Time Has Come from 2010 Draft Class to Step Up

by John B on May 9, 2011 8:00 AM EDT

The Jets had to be a tad disappointed in what the four players they selected in the 2010 NFL Draft provided as rookies. None of them had great contributions. John Conner had the best excuse. He spent most of his year sitting behind Tony Richardson. The other three were more disappointing. The team had plans for Kyle Wilson locking down the nickel. A very slow start saw his reps get more and more limited as the year went on. Vladimir Ducasse failed to mount much of a challenge to take the starting left guard job. Joe McKnight was out of shape reporting to the team and almost got cut.

Those three can get something of a pass as rookies. The team asked an extraordinary , perhaps even unfair amount from Ducasse and Wilson. The transition from college football to the NFL is not easy. It does not click for everybody right away. The Jets could surely use more from them this year, though. They have had a chance to get used to the speed of the pro game. They know their respective playbooks. They have seen film. They know what the grind of the season is like and what kind of shape they need to be in.

The Jets also could use them to step up in expanded roles. There is a vacancy at right tackle with Ducasse's name on it. There either will be a vacancy at starting corner for Wilson or that same nickel spot that could use an upgrade from Drew Coleman. With offensive weapons potentially leaving and LaDainian Tomlinson aging, McKnight taking more of a role would be nice.

I do not expect any of the three to peak as second year players. They do not necessarily need to evolve into elite players. This is an important offseason for them, though, because if they do not show they are going to be decent NFL players by year two, it will create legitimate questions.

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I think they'll step up.

McKnight, by far, had the potential to have the worst year and he really seems like he’s back on Rex’s good side. Busted himself on Special Teams, and his work paid off.

I worry about Wilson more than Ducasse, if only because of the pressure on Wilson to lock down the other half of the field, should he be asked to take on the #2 role this year at CB. Even Revis was still having lapses in his second year, and Wilson might be good, but he’s no Revis. I will say, thought, that both of them started to “get it” later in the season, or so it seemed.

Connor I really have no hesitation about. I feel like he’s ready, especially physically, and he can only get better the more reps he gets. Practice only goes so far without seeing game-speed situations.

by psuwxman on May 9, 2011 8:46 AM EDT reply actions

Unfortunately...

this damn lockout is going to effect OTA’s as well as, other teaching periods.
IMO Mc Knight just needs to know his position and, what shape to be in when it’s time to go so, I feel he’ll be ready now that he knows what to expect plus, I hear he has a real chip on his shoulder since the Powell pick which could be a real good thing.
Vlad still needs work and, IMO Callahan could have him ready for this year with all the OTA’s, Training camp and, preseason games but, IDK what to think now.
Wilson is basically the same as above Thurman’s little gang could be ready to make a big move this year, even Cole was making some nice progress and, maybe could of pushed for some playing time, I just hope the Jets either keep Cro.or get Nandi so we will be safe at # 2
This lockout is really effecting the Jets in some big area’s these OTA’s even the non-OTA’s could be great teaching time getting Vlad and Kyle ready for them to step into bigger roles this coming year. this will stunt both of their growth

by JETSFAN IN SC on May 9, 2011 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

I cant say I have any faith in King Ugly

Still having flash backs from last year pre-season and seeing sanchez almost die. Dont know how much crack Mr. T was taking when he said he would have taken him in the 1st. I hope he can be much better and this lockout will end soon so he can stqart training

by JetsFan718 on May 9, 2011 10:56 AM EDT reply actions

about Vlad

Vlad has the size and strength to be sucessfull on the O-line, he just needs to improve his technique. IMHO technique is the only reason he lost the starting job to Mat Slauson. If he can get that one aspect down he will be a beast on the line…Vlad and Slauson will be the anchors of the O line for years to come.

by willmpk on May 9, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Kyle could had benefited with having Revis in camp

He had to play outside all training camp and then play the nickel when the season started. This was unfair to him. All I know is I seen signs he going to be real good. Everybody discounts McKnight’s game against the Bills. I don’t. I know how tough it is to play in the NFL, even if the players are not that good, they are still elite athletes. This guy had over . 100 yards running between tackles. So that means, if a hole was there, he had to hit it. If this was possible for anybody to do, then we all be playing against the Bills. Vlad, I just don’t know yet.

by BIG OH!!!!! on May 9, 2011 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

+1

by JetsFan718 on May 9, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

I think that Ducasse is the only one who won't step it up this year.

He could slightly improve, but it is already clear to people that he isn’t good at picking up the NFL style. I think Wilson could improve with more playing time and practice and become a very decent fourth or even third CB, whereas we could barely play him in man coverage last year. As for Mcknight, I think we are all excited to see what he can bring to the table after that breakout game against the Bills.

Muhammad Wilkerson + Kenrick Ellis=
-Greatest two picks of all time
-Sleepless nights for Tommy Bieber

by JetKing55 on May 9, 2011 3:54 PM EDT reply actions

I'm excited about all those guys.

The only guy I’m mildly concerned about is Vlad. But even if he gets off to a slow start, he’ll only get better with reps, and you can give him help from a TE and/or a back if need be.

by Crackback on May 9, 2011 7:10 PM EDT reply actions