Some Jets Super Sleepers
Rich Cimini did a great blog post with his sleepers which is well worth a read. I like all his picks and in homage / riffage of that, I am writing up my super sleeper list … my “out like a light” list … if you will … maybe even comatose … ok not that far.
Jamaal Westerman LB — In a 3-4, if you’re not a starter at linebacker, you’d better be versatile and able to play special teams. It might be that he’s getting more press because he played at Rutgers (but then again so did Brandon Renkart) but it seems that Rex Ryan has taken a shine to Westerman. Ryan noted that during his rookie mini-camp Westerman was understanding coverages well. “He has picked it up better than any of the other linebackers” said Ryan when asked about Westerman’s chances.
Jason Trusnik ILB — Trus is another undrafted player, and a fiery guy who contributed to the Jets down the stretch last season and on specials. He seems to be having a solid though unspectacular offseason so far, and I’ve read his name more than Kenwin Cummings’.
Jehuu Caulcrick FB/RB — Now in his second year with the team, the Jets have liked Caulcrick’s versatility and are teaching him to block instead of run the ball. Although Caulcrick isn’t anywhere near tall enough (6’0″) to play TE, he’s a wide load (255 lbs) and could be a good extra blocker as an upback or H-Back for this offense that is still struggling to find another blocker.
Emanuel Cook — Cook might still be a long shot to make ths team, but the trade of Abram Elam might mean that there’s a spot for a player like Cook. Cook is a hard hitter and Ryan seems to like his physical style of play.
Huey Whittaker — I read most of the camp reports, and I am noticing that he seems to be making some nice catches and TDs with the second unit. I think he could challenge Marcus Henry for the title as the “big guy” amongst the receivers.
44 Responses to Some Jets Super Sleepers
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Harvlis says:
Marques Murrell is my super sleeper. In Rex’s defense, Murrell is going to get the chance to use his speed. Opposing QB’s are going to hate this guy.
If Caulcrick is used properly, he can block, catch the ball out of the backfield, and be a devastating inside runner. He is our future FB and the future looks good.
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Bent says: Two interesting things from Cimini’s own list:
1. Apparently Howard Green has been impressive. I had previously thought he was a long shot to make the roster, but perhaps not.
2. He says this about Batman Carroll – “Rex Ryan likes to put his corners in man-to-man coverage, and that’s Carroll’s specialty.”
That scares me. Whenever I’ve seen Carroll in man coverage he’s been burned badly and had to resort to holding – except when he was inexplicably left on an island against Randy Moss in Foxboro and was burned so badly that he wasn’t close enough to him to commit a penalty. It’s a good job Matt Cassel can’t throw the ball over 30 yards with any accuracy (sorry Chiefs fans, didn’t you know this?)
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Dean Barbella says:
Yeah, It would be kool to see Adrian’s lil’ bro make the team. Westerman a stud! And, Trusnik’s a beast!
As for the ‘Big Guy’ receiver, I’d like to see Plax… sorry Huey!
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Brett Justin says:
ive been seeing westermans name a whole lot… Im looking foward to seeing if he can do nething along with Emanuel Cook.. WIsh we saw more Gholstons name though
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Cabras says:
Gholston should be called ghoston
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skim172 says:
Brandon Renkart has also been taking snaps with the first team with following David Harris’ collision with Leonhard. Probably still a backup, but Ryan likes a rotation of backers.
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Fred says:
Awesome interview with Rex on Mike Francesa just now, he claims he “already sent a message” to the pats.
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Trunsnik showed some balls last year. He was always in the right spot and made some plays. I like the kid and hope he one of those role players every winning team needs
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Rex was on fire today with Fat Mike on WFAN. The guy gave me a boner when he ran his mouth about the Patriots and explained to Mike that he already sent him a message….Then explains that he is not here to kiss the Patriots head coach’s rings!!!!
If you dont love Rex…..something is wrong with you!
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TheRealRK says:
Best part of the interview on WFAN with Rex was this quote about how the Pats have dominated the division for a while “I’m not here to kiss Bill Bellicheck’s rings”
Oh I love this guy. I thought Francesa was going to fall out his chair when he said that.
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I like Mike DeVitos chances to stand out this year. Other than Stuckey I dont like anyone on Cimini’s list.
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ramble914 says:
This is one of the comments to Cimini’s blog. You gotta love it!
“Rich, Kellen Clemens as a long shot possibility to be the starter only exists in your mind. For Kellen Clemens, he is the starter until proven otherwise. Your job as a beat writer is not to take sides or have a personal favorite, but to give as the news as it happens. I dont f_cking care about your personal opinions, just give as the facts as they unfold, you idiot. Thank you very much.”
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Bent says:
Trusnik needs to be better at getting through traffic, based on what I saw, but for a converted pass rusher playing ILB he is coming along nicely.
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Cimini gets blasted on his own blog!
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Pete57 says:
Off topic, but Don Banks on SI.com lists the “Team if the Decade”. Here’s where the Jets landed:
15. New York Jets
Regular season: 71-73, .493
Playoff wins/record: 2-4
Super Bowls won/appeared: 0
Playoff seasons: 4
Winning seasons: 6
Losing seasons: 3The Jets crack the top half of our rankings because they’ve somehow scratched and fought their way to six winning seasons and four playoff trips in the first nine years of the decade. Having just three losing seasons should count for something, even though when it’s bad, New York has a tendency to be very bad (three double-digit loss seasons).
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“Team OF the Decade”.
Miami was 17 I believe and Buffalo close to 30.
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Zartan says:
i think that Westerman will start in thomas place. the only jet LB that had cover skills where Barton whos slow and Harris which was only ok and the DBs looked bad because of it.
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NYJ09 says:
why are renkart and cummings splitting time to fill in for harris.. lets get some westerman and trusnik in there
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SackDance99 says:
Off-topic:
For Bent:
PRINCE Harry has said some highly controversial things in his day, but his fellow Brits might be most outraged at his love of an exclusively American pasttime. At a reception for the prince at the British consulate here the other night, a source overheard Harry tell New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez and team owner Woody Johnson, “I love American football.” He even promised to come back to New York to attend a Jets game this fall.
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SD99 — Nice find!
Bent — you have a way to get here now (you run with the royals, right?), so no excuse to not see you again this fall!
By the way, I just heard the Ryan – Francesa interview. Like AKA … Drew says, if you don’t love Ryan’s confidence, then there’s something wrong with you.
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Bent,
What’s the odds that Prince Harry hits on Sanchez’s model girlfriend in the luxury box? 1-5?
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BigKatFan says:
Paul Raymond has stuck around. Has he NOT improved?
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Bent says:
Sadly, I have no Royal connections. Far from it. I can’t stand the holier-than-thou attitude of aristocracy, although to be fair the Harry/Will generation does seem slightly more grounded than their ancestors.
I can’t imagine anyone being outraged that he “loves” “American” football.
I’ll be there in the fall. I can’t speak for Harry.
Sack – Harry loves blondes. Everyone here knows that. I think Sanchez is safe.
I posted about this the other day:
And finally, Mark Sanchez met Prince Harry. “So, kid, what’s it like being one of the most worshipped and majestic individuals around and knowing you could one day become King?” “It’s pretty good fun, Harry.”
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The most important guy on Cimini’s list is Howard Green. I think Jenkins getting hurt or fatigued is one of the biggest risks we have this year, just like last year. If Green can make the team and contribute on 10-15 plays per game, that’s a huge find and really boosts our entire defense.
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i wanna see westerman he’ll be a big body at inside linebackers, solid pass rusher.. trusnik is a solid player and i think right now he’d provide best relief for scott and harris, caulcrick not sure about.. richardson obviously will get the reps at LB but caulcrick has his work cut out for him if he wants touches at halfback, TJ and leon are the one two punch and shonn greene is the bruising back i cant see him getting much time, i like emmanuel cook and whittaker.. havent seen whittaker play ever but hearin and readin bout him he excites me more than brad smith ever would
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Bent,
Because Prince Harry is “the spare” and not “the heir,” I would think he’d get along with Clemens, not Sanchez.
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Kyle says:
Has anyone heard anything about Gholston?
This guy must really suck.
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John Clayton from ESPN.com on the QB derby:
New York Jets: Under the circumstances, Kellen Clemens might be the most invisible quarterback in the league. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said Clemens is the leading candidate to be the starter, but everyone is talking up rookie Mark Sanchez. Sanchez made more news during a bad week of throwing a couple of weeks ago than Clemens has at any time this offseason. This situation isn’t like the one in Detroit, though. The Jets have a better team than the Lions, and the offense has the blockers and runners to make it easier for a rookie quarterback to make the transition into the starting role. Everything will sort itself out in the preseason, but it would be an upset if Sanchez doesn’t eventually get the starting nod for opening day. Clemens has the shaky lead for now, but it may not be for long.
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Bent says:
Sack – I’m sure he’d make a heckuva wingman. Sounds like a good idea for a bad sitcom!
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head_coach says:
i agree with zartan and pound 4 pound on this blog. Hopefully westerman or potter can take over bryon thomas role cuz hes wack. Howard green is verry important to the interior of this team. And as far as ghoston goes maybe no news is good news.
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JesusRevis says:
I’ve heard more good things about Westerman than I have about Gholston since we drafted him.
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nicolle says:
i think the jets are going to win ever game! they are all sexxxy!!!
-Nicolle -
GO JETSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I LOVE GUS! 143 fovever stinkawooozzzz
12/22/08
from CT! <3 im taking you to the mets game for ur bdayyy -
woooopssss jets!!! lol
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Green Lantern #80 says:
Gholston Best Nickname Is Ghost.
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And Rex Said The Defense Will Depend A Lot On Gholston Next Year.
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“Coach Rex Ryan proclaimed Thursday that Vernon Gholston will be a “major contributor” for the Jets in 2009.”
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fonzie says:
Lowery is my pick this year for most improved. He will eventually be the starter opposite of Revis regardless of what Ryan feels. He will prove as he gets his experience and a little help from Randy and Terrell when the burn the living crap out of Sheppard that he is starting material and a solid cornerback to complement Revis. Go Lowery!!!
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I think Ainge is going to turn around. It depends on how the shuffling takes place at the quarterback position throughout the season. His only hope is Schottenheimer. Grab all the knowledge from Schotty man and run with it!!!!
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Phrenitis says:
Britt Davis watch out for him
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will says:
Surely it won’t be Anthony Harris. He was waived yesterday.
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Terrel isn’t as fast as you think he is and we all saw Lito shut down Randy.
As I’ve said before, Trusnik is my sleeper pick this year — saw some good things out of him when he got a chance late last year. Let’s hope it carries over …