The WR Corps of 2009
Over the coming days and weeks, we’re going to be working in some new bloggers into the TJB team. So please welcome Mike Kaminsky (who you can find on Twitter at @mikekamin) to the gang. Today, Mike looks at the wide receiver conundrum. -Bassett
The New York Jets have some question marks up and down their roster and some may prove more difficult to answer than others heading into the start of the 2009 preseason. One of the teams most pressing needs is for a top notch, stretch the field Wide Receiver.
The current depth chart with the exception of Jerricho Cotchery, the current crop of Wide Receivers are certainly by no means household names. The average Jets fan when pressed might be able to name three or four, but usually walk away scratching their heads thinking they surely must have forgotten someone else who is note worthy. Sadly, the fact of the matter is, they haven’t. When told who is on the current roster, some fans pause, look perplexed and respond ”Really, that’s it? Are you sure?!” So let’s take a closer look at the current WR core while addressing a key departure from last year’s crew.
With the key departure, none other than Laveranues Coles, who had 70 catches for 850 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. A fan favorite for his toughness and always wanting to “renegotiate” his contract. He and the Jets parted ways this off-season, “amicably” as both sides stated, and was allowed to exit the final two years of his guaranteed contract and become and unrestricted free agent. He signed a 4 year 28 million dollar deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. The current core of Wide Receivers is listed below…, but before reading on, can you name all of them?
Most notable is Jerricho Cotchery, who many thought (including me as I picked him early on in my Fantasy Draft) would have a breakout ALL PRO type season last year with the infamous Brett Favre throwing him the pigskin. He didn’t quite have the numbers some had expected and many prayed for. He was 33rd in the League in Receiving Yards in 2008 with 858 while grabbing 71 catches and finding the end zone 5 times; a considerable drop off from his 2007 season stats where he grabbed 82 balls for 1,130 yards. While the numbers were respectable they certainly do not warrant a starring role in this year’s offense as the teams #1 Wide Out. The team has no other viable option right now; in my opinion he is a solid, very respectable #2 Wide Out on almost any team. But the main receiving threat? I guess we will have to wait and see how he performs this season lining up against the other teams shutdown cornerback. In some cases he will most certainly see double coverage’s with the safety ever looming over top.
Our number two WR on the depth chart is Chansi Stuckey. Stuckey who showed signs of making considerable contributions in the near future last year, may be best suited as a 3rd option WR. He nabbed 32 receptions last year while gaining 359 yards and 3 touchdowns in his 2ndseason. However, Stuckey did not have a single touchdown the final 13 games of the regular season. He amassed ZERO receptions in 4 of those games and a measly reception in two other games. So, if my math is correct that is two catches in 6 games. Yes, this is your #2 WR going into training camp Jets Fans. Let us not forget and I know you haven’t, Favre threw the football a whopping 522 times last year. So pretty much anyone dressed in dark green and white or Titan blue and yellow had a shot of catching quite a few passes. Not to mention that opposing teams had 22 receptions of their own thanks to Favre’s generosity with the ball.
The 3rd and 4th WR spots are up for grabs entering training camp this year, and if I had to pick a front runner for the 3rd WR spot, I begrudgingly would have to pick, hold on…, OK, had to put these two names on two pieces of scrap paper, throw them into my hat and presto we have our answer, David Clowney. Clowney, originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 5th round of the 2007 NFL draft did not see much playing time last year. He didn’t manage to get into a game until week 15 where he garnered his one and only reception of the season, a beautiful 26 yarder, for those of you who blinked and missed it.
The 4th WR spot will be filled by Brad Smith (b/c that’s the way I drew it out of my NYJ hat), the option QB/WR and our only hope for running the now infamous “Wildcat” offense. (Sarcasm people, it goes along way in a player’s bio when there is not much else to say) Smith was the teams 8th place reception leader last year, with 12 gaining 64 yards in the process and ZERO touchdowns. He also rushed 12 times for 113 yards and still, sadly no TD’s.
I had written up a nice bio for last years sixth round draft selection Marcus Henry out of KU, but when I looked up the Jets 2009 WR depth chart, sadly he was no longer on it or the team. I must have missed this transaction hidden amongst all the major Defensive free agents we picked up. Oh well needless to say I still have his name in this article, seems I still can’t let go and I am obviously one of those fans mentioned previously who gets stuck after naming the teams fourth WR.
The remaining Wide Receiver’s on this years depth chart are Wallace Wright, a 3rd year man out of UNC (6 receptions for 87 yards in 2007, none last year), Huey Whittaker the 28 year old rookie out of South Florida and Paul Raymond another rookie wide out from Brown.
There were grumblings this offseason that the Jets were interested in ex-Giants WRPlaxico Burress, but with his all too public pending legal troubles and certain disciplinary action yet to be handed down by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, which will almost definitely entail a suspension. It now seems very unlikely the team still has any serious interest in signing the oft maligned wideout.
So where is new Head Coach Rex Ryan going to turn for offensive production this season?A strong running attack with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington is part of the answer for the former Baltimore Raven Coach learned from his days spent as Defensive Coordinator. Also a budding star in Dustin Keller (48 catches 535 yards and 3 touchdowns), the teams hybrid TE/WR will see an increased role in this years offense. A pure receiving tight end, not known for his blocking abilities, he was used on the line of scrimmage as well as being split out in the teams bunch & spread style formations. The team expects and needs a big offensive year from Keller who was the teams 1st round draft selection in 2008. His continued improvement could be key to the NYJ having any success with their passing attack this season.
However, with no real downfield threat and a possible Rookie QB in Mark Sanchez landing the starting job; you can bet opposing Defenses will be loading up the box and making the Jets beat them with their passing game. This could spell another long season for the NY Jets and their fans. But don’t lose all hope yet oh faithful followers, most of the core offensive players are young and very talented and their maturation process will grow as players with each game played. The best teacher has always been game experience and the young Jets players will get plenty of that this year without having to look over their shoulders to see menacing stares of discontent from their former Head Coach Eric Mangini. However if they show zero signs of improvement throughout the long rigors of an NFL season, I’m sure Rex will have a few looks of his own for them.
Filed under: Main Page, Opinion
Who are the big name WR’s who have expiring contracts after this year? You can bet your bottom dollar we will be either drafting a WR in the 1st round 2010 or going after the biggest name in free agency.
Mike,
It is obvious that there are no superstars at the wideout position, right now. That doesn’t mean that the team can’t win, they won’t be dangerous, or that one of the unknowns won’t step up. You don’t have to have Bob Hayes going deep, if your play-action fake is effective. The Jets should have one of the top running games in the league. Their O-line has played together for a full year and they just picked up one of the best runners in the draft, in Shonn Green. As you mentioned, they have Dustin Keller as a receiving threat and if other teams forget about Leon Washington for a second, they can watch him do his end zone dance. If other teams jam the box, that will only open things up for us.
Many fans are disappointed that we haven’t picked up superstar. That is normal for New York fans who root for the Yankees and the Mets. Bottom line, we have enough talent to win and to be exciting. The Bills have Terrell Owens, superstar. Let’s see who has a better year.
Electric Ham,
I agree Jets will be drafting wide receivers on day one next year. Yet. I have to caution that unless a Michael Crabtree caliber prospect falls out of the sky and into our laps, we will be hard pressed to realize any rookie season dividends.
Rather, wide receivers typically take flight in their third year. Therefore, Jets would be best served by stealing a page from Patriots’ and Buffalo’s playbook and signing disgruntled castoffs like Plaxico Burress and Matt Jones that can deliver low risk / high returns with 1-year, incentive-laden contract.
Harvlis,
Trust me. Buffalo’s young QB Trent Edwards and Lee Evans are going love TO… Ya don’t hear any moaning, groaning going on in Foxborough. Do ya?
according to nyjetscap.com, newyorkjets.com and nfl.com, Marcus Henry is still on the jets roster
Hey man i look on the jets roster and marcus Henry is stilll there, just to let you know
Mike,
I agree. Somebody will make the most of this opportunity and potentially stick to this roster to contribute big time, for many rewarding years to come.
Who?
I’m really thinking David Clowney can be a speed demon for Jets, much like Devin Hester for da Bears… beating defenders to leave a trail of pass interference laundry behind (and points on the board)!
Also, Chansi Stuckey’s our slot guy (when healthy).
What’s up with Wallace Wright – Is he more than a Special Teams Ace?
Jets Triumbrant of “Too Tall” Red Zone Targets: Marcus Henry, Huey Whittaker and Mario Urrutia?
I think it’s time to say that Brad Smith didn’t work out. Package him in a trade to Mangini.
- Dean
Braylon edwards would make a great jet.
Zartan,
I agree. Braylon Edwards is a great catch when he’s not dropping balls. Only, Mangini would want a lot more for him than Brad “Mildcat” Smith – LOL.
This is why, I would prefer a high yeild (proven) player with low risk (1-year, incentive-laden contract) Plax (if possible) or even under-acheiver/high potential guy like Matt Jones. Neither one of these scenarios can hurt us.
Also, I like the idea of having a big target for rookie Sanchez… much the way Big Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning had with the physical size and speed mismatch that Plax presents.
Harvlis -
I sure would like to see a WR tandem of Jerricho Cotchery & Lee Evans (63 Rec 1,017 Yds 3 TD). I might sleep a little better in August.
Michael -
Yes, he is on the roster, it was a poor attempt at humor on my part, for that I apologize… but honestly does him on the roster make the core any better?? I’m not sure, maybe on S.T.
dean barbella –
I think Chansi could have a nice year and be very productive, if used properly.
As for Clowney,I have my doubts. His route running is suspect and I’m just not ‘feeling’ it with him. I hope I’m wrong. But we’ll know soon enough.
Every team has a position on the team with no big name players and for the Jets it just happens to be WR. We have a big name QB now. 2 Big name RB’s. 3 Big time o-linemen. 3 big time Dbacks. 3 big time Linebackers and 2 big time Dlinemen. The jets will just have to play good defense. Run the ball consistantly and hit up the tight ends alot.
… Or maybe “Mildcat” Smith would be a ggod “Gound and Pound” QB. He can run bootleg or keeper if anyone slips in the backfield.
I’m tinking we’re only three wide recievers shy of a Run and Gun attack anyway.
How in the Hell are we gonna run the ball with no vertical threat anyways?
Kinda feels like a rebuilding year with aging vets like Fanaca and Jenkins going to waste and Thomas Jones fading away like a turbo booster rocket spashing into Cape Canaveral…
Houston, we’ve got a problem!
jetzz15
I don’t know if I’m ready to call Sanchez a “big name” just yet. He certainly has the contract, the talent, and the moxie… but we’ll have to wait and see. I just would like to have a more veteran presence with a rookie QB.
Dean Barbella
I agree.
It will be hard to put up points this year. I like Sanchez, but how much can we honestly expect from him? Even if he gives us Joe Flacco numbers from 2008 (14 TD – 12 INT and 2900+ yards) BAL averaged 24 points a game last year while giving up 15 (3rd in the league) and made the playoffs.
Is the Jets defense going to be 3rd in the league this year? If it is they should be playoff bound. But thats asking a lot, Is our D better than Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Giants, or The Titans? It could be, but who knows, a new defensive scheme, injuries, to many unknowables to definitively say YES.
Nice Article-I am reminded of how the Jets are always short in some category, other reams are able to put together rosters that fill all of the needs of a team. Never the Jets.
I guess the Jets figure this is a new year, new focus, so with an aging running back, rookie QB and revamped d, they treat this as learning year and if they stumble onto some success more the better.
with these w/r’s-we will have Jones up the middle for 3, Sanchez to Cotchery for 4, Jones 2 yds off right tackle-punt
Another dynamic offense year for the Meadowlands second class tenants.
I was hoping not to be too depressed going in to the season,MIkey your article changed that.
Nice article Mike, congratulations and keep up the good work. I’ll keep checking back for your stuff.
Any chance we get Brandon Marshall?
With all due respect I don’t think signing Plaxico Burress or Matt Jones is exactly “taking a page out of the Patriots playbook” as they sign aged veterans looking for a ring and reclamation projects that have a few good years remaining. Corey Dillon never shot himself in the leg with an illegal handgun and Randy Moss has never been to rehab for a nasty cocaine problem, it think it’s a stretch to equate one with another. Ditto with TO, he was suspended by the Eagles but not by the NFL, for all his destructive behavior it never rose to the level of being criminal, he never earned the same suspension that Pace just won. Keep your eyes on the waiver wires as training camp progresses and as cutdown days arrive, there could be a servicable receiver in there somewhere and if not it’ll be a long season for golden boy.
Marcus Henry is on our roster. He will end up as the second most productive WR this year, in some cases the most productive.
Greenblood-
are you his agent? Or maybe the Jets PR?
I can guarantee he won’t be the teams most productive WR and if he is the Jets are in real trouble!
I think Stuckey is just like Coles, no ? Coles didn’t hit 1000 yards last year….. not impossible to duplicate.
However, every pass should go to Dustin keller.
(Not so) Fast Fred,
My point regarding “taking a page out of the Patriots [and Bills] playbook” is both TO and Moss were great values as each was acquired on the cheap (TO = 4th round pick), beacuse they had worn out their welcome with theire respective clubs due to off the field antics.
Now, do ya get the comparison?
Of which, we can say the same of both Plax and Matt Jones regardless of the off the field antics with drugs, guns or just shooting off their big mouths.
I want the Jets to possibly capitalize on a proven player like Plax or Jones’s huge (6′6″) potential with little risk (trades, salery) except for the opportunity cost… which is either of these guys going to another team like Miami.
Or should I say, let’s keep up with the Jones’ Belacheats and Parcells of the AFC East and take a chance on Matt?!
It is safe to say the team may indeed need to address the WO position.But take a deep breath for a minute.Training camp league wide has yet to begin and we all know they will be some players that have all the tools but will get caught up in the numbers game and also why from some, to kick Brad Smith to the curb or to the Browns when even a few HOFer’s at WO said it takes anywhere from 2-3 years to start understanding the pro game.When it was the Jets who asked him to change from a position he more than likely been playing since pee-wee or maybe even midget football.Lets give him every FAIR chance to make such a change smoothly.Cause I doubt if any of us here could have made the switch any quicker.Think about it cause he could’ve pulled a Warren Moon and went to Canada to learn his heart felt craft with a chance of being on a level with a Flutie or maybe a Moon.
Here’s my formula for the jets to have a successful season: RUN, RUN, RUN!!!! And hopefully our stout defense can hold the opposing team to 13 or fewer points. I’m not sold on Sanchez or Kellen. First round QB’s only pan out half the time. Should make a trade for Denver’s disgruntled WR (I forgot his name off the top of my head). I think we’ll be ok. Just gonna be very boring to watch offensively this year. But wait, Baltimore was quite boring offensively too last year and they made the playoffs!
Dax,
You sped through Bedford Stuy alone. You may be right I may be crazy, but Mildcat Smith is not the QB/WR we’re looking for.
He’s just to slow… Can’t get no separation… no, no, no. He’ll leave you stranded in the combat zone. You may be right. I may be crazy, but David Clowney’s the deep field threat we’re looking for… it’s time to test him in a game.
I agree Smith could of, should of, would of gone to the CFL to be QB like Flutie and Warner. His WR Route to the NFL seems to have become a button hook to Special Teams at best.
What a waste of 4th round pick!
Billy Joel
Of course, Smith could come in and do very little again this year, but he’s just as likely to have a decent season. I’m not guaranteeing it or anything close, but I wouldn’t rule it out either.
When Smith was drafted it was reported he’d be a possession receiver with an ability to get yards after the catch and that’s what he’s been. Nobody ever expected him to be a deep threat.
If you saw Smith play in college he was absolutely awesome. They haven’t even scratched the surface of what this kid can do – and he is still only 25.
Last year, with Stuckey replacing McCareins, Smith was relegated to 4th choice wide receiver and got fewer reps as a result. The only game when he got starter reps (for just over a half) was the best of his career (against Oakland). I see that as potential signs of growth.
He wouldn’t earn nearly as much money in the CFL – the highest paid player in the league earns just $500K a year.
For a 4th round pick, he’s given them excellent special teams play and is usually good for a couple of first downs a game (he only had two less than Chris Baker last year, despite hardly any reps on offense. That’s not a bad return.
Bent,
Always great knowledge, but gotta dissagree on Smith’s pick (thus far).
I’m not saying he’s a Anthony Schlegel – BUST! I’m saying he’s a Special Teamer with unrealized potential.
And, potentially potential at a position that we’ve already got covered. We’ve got Cotchery, so why do we need Smith?
Rather, we would better benefit if David Clowney makes the team, because we don’t have a deep threat. That’s why I’m totally hoping he wins out!
I know the guys was a huge stud in college and that he checked his ego at the door when Mangini asked his to convert to a wideout; yet, I didn’t realize your point about the guy’s first downs as aJet (when given his looks), only patience isn’t my virtue.
That’s why ee need Plax and/or Matt Jones – Already!
How ’bout?
- Plax or Matt Jones – #1 Wideout
- Jerricho Cotchery – #2 Wideout
- Chanci Stuckey – Slot
- David Clowney – Deep Threat
- Wallace Wright – Special Teams/Wideout Depth
- Brad Smith – Special Teams/Wideout Depth
And, we keep one or two of our Too Tall Red Zone targets on the practice squad: Marcus Henry, Huey Whittaker and Mario Urrutia
Also, if Mangini believe’s in Brad Smith’s potential as much as you (and you know he does), why not include him in a trade for Braylon Edwards?
Of course, I know that he had a poor season (dropping the ball) last year, but I’m confident that he can bounce back.
Dean
That’s true that Smith doesn’t offer the ideal size or speed that would be a good compliment to Cotchery. I don’t view Smith as a potential starter, as I would imagine the inside track is actually Stuckey. He’s no deep threat, but has outstanding short-area quickness that offers something of a contrast. I wouldn’t rule out Smith beating out Clowney for the 3rd wideout role, but my comment was more to do with the fact he shouldn’t be written off altogether. If he makes the roster, even as 4th or 5th wideout, then that’s good news for the special teams.
The further up the depth chart Clowney can justifiably get, the better, because him being a deep threat will be a big deal, but I think Keller can stretch the field down the middle too. Right now, Clowney’s behind Stuck and Smith on the depth chart, so unless he can overtake them, what you’re probably looking at is (hopefully a much better) Jonathan Carter or Justin McCareins 4th wideout and occasional deep threat. Clowney isn’t expected to help on specials unless they have him returning kicks.
Smith MAY have potential, but the reality is that his trade value is very low. However, the same could be said for Ratliff, Coleman and Elam, so if Mangini would be willing to reduce the draft pick compensation by including him in a trade for Edwards, then the Jets could get a bargain. However, do they want to pay $10m a year for a WR? If they do, why not wait and get a better one in next year’s free agent class? That way they can evalutate whether it might be smarter to retain Smith, who as I say is an ideal 4th or 5th wideout due to his ST prowess.
If they are going to add a WR (and I’m not sure they will), I think they’ll get a short term fix (Jones or Plax, or even one of the others out there), so they keep their options open for next year.