Looking ahead after the end of New York Jets' rookie mini-camp
From Friday to Sunday, a laundry list of hopefuls competed to either sign with the Jets, or stake their claim to stay on the roster.
Take-aways
Calvin Pryor is already ‘making noise’
The Jets’ first round selection that the front office was said to be ‘estatic’ about (after expecting Pryor to be selected one pick earlier by the Ravens), has already made his presence felt.
Calvin Pryor received high praise from Head Coach Rex Ryan on Saturday, stating that it’s rare when “it comes easy” to a player, and that he expects to start seeing a lot of Pryor jerseys being sold, as Pryor could start to become a fan favourite for his play.
He also has shown his outspokenness on the field. In an interview with the NY Post, Pryor talked about the trash talk that offensive teammates have already experienced.
“I’ll talk about guys’ moms, grandmothers … anything that can get into a guy’s head, but it’s nothing personal. It’s just something I do to try to affect their game.”
WR Jalen Saunders showing his 4th Round (or earlier) value
It's hard to tell a lot from rookie mini-camp, but Jalen Saunders looked terrific - quick in and out of breaks, good hands, very confident.
— Dan Leberfeld (@jetswhispers) May 16, 2014We’ve heard nothing but good things about the rookie wide receiver from people who saw him on the field, firsthand. Saunders has shown the great speed we all imagined he’d demonstrate, but also has the moves and sure hands to go with it.
Rex Ryan is confident about the 2014 team
Sure, we’ve heard this before – Ryan and hyperbole are BFFs.
However, this offseason, a lot of the bluster can be justified. Ryan says that the Jets wide receiver crop is better “top-to-bottom,” than 2013′s. This is true. Between injuries and an overall lack of depth, 2013′s WR depth chart scared absolutely no one.
He’s clearly excited that the offseason is now in full swing.
”As a coach, you love these times, getting with these new players and trying to mold them into Jets, if you will.”
Rookie Quotes
WR Shaq Evans: “I just see myself being a guy that contributes wherever they put me. I mean I’m a guy that can play inside and play outside. I’m just trying to come in here and work hard and do anything I can to make this team win. I’m not worried about being the first guy or second guy, I’m just worried about being wherever they need me to help.”
WR Quincy Enunwa: “What do I do best? It’s different things. I just try to use my size well. I like to block and that’s one big thing that Coach Sanjay (Lal) likes to focus on, is receivers that will block for him. We’ve got some good running backs now. I like to pride myself on that as well.”
QB Tajh Boyd: “You can’t help but to have a smile on your face because you’ve been the last four, five years, all you’ve knew was Clemson, and it’s your university and things of that nature. So you step here, this is totally different, the environment. You step onto the practice field, it’s totally different. You just have got to get accustomed to it (and) you’ve got to learn how to do certain things. It’s a little bit more professional, but at the same time you’ve got to learn how to grow up a little bit and I’m just excited to be here.”
Looking Ahead
The Jets’ offseason schedule…
OTAs (Organized Team Activities)
No live contact, team drills allowed
- May 27-28, 30
- June 2, 4-5, 9-12
Full Squad Mini-Camp
- June 17-19