New York Jets 2018 Training Camp Profile: Jermaine Kearse
The New York Jets open training camp on July 26. Here, we take a look at one of their premier wide receivers, Jermaine Kearse.
The New York Jets will have a divergent group of wide receivers when their training camp opens in Florham Park on July 26. Probably the steadiest and most reliable is veteran Jermaine Kearse. The six-year NFL veteran certainly won’t remind anyone of Antonio Brown or Julio Jones. Far from it.
However, Kearse is the player that is most likely to move the chains on a key third down situation. That’s invaluable on a relatively young squad.
Let’s take a look at his 2018 training camp profile:
2017 Season Recap
The University of Washington product was acquired in the Sheldon Richardson trade with Seattle before the start of the 2017 campaign and he enjoyed his finest NFL season with the Jets. Kearse set career highs in receptions (65), receiving yards (810), yards per game (50.6) and tied his career best with five touchdowns. His 63.7 catch percentage was his second highest mark. Needless to say, Kearse made general manager Mike Maccagnan look very smart. He came through in a big way.
2018 Training Camp Forecast
The 6-1, 209-pounder should get a regular share of reps in training camp. He’ll need to adjust by sharing some of his reps with new teammates Terrelle Pryor and Quincy Enunwa. Chad Hansen, ArDarius Stewart and Andre Roberts will need additional looks in drills as well. Once training camp concludes, expect Kearse to participate sporadically in preseason contests. He should play into the third quarter in the third preseason game on Aug. 24 against the Giants though.
2018 Season Outlook
Kearse will begin the season as New York’s number two wide receiver, lining up opposite Robby Anderson. He’ll get competition for targets though from Enunwa and Pryor, if both players are back to full health. Hansen and Stewart still have a great deal to prove in their second NFL campaigns.
Kearse is in his prime at 28 years old and has excellent hands. He does not possess breakaway speed (only Anderson has that) but he’s known for making the tough reception in clutch scenarios and also an acrobatic catch from time to time. Can anyone forget his brilliant 33-yard reception in Super Bowl XLIX for the Seahawks? It’s one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history.
The Lakewood, WA native provides veteran leadership as well and should enjoy another productive season in 2018. I predict he’ll wind up with 62 receptions for 780 yards and a career-high seven touchdown receptions. Not too shabby. He’s still one of the most underrated wide receivers in the AFC.