New York Jets WR Battle: Step Up Now, or Forever Hold Your Peace

The time for critical evaluation is upon the New York Jets as they keep their watchful eyes on the looming wide receiver competition this summer. 

With a pressing need for another quality starter to play opposite Jerricho Cotchery, the Jets are allowing two men on their roster to state their cases for the rights to significant playing time in 2009.

Cotchery received his well-deserved promotion after Laveranues Coles negotiated his release in February. Since then the Jets placed a premium on acquiring defensive help and their quarterback in the NFL Draft.

Now that Mark Sanchez is expected to lead the Jets in the near future, finding him the right weapons is absolutely critical towards establishing championship success.

This is where Brad Smith and David Clowney become a factor as both men seek leverage over one another.

The Thing About Brad Smith

Drafted in the fourth round out of Missouri, Brad Smith set all types of NCAA records as a quarterback. Despite succeeding at the position in college, most scouts determined his athleticism would suit him better as a wide receiver in the NFL.

The Jets took the bait, and Eric Mangini fell in love with the idea of acquiring another versatile player who can do multiple things at any given time.

Smith was supposed to be the Jets offensive Swiss army knife.

Understanding that there would be a steep learning curve for Smith to climb, the majority of his opportunities came as an offensive decoy.

Whenever No. 16 checked into the game, everyone was alert for trickery. Smith on the field usually meant an attempt at the Wildcat offense, a wide receiver reverse, or nothing at all.

But that learning curve Smith was granted is no longer a valid excuse in his fourth year as a pro. He's had ample time to understand Brian Schottenheimer's offense and perform at a higher level.

Unfortunately, he doesn't inspire much confidence.

As a versatile player, Smith comes off as your typical jack of all trades, but master of none. There are many things he can do, but it's unclear if he can do the one New York needs most effectively.

Smith will need to showcase himself as a complete receiver if he ever wants to be considered as anything more than an alternative option in four receiver sets.

The time for trick plays is over.

Can David Become Goliath?

After incredible performances in the 2008 preseason, David Clowney emerged as the only logical heir to everything in the eyes of Jets' fans.

Drafted in the fifth round by the Green Bay Packers, he was released months later before latching onto the Jets' practice squad.

Finally receiving an opportunity to showcase his skills, Clowney took advantage and caught two 70-yard passes for touchdowns in a preseason game against Cleveland.

When fans were ready to see more from him, he suffered a broken collarbone and was sidelined for the majority of the season. After returning to health, he couldn't find the field, despite the Jets' need for a deep receiving threat.

Clowney's critics will be the first to point out that any excitement over him is premature. After all, his receptions did come in the preseason against players who would struggle to make their team's final roster.

However, what is important is that David Clowney did prove himself. The preseason is supposed to be every player's moment to seize the opportunity and stand out. Clowney did it twice.

That's two more times than any other receiver on the roster. 

With elite speed, Clowney has fans excited that he could be the deep threat New York has never had. The excitement is understandable.

But Clowney needs to prove that he can do more than sprint down field. When he was asked to catch a pass in traffic, he suffered a broken collarbone.

Clowney needs to prove that he can be more multi-faceted and threaten in the passing game as more than just a deep option. Otherwise, the offense will be right back where they started.

Stuckey Wasn't Forgotten

Let it be known that Chansi Stuckey wasn't ruled out of the debate without reason.

Despite showing great hands and an ability to find the soft spots in zone coverages, the principal concern with Stuckey revolves around his size.

Coming out of college, most scouting reports questioned his ability to make a clean break at the line of scrimmage. Given his size, it is a legitimate concern. He does not have the physical presence to overpower a defender.

The things Stuckey does well on the field make him more suitable as a slot receiver. His ability to find the open field after the catch and quick feet make him stronger against nickelbacks.

There are also health concerns with Stuckey. He fell to the seventh round because of a foot injury sustained in college, and it nagged him enough as a rookie to place him on injured reserve.

Relying on him to be a complement to Cotchery as a starter would be as risky as it is likely.

Marcus Henry, on the other hand, was completely forgotten.