (my estimate was 6 years, 67m, with guaranteed money of 24.5m). They would probably achieve this by having about half the guaranteed money paid as option or roster bonuses in 2010 or later years. Greene and Slauson should fit into the remaining part of the rookie cap.
According to the figures floating around at this time, this leaves cap room of $9m, which sounds good, but bear in mind that Jason from nyjetscap.com has identified potential incentives that could accumulate during the year of $5m (including $3.6m to Gholston alone), so we anticipate the Jets will have to set that money aside.
The remaining $4m (or thereabouts) would appear to be available to sign players, although they would probably like to have some left over for in-season flexilbility. That number could rise (or fall) though, if any more veterans are released or traded. Also, they may be planning to advance money or bring forward guarantees for existing players.
$4m, if that’s what’s available, doesn’t appear to be enough to sign Chad Johnson based on his current salary. It doesn’t appear to have been enough to sign Owens or Holt either. Boldin or Braylon would require a new (big) contract to be drawn up, which theoretically could be backloaded I suppose, but I don’t get a realistic sense of how desperate they are to add a WR.
If they are really confident of an uncapped 2010, maybe they will be prepared to make that committment. I think the Pats have (or had…I don’t know if that deal is dead now) a similar dilemma with Peppers.
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rick says:
brad smith hasnt made a big impact, idk about his status but he cant be a starting WR… cotchery, clowney, stuckey in the slot sounds OK but not enought to win games through the air. this WR dillemma revolves around two things a) smith or clowney stepping up at camp; clowney will, smith wont b) jones’ contract situation clowney outperforms smith, we go forward with clowney as #2, stuckey in the slot, smith and possibly jones are expendable and enough trade bait… its gonna b a long wait till the june camp though
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jetsfaninmiami says:
If there is no trade I would like to see…….1-cotch, 2-clowney, 3-stucky. I wouldnt mind seeing smith split time with stucky but overall stucky is a better slot WR. Our in-house WRs have alot of potential and I am really happy to see that the jets realize this instead of making a trade before they even evaluate the WRs we already have. If the end of June comes and the coaches do not like what they see then I trust them to make a trade. I like this new logical approach to the jets off season as opposed to the irrational thought of prior years!!!
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NickyLibs says:
Guys, the game plan is to RUN the ball more this year. If Cothery has 6-8 catches a game, Keller has 4 or 5, and Leon has 4 or 5. Than what is the big deal if we have Clowney getting a few here and there and Brad Smith doing the same. I mean, the most we need to get out of Stuckey/Clowney/Smith combined is 6-8 catches a game. Lets be happy, we drafted a solid RB like Shoon Greene, and continue to work on our defensive schemes.
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Deal is not done yet cuz the only player Mangini wants is david barrett and he is cut so we need to sign and trade him to Browns.