Good too see the Jets are getting along again. (Photo: US Presswire)
By Ryan Alfieri, Editor
As we get closer to the start of the regular season, more and more questions are going to emerge as to how the 2012 Jets are looking.
For any questions about anything regarding the Jets, just ask our twitter handle @JetsDraft or @ryanalf17. Also, feel free to ask anything in the comments.
@jetsdraft How has Ellis looked in camp?The coaches think Wilkerson is the breakout player, any signs of that?— Dan Cohen (@DC914) August 3, 2012
Let’s start with Wilkerson: Mo Wilk has been among the most impressive players at camp. He shed 10 pounds of weight and says he feels faster than he did last year. Coming out of Temple, Wilkerson was very raw and did not face much competition near the level in the NFL. With time, Wilk can make a Jason Pierre-Paul jump from being a young commodity to a superstar in no time with his physcial gifts.
Not much has been said about Ellis, but I did get t to watch him a bit when ESPN aired a live feed of Jets camp. At a glance, he looked leaner and quicker and was being disruptive against the second team offense. He reportedly had a sack in today’s practice, so perhaps the Hampton product is starting to come along.
@jetsdraft What has Coples shown so far? Will Darius be used as a pass covering LB? Will Tebow catch passes in open space? — Ctrl The Narrative (@_bigchee) August 3, 2012
So far, Coples has been very rookie-like in camp. The Jets are toning down his workload and have backed off saying he is going to be a definite starter. Rodd Tucker noted that he struggled with technique and run defense. It looks like Coples will be used in pass-rushing situations to start off, and ease him in as he develops in the run game.
However, there is no need to be too alarmed. The Giants took a similar approach with JPP, and he turned out ok.
Demario practiced for the first time today, but yes, I believe that will be his primary role in addition to special teams. Bart Scott will take over on run downs.
Tebow catching passes is certainly a unique idea, but I don’t see it happening. You never know, though. I remember Joe Flacco catching a deep pass in his rookie season, so its not unprecedented.
@jetsdraft If Laron Landry misses time this season, who will step in alongside Bell?— James Christensen (@NEPatriotsDraft) August 3, 2012
Based on what the Jets have done in the past, they would presumably move Eric Smith back to free safety, which is where he was nothing short of awful last year. Moving Smith back to being a starter is just asking for trouble. They do, however, also have rookie Josh Bush, who is a better fit as a coverage safety.
But Rex tends to be very hesitant playing rookies on defense, especially late-round picks in the secondary as the last line of defense. But if Bush is impressive in camp and early in the season, it is definitely a distinct possibility.
