New York Jets' July: Five Battles To Look Forward to As the Jets Go to Camp

The Jets start their travelling training camp circuit on July 31.  The plan for Rex Ryan is to take the camp to central New York (Cortland, to be exact), then to Long Island and Northern New Jersey. 

I applaud Ryan for this move, he is trying to make Jets camp more accessible to the fans that can't or won't drive to Hofstra University (where camp was held in the past).  As the Jets make the trip up north, keep you eye on five battles that can affect the Jets' starting roster.

Can Chansi "Stuckey" to the starting lineup, or will he get Clowned on?

The Jets failed to acquire a receiver in the offseason, which is a huge mistake, and leave the open spot next to Jerricho Cotchery (not exactly No. 1 material himself) in the starting lineup. WR Chansi Stuckey seems to be the natural place in line, considering he was the No. 3 last season.

However, Stuckey isn't very big or particularly fast, so he's not a lock.  While he does run decent routes and has a decent set of mitts on him, he doesn't really offer much that Jerricho Cotchery doesn't.  He doesn't look like much more than a fringe starter with his skill set.

David Clowney, who will be vying for the job also, does offer something different.  He has some serious speed.  He clocked a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash coming out of Virginia Tech.  He also offers roughly the same size that Chansi Stuckey gives you. 

Clowney displayed that speed in a preseason game against Cleveland last year, going for 136 yards and 2 TDs on 4 catches, but soon afterwards he broke a collarbone that turned out to be a major setback. Still, he has a shot to compete for playing time.

Brad Smith *could* be a wild ard in this battle, but I think the Jets are going to keep him where he is as the slot receiver and utility player.  I like Smith's game, but he's a former quarterback who doesn't have great hands or routes and isn't a blazer. He works as a reverse runner and Wildcat QB, though, because he has good moves and running instinct.

My prediction: Chansi Stuckey wins out due to familiarity and polish. I'm hoping Clowney wins it, but I doubt it. He'll be able to stretch the field from the slot, however.

Can Gholston shake the "Ghost"on label, or will Thomas keep him at bay?

Now, knowing Rex Ryan, he'll want to use all of his potential pass rushers to run his aggressive defense. However, that doesn't mean there won't be competition to be an every down player.

Vernon Gholston is the guy who needs to perform and win this job for the good of the Jets. He's fast, strong, has natural pass rush ability, and is receiving a heck of a pay check. Last year, Gholston lacked a motor and struggled with the transition from college DE to 3-4 OLB.

As such, he never saw the field except in spot duty. Under Rex Ryan, Gholston will have every chance to succeed.

Bryan Thomas has been a solid player in the 3-4 but has yet to fulfill his expectations as a first round pick out of UAB. Still, he's experienced and kept Gholston at bay while notching 5.5 sacks (though 4.5 of those sacks were in the first five weeks, and the final sack came in Week 17). 

He has solid pass rush moves and good size, but he's very streaking and doesn't possess Gholston's athleticism.

Prediction: It'll be a battle to the end, but I think Gholston winds up the starter, and Thomas will play like 50 percent of the snaps in a rotational/package role.  Assuming Gholston shows some desire after an embarrassing rookie campaign.

Gettin' so many PD's you can call him Dwight Lowery...but can you call him starter?

Darrelle Revis is an absolute stud on one corner slot, but the other side was a big problem area last year. The Jets were so strapped for solidity, they signed a 90 year old Ty Law to man the spot. Yikes.

Fourth round pick Dwight Lowery was thrown into the fire as a rookie last year, which was a terrible move. He struggled mightily, which led to the Law signing.

However, there was some good as he got some valuable (even if rough) experience and did wind up forcing five fumbles, deflected 16 passes and grabbed a pick. There's almost nowhere to go but up for Lowery.

The Jets traded a 2009 fifth rounder and a conditional 2010 pick for two-time Pro Bowler Lito Sheppard. You'd have to believe Sheppard is on the inside track for the job, but is he really worthy?

According to various sources, such as KC Joyner and Pro Football Prospectus as well as having watched plenty of Eagles

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