New York Jets: Can team rely on any wide receivers?
The New York Jets need their current corps of wide receivers to step up this season, but which of them can be relied upon?
The New York Jets are in a tough spot. Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are no longer on the team and Quincy Enunwa is lost for the season with a neck injury. That leaves the team woefully thin at the wide receiver position. Gang Green still has two preseason games remaining so there is still a lot of sorting out that needs to be done as to which players survive the final cuts.
I believe the Jets will keep six wide receivers on their 53-man opening day roster. Which players can be relied upon in 2017? Let’s take a look at New York’s depth chart as presently constituted.
Robbie Anderson
An undrafted free agent from Temple University, Anderson is the fastest player on a team devoid of playmakers. The 6-3, 190-pounder was thrust into the No. 1 receiver role when Enunwa went down for the entire season.
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Anderson needs to bulk up a little and add a few pounds to his thin frame. However, he brings a dimension to the table that no other WR has: excellent speed. That speed was on display in the first preseason game against Tennessee when he had a 53-yard reception on a fly pattern from quarterback Josh McCown. Speed kills in the NFL.
The Teaneck, NJ native averaged 14 yards a catch in his rookie campaign and has the potential to be a very dynamic player. He is by far their most reliable wide receiver.
Charone Peake
The former Clemson Tiger has a chance to open the season as the number two wideout. That may change once Jalin Marshall returns from his four-game suspension in Week 5 at Cleveland. Peake had 19 receptions for 186 yards last year and has enjoyed a solid training camp so far. While not as fast as Anderson, the 6-2, 208-pounder is pretty speedy himself (he ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash during his 2016 Pro Day). For a seventh-round draft pick, Peake has performed nicely to date. Now he must take his game to the next level.
ArDarius Stewart
I love Stewart’s potential. While not the most accomplished route runner yet, the former Alabama standout is a strong, physical player with good hands. He has outstanding YAC (yards-after-catch) ability and is an excellent downfield blocker. Look for offensive coordinator John Morton to use Stewart on bubble screens and pop passes.
Once he catches the ball, the former first-team All-SEC performer is not afraid to take a defender head on. Look for him to make some key third down conversions once the season commences. I expect Stewart to be number two on the depth chart by mid-season. If not sooner.
As far as the other receivers are concerned, fellow rookie Chad Hansen is progressing well in camp. He has collected three receptions for 23 yards in preseason play and is known as an effective route runner with reliable hands. Hansen could receive a lot of his early work in the slot.
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Those four players are virtual locks to make the opening day roster. Myles White, Frankie Hammond, Chris Harper and Kenbrell Thompkins are all vying for the final two spots. White has been the most impressive of that group (four catches for 53 yards) in preseason action.
There are just two exhibition games left for certain players to impress the Jets coaching staff and secure a spot on the team. The pressure is on. It’s time to step up.