The competition at running back is also fairly competitive. Jesse Chatman appears to be running away with the third RB honors, making the former Baltimore Raven, Musa Smith, questionable for the final roster. Smith has performed well when splitting duties with Chatman, but he may find himself falling behind on the special teams depth chart as well.
Jehuu Caulcrick may earn his bones as a backup FB to Tony Richardson. He certainly has the size to warrant a spot on the team. But if he does make the final cut, Caulcrick may find himself inactive for more games than anything. These days backup FB roles go to backup tight ends as well. So with a guy like Jason Pociask showing good hands and after-catch ability, Caulcrick may become expendable.
The status of rookie QB Erik Ainge poses an intriguing dilemma for the New York Jets. Having been drafted in the fifth round, Ainge has fallen far behind Brett Ratliff in the battle for a third QB spot. With no opportunities to throw the ball in any of the pre-season contests, the 6-foot-5 QB will need to have an immaculate performance against Philadelphia to warrant a roster spot.
Fortunately for some of these younger players, life after final cuts is not the end of the world as they know it. Life on the practice squad is a possibility for some of these talented guys on the proverbial bubble. Sadly, however, that also makes them ripe for picking by any team impressed with them.
Never overlook the quality that's there for the taking, as David Clowney was signed by the Jets off of Green Bay's practice squad last season. Also, the Giants recently made good with two former RBs on the Jets' practice squad in Derrick Ward and Danny Ware.
What is certain is that some very talented players may be overlooked in favor of experienced ones. It’s difficult to play the regret game, but it needs to be understood that the release of some players is not so much about their lack of talent, but is contingent upon their ability to contribute to an already talented squad.
It will also be interesting to see which players will be released by other teams that need to make similar decisions. Perhaps a quality safety will become available after final cuts? Mike Tannenbaum and Eric Mangini have made it well-known that player evaluation never ends.
Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community.
We'd like to send you the most entertaining New York Jets articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
12 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete