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Jets Training Camp Morning Update: Baker Being Good Soldier, QB’s Struggle

Here is a report on what went down in this morning’s practice, the first of the year for the Jets, along with analysis:

- Chris Baker isn’t going to become Pete Kendall part 2. He was very calm and subdued when talking to reporters today. Baker confirmed that he did actually tweak his back and he should be back on the field in a few days. He said he was encouraged that his agent and Mike Tannenbaum are currently having discussions. Most people are assuming that the Jets are going to re-structure his contract in some way to placate him for the rest of the year. Baker spoke the company line today and it looks like he may be the starting tight end against Miami after all.

This is good news. Nobody wanted to hear Baker ripping the organization on a daily basis. Beyond that, with Baker on the team the Jets are very deep at tight end and won’t have to overuse Bubba Franks. It will also allow Dustin Keller to play to his strengths as a pass catcher.

- Vernon Gholston has signed his contract. The Jets are just waiting for the paperwork to go through the league offices. He may be on the field for tonight’s practice, and if he isn’t then he will definitely be on the field tomorrow morning.

More good news. The less time that Gholston misses, the better.

- Jesse Chatman and Musa Smith were both placed on the non football injury/reserve list. Jehuu Calcrick apparently looked a beast this morning on the field.

This likely means they both didn’t pass the conditioning test, which certainly isn’t a good thing. Calcrick could be a pleasant surprise and steal a roster spot.

- Both quarterbacks struggled in the rain today. Kellen Clemens first pass of 11 on 11 drills was intercepted by Eric Barton. Both were fairly inaccurate and neither could complete any deep balls. Pennington ran with the first team today.

It is obviously only one practice in crappy conditions but still you hope that at least one of the quarterbacks could string together some strong practices. Hopefully, they both can bounce back tonight.

- Kris Jenkins was an absolute beast. He destroyed Nick Mangold in one on one drills and beat up on everyone else, as well. Justin Miller ran with the first team at corner, and Darrelle Revis shut down Jerricho Cotchery all practice.

- If Jenkins stays healthy, I think he could be a pro bowl player for the Jets this year. The guy is immensely talented and is now in shape and motivated. If Miller plays well consistently, the starting job is his. Cotchery needs to learn how to deal with opposing teams sending their best defensive back at him. He is the number one receiver now.

5 Jets Predictions on the Eve of Training Camp

It is finally here. Tomorrow morning the Jets strap up the pads and all the specualting could end because real football will be taking place. Here are 5 last predictions of what to expect in training camp for the 2008 Jets:

1. A Tight Quarterback Battle….A clear winner probably won’t emerge until after the second pre-season game. When it is all said and done, Kellen Clemens will be under center week 1 versus Miami.

2. A Crowded Receiver Position….We know Jerricho Cotchery and Lavernues Coles will start, but that is about it. There will a battle for the #3-6 spots between upstart second year man Chansi Stuckey, last year’s #3 receiver Brad Smith, special teams ace Wallace Wright, rookie 6th round draft pick Marcus Henry, and cast-off speedsters David Clowney and David Ball. What is going to happen? Stuckey is going to snag the #3 spot, with Smith and Wright seeing reps  behind him as the number 4 and 5 guys. Marcus Henry will bounce between the practice squad and active roster throughout the year and get some playing time in the red-zone packages.

3. Divided Reps At Tight End….What is Chris Baker’s story? How long will he be on the PUP? How quickly can Dustin Keller to develop? How much does Bubba Franks have left in the tank? Can Jason Pocsiak provide quality reps? I am going to go out on a limb and predict all four tight ends are on the final roster, including Chris Baker.

4. Secondary Battles….The Jets usually carry 9 defensive backs out of training camp. This year I expect the secondary to be Kerry Rhodes, Darrelle Revis, Eric Smith, and Justin Miller. The backup safeties will be Abram Elam and Cameron Worrell. The backup corners will be Drew Coleman, Dwight Lowery, and Hank Poteat.

5. On The Bubble…I like Jesse Chatman and Jehuu Calcrick as the 4th and 5th running backs, behind Jones, Washington, and Richardson. I think the battle for roster spots on defensive line and offensive line should be interesting, I think Kareem Brown sticks as the 4th defensive end. Offensive is too much of a toss up right now to call but Will Montgomery, Clint Oldenburg, and Robert Turner have a good shot.

Training Camp Preview Part 2

A few news and notes before breaking down the second half of the Jets roster:

- The Jets have signed former Green Bay Packers cornerback Ahmad Carroll. A former first round draft pick, Carroll was in the arena league last season and is noted for his speed. However he does have a history of off the field issues. In order to make space for Carroll, the Jets released safety Nate Lyles.

- The Jets will be wearing their Titans throwback jerseys in their home opener against the Patriots, which is a somewhat surprising decision. I guess they are trying anything to break their home losing streak against the Pats. They will also wear the jerseys in their home game against the Bengals.

- First practice is tomorrow at 8:45 A.M. It is about time.

The Rest of the Roster:

#48 - AJ Schable - Tight End: He also has experience on the defensive line. He is still a long shot at a crowded position.

#49 - Tony Richardson - Fullback: Quietly was a big addition for the Jets, who desperately needed a fullback.

#50 - Eric Barton - Inside Linebacker: A seasoned veteran, who is still a good 2 down player.

#52 - David Harris - Inside Linebacker: Was a beast in his rookie year. Let’s hope he continues to grow.

#53 - Cody Spencer - Linebacker: Special teams ace, has a decent shot at grabbing a roster spot.

#54 - Kenwin Cummings - Linebacker: An extra body for camp.

#55 - Brad Kassell - Linebacker: Great on special teams and a valuable backup.

#56 - Vernon Gholston - Linebacker: Still needs to sign a contract.

#58 - Matt Chatham - Linebacker: Aging player could have trouble grabbing a roster spot.

#60 - D’Brickashaw Ferguson - Tackle: He needs to start playing like the #4 pick in the draft.

#61 - Bryan Mattison - Defensive End: Undrafted free agent at a thin position.

#62 - Matt McChensey - Tackle: Used to play defensive line, but is now trying to win a backup OL spot.

#63 - Kyle DeVan - Center: Undrafted free agent. Only pure center on the roster besides Mangold.

#64 - Stanley Daniels - Offensive Line: Competing for a backup spot.

#65 - Brandon Moore - Guard: A rock solid player.

#66 - Alan Faneca - Guard: The Jets biggest prize in the free agent market.

#67 - Damien Woody - Tackle: A solid upgrade over Anthony Clement.

#68 - Will Montgomery - Guard: Gained some experience last year. The top backup at guard.

#69 - CJ Mosley - Defensive Tackle: The Jets top backup at defensive end. Can also slide inside and play D-Tackle.

#70 - Mike DeVito - Defensive End: Played last season, but the Jets need more out of their defensive ends.

#71 - Nate Garner - Tackle: 7th round draft pick, likely to end up on practice squad.

#72 - Jacob Bender - Guard: Remember when he was going to start last year?

#74 - Nick Mangold - Center: One of the best young centers in the game.

#75 - Robert Turner - Offensive Line: Played a little last year. Has a good shot to make roster.

#76 - Clint Oldenburg - Offensive Tackle: The Jets top backup at tackle…ut-oh.

#77 - Kris Jenkins - Defensive Tackle: The big man is motivated.

#78 - Wayne Hunter - Offensive Tackle: The happiest man in the NFL (100 morale in Madden). Can he block?

#79 - Ropati Pitotuia - Defensive End: Undrafted free agent. Long shot.

#81 - Dustin Keller - Tight End: I hope Justin McCariens old jersey doesn’t rub off on him.

#82 - Jason Pocsiak - Tight End: He could end up playing alot, if the Baker situation doesn’t resolve itself.

#83 - Chansi Stuckey - Receiver: Alot of pre-season hype about this guy. I hope he can live up to it.

#85 - James Dearth - Tight End: The long snapper.

#86 - Chris Baker - Tight End: He loves his contract.

#87 - Laveranues Coles - Wide Receiver: Looking to bounce back from an injury plagued year.

#88 - Bubba Franks - Tight End: Could end up starting.

#89 - Jerricho Cotchery - Wide Receiver: Looking to build on first 1000 yard season.

#91 - Sione Pouha - Defensive Tackle: Top backup at defensive tackle. Had a good year last season.

#92 - Shaun Ellis - Defensive End: Captain two seasons in a row.

#93 - Kenyon Coleman - Defensive End: Good against run, struggles to get to the QB.

#94 - Marques Murrell - Linebacker: Showed some promise last year. Has an outside shot.

#95 - Thomas Johnson -Defensive Tackle: Veteran could have a shot to make the roster.

#96 - David Bowens - Linebacker: Quality backup and special teamer.

#97 - Calvin Pace - Linebacker: Mangini said he reminds him off Mo Lewis. I hope he is a little bit like him.

#98 - Kareem Brown - Defensive End: Has a good shot to be in the defensive line rotation.

#99 - Bryan Thomas - Outside linebacker: Will begin as the starter at outside linebacker. How long can he hold on it?

Chris Baker Put on the PUP - Good Move By Jets

There was some other tight end news in New York yesterday besides Jeremy Shockey getting traded. The Jets placed disgruntled tight end Chris Baker on the Physically Unable to Perform List, in a somewhat surprising move. Early indications are that it was not done because of his contract situation but because of his tweaked back from minicamp. Many doubt the severity of the injury since Baker skipped a mandatory rehab session for it a few months ago, which cost him a few thousand dollars. The whole story behind this situation won’t be addressed until Thursday when practice starts.

The media and the fans have seem to taken the Jets side in this dispute. Keep in mind, the Jets took care of Kerry Rhodes and Laveranues Coles this off-season, while adding a slew of new veterans to improve their roster. The claims about Baker being promised more money, seem to have been exaggerated by him according to people with inside sources around the team. Don’t forget that a few years ago Baker was free agent and nobody really showed any interest in him, the Jets brought him back and gave him a more than fair contract. The next year they fronted him some of his money, which is why he isn’t getting paid that highly this year. Baker agreed to those terms, and is now trying to hold out for a raise because apparently Mike Tannenbaum told his now fired agent that the Jets would “look at this situation” after this year.

Why has been Baker been placed on the PUP list? It is too early to tell, however there is a high amount of confidence and excitement around the team this year because of their off-season and not having Baker on the field sulking and ripping the team to reporters is a good thing. Hopefully, Baker will realize the Jets have the upper hand on him and will get back on the field as soon as possible, without the drama surrounding him.

In Other News….I updated the depth chart to the team the Jets will be heading into training camp with, let’s run through the roster in a numerical order and see who has a shot to make the team, starting with numbers 1-45 today.

• #1 - Mike Nugent - Kicker: A lock to make the team. He has improved the last 2 years.
• #2 - Paul Raymond - Receiver: A longshot at a crowded position.
• #4 - Joe Smith - Punter: An extra leg for camp.
• #5 - Brett Ratliff - Quarterback: An extra arm for camp.
• #7 - Ben Graham - Punter: Beat out Jeremy Kapinos in the spring, should be safe now.
• #9 - Erik Ainge - Quarterback - Should be third quarterback. Needs time to develop.
• #10 - Chad Pennington - Quarterback - Battling for the starter’s job.
• #11 - Kellen Clemens - Quarterback - Battling for starter’s job.
• #14 - Marcus Henry - Receiver - Has a good shot at making roster because of his height.
• #15 - Wallace Wright - Receiver - Great special teamer, who should see more reps on O.
• #16 - Brad Smith - Receiver - Will make the team, but how much time will he see?
• #17 - David Clowney - Receiver - Caught coaches eye in mini-camp. Still a long shot.
• #18 - David Ball - Receiver - Speedy receiver could make practice squad.
• #20 - Thomas Jones -Running Back - Entrenched as the starter.
• #21 - Justin Miller - Cornerback - Will have every chance to start opposite Revis.
• #22 - Jesse Chatman - Running Back - Likely the third running back.
• #23 - Darnell Bing - Safety - Battling for the fourth safety spot.
• #24 - Darrelle Revis - Cornerback - #1 cover guy on the team.
• #25 - Kerry Rhodes - Free Safety - The Jets best player.
• #26 - Artrell Hawkins - Safety - Battling for the fourth safety spot.
• #27 - Abram Elam - Safety - Big hitter, challenging for starting spot opposite Rhodes.
• #29 - Leon Washington - Running Back - Jets most explosive player on offense.
• # 30 - Drew Coleman - Cornerback - Could challenge for nickel back spot.
• #31 - Hank Poteat - Cornerback - A reliable backup, who could start if neccessary.
• #33 - Eric Smith - Safety - The front-runner to start opposite Rhodes.
• #34 - Dwight Lowery - Cornerback - Could be another fourth round steal for the Jets.
• #35 - Danny Woodhead - Running Back - Feel good story is a long shot to make roster.
• #36 - David Barrett - Cornerback - Could be cut if Miller and Lowery step up in camp.
• #37 - Etienne Boulay - Cornerback - Not likely to make roster.
• #38 - Andre Woolfolk - Cornerback - Jets taking a chance on former first round bust.
• #39 - Jehuu Calcrick - Fullback - Could end up being backup fullback and short yard guy.
• #40 - Musa Smith - Fullback/Halfback - Battling Calcrick/Chatman for a roster spot.
• #43  - Nate Lyles - Safety - Long shot to make it through camp.
• #45 - Cameron Worrell - Safety - Could be front runner for fourth safety spot.