Joe McKnight Modifying Work Outs To Prepare for NFL Speed

by David_Wyatt on Jul 4, 2010 5:26 PM EDT

Came across an interesting story on Nola today, a local New Orleans site which had some interesting comments from 2010 draft pick Joe McKnight. You will probably remember that I stood firmly by the side of McKnight when others were criticizing him for his mini cramp performance. Reports came out that McKnight had been struck down by some illnesses, and was finding it tough to keep hydrated at the time.

However reports from local beat writers seemed to strike a chord with McKnight who confessed that he went away to work harder on certain aspects to dispel the label that was attached to him (unfairly if you ask me):

"I went home and worked on my cardio -- I did a lot of core training and running to get my wind back, " McKnight said. "It's helped me because a lot of papers described me as lazy and not hard-working. I'm still changing that perception of me."

As well as doing his own work, McKnight has not been afraid to turn to Tomlinson for advice:

"(Tomlinson) is like my big brother I never had, " McKnight said. "He's teaching me all the things he's learned -- how to be professional about everything, take care of your body and be a good person in life."

We also thought it was important to note that rookie camp is really a non issue. It's also not uncommon for players to struggle adapting initially.

Local NFL analyst Mike Detillier said rookies arriving with subpar conditioning is not uncommon.

"You find out real quick there's a difference between workout condition and game condition, " Detillier said. "If we were three weeks into training camp, I'd say it's an issue."

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McKnight has taken criticism and turned it into motivation.All these college draftees work hard at the combine and then prepare for personnel workouts. The draft comes ,and you need a break from your training. Joe maintains that he wasn’t in bad shape, made a minor error in judgement. Part of this has to be nerves, also it has been reported that joe gets migraines, I think that may be part of it, a lot of pressure on this kid, as he works with LT and the Jets IMO the nerves will subside..
Does anyone know if McKnight is attending Sanchez’s Jets West ?

by JetOrange on Jul 4, 2010 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

i am just glad he can get through practice w/o puking

by BL3ACH on Jul 4, 2010 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I think the pressure is a good thing.

These labels that are being put onto him, although they are unfair they are pushing him. He cares about his image and doesnt want to be seen as most of the things he is being portrayed as. I think Joe might be a key influence to our team in a couple of years.

"As humans we strive for success but live with fear. If success was inevitable, fear cannot exist" Michael Kelley

by MikeTheIntern on Jul 4, 2010 7:35 PM EDT reply actions

I dunno....

Im one of the sceptics with this guy, not sure if hes got it.
I hope im wrong.

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by jcgamble on Jul 4, 2010 7:46 PM EDT reply actions

Unfortunately I don’t think you are. This guy has no burst, can only perform in space (the kind you aren’t afforded in the NFL), struggles to even run through an arm tackle, and lacks an extra gear (he gets caught from behind). Mark your calendar, because a lot of guys who love McKnight now will be the same ones killing the FO for trading Leon (among other things) near the end of this season.

by nationalist88 on Jul 4, 2010 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions

He doesn't have world-beater speed

but I think he’s got enough short-are quickness to get out of trouble, and I disagree about his inability to get through arm tackles.

I think one reason why he will be successful is because he’s excellent at finding seams and has tremendous vision when it comes to know where his blocks are setting up and the direction of the traffic he needs to cut through.

We’re setting ourselves up for disappointment if we’re expecting 2008 Leon from Day 1, but if we expect flashes of his upside with some rookie mistakes along the way, I think that’s more realistic.

by psuwxman on Jul 5, 2010 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Shame Leon got hurt.I'll follow him all season and hope he makes it back.

by Putnan Prince on Jul 5, 2010 12:18 AM EDT reply actions

leon

Though I like Leon, I think the jest made the right move in taking a chance with Joe M even if he doesn’t work out. Leon had a very bad broken leg and I do hope he makes it back but if he doesn’t then it would be a bust to have paid him. He’s got the incentive to get better and prove something to the Jets but I wouldn’t pay the money wondering. Let’s hope Joe works out and it’s good to see him dedicated to get better, that’s more than half the battle.

by ocjet2 on Jul 5, 2010 2:17 AM EDT reply actions

jets

It’s getting late and I’m making spelling errors and this one is funny. I said jest instead of jets so I hope the joke is not on the jets.

by ocjet2 on Jul 5, 2010 2:19 AM EDT reply actions

Obviously I'm no professional NFL scout

But i figured I’d voice my opinion from the view of an average fan. From this video, I would say, while McKnight doesn’t appear to have the same speed and agility as Leon did, he is a very smart player, and is willing and able to take a hit. Leon is a huge question mark this year, for injury. And McKnight is a question mark for transition. But I think learning under LT, and running behind the Jets offensive line will boost his numbers and his confidence. He will be a solid back-up for now, but he also has the ability to be a starter or at least split carries with Greene (as Washington would have if he hadnt been hurt).

by VinnyG917 on Jul 5, 2010 2:14 PM EDT reply actions

Veteran - LT

Soph. - Greene
Rookie – Mcknight

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by Vol-CANO24 on Jul 5, 2010 5:26 PM EDT reply actions

I do remember this day, I was on twitter and by the end of the first practice (about 11am), every Jet fan out there was freaking out. It was funny and sad at the same time.

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by Ryan Alfieri on Jul 5, 2010 9:13 PM EDT reply actions

It was funny/sad/annoying and infuriating

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by David_Wyatt on Jul 6, 2010 5:04 AM EDT up reply actions

We shall see.

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by Patssuck456 on Jul 5, 2010 10:08 PM EDT reply actions

speed

Of course JM doesn’t have the speed of CJ but he was top 5 in the combine in the 40 of over 20 RB’s not too shabby. Funny some are talking about Leon speed over JM but the combine best for 40 for JM was 4.42, worst 4.47 and Leon best was 4.42, worst 4.57. Leon has been know to run 4.3 as well as JM. So the speed is pretty much the same so I see no huge difference in speed in fact they are similar give or take a few hundredths of a second either way.