Keep an Eye on Chansi Stuckey

On Sunday, Jets fans got a glimpse of Chansi Stuckey when he caught a 22-yard pass in the front of the end zone, giving the Jets a 13-7 lead over the Miami Dolphins. Stuckey finished the game with two catches, 37 yards, and a touchdown.

While it’s not the best debut in the NFL this past weekend, it’s not terrible numbers for a professional debut. It’s no secret the Jets like what they see in Stuckey, so this is only the beginning for the 24-year old wideout.

When the Jets drafted Stuckey in the seventh round of the 2007 draft, they thought they might have a steal. The Clemson wide receiver slipped in the draft after a less-than-impressive Senior Bowl and average combine numbers.

Although he didn’t turn heads, he was better than what he showed. An excellent route runner, with good hands and breakaway speed, the Jets envisioned him as a slot receiver.

Unfortunately, Stuckey never got that opportunity last season, as he missed the entire 2007 with a broken foot. Brad Smith claimed the slot-receiver role, but he had mixed results. He finished the year with 32 receptions for 325 yards and two touchdowns.

This year, his will get his chance. After a strong training camp, Stuckey won the job as Brett Favre’s third option, behind Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, with Smith listed as the fourth receiver.

Given his potential, he’s a good long-term option for the Jets. This doesn’t mean you need to scour the waiver wire for him on your fantasy team. With talented receivers like Coles and Cotchery ahead of him on the depth chart, and Smith getting his own share of opportunities, Stuckey’s role early this season might be limited.

Should Coles or Cotchery miss any time with injury (Coles has never been known as an “iron man”), look for Stuckey to get an opportunity to make some waves in the Jets' offense.