Gang Green Nation - Rookie Review 2017And the home of the Jets!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50543/ggn-fav.png2017-02-15T17:26:05-05:00http://www.ganggreennation.com/rss/stream/143572092017-02-15T17:26:05-05:002017-02-15T17:26:05-05:00Rookie Review: Lawrence Thomas
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<p>Thomas had a frustrating first year with the Jets due to injury, but he'll be hoping to make the cut again in 2017.</p> <p id="ZwNmSr">If you can't remember Lawrence Thomas, then that's understandable. Thomas appeared in only 3 games (1 start) before being placed on IR with a torn labrum in his shoulder, he wouldn't appear for the Jets again in 2016, but finds himself on the roster, ready to fight for a place in 2017. </p>
<p id="Bl5FVI">It's easy to look past Thomas due to his lack of playing time and his injury. However this was the man who was getting first team reps after impressing coaches through the first few weeks of camp. </p>
<p id="H9JFvU">After arriving at East Lansing as a highly recruited linebacker, Thomas would appear as a fullback before settling down to play on the defensive line. He would slowly build his reputation as a hard working lineman with excellent athleticism and a great motor. It was these same skills that earned Thomas a spot on the Jets final 53 man squad. </p>
<p id="eFuxth">It'll be interesting to see if Thomas can continue to build on his impressive camp from last year. In three games he appeared in he only registered 4 total tackles, but as a rotational defensive lineman, you're not expecting his stat sheet to jump out at you. He can play outside or inside, and I think finding his best position will be a job for the coaches this off-season, his frame is capable of adding good bulk if they want him to move inside. </p>
<p id="YaeRsa">Thomas will need to fight for his spot on the 53 man roster again this year. The best he can likely hope for is as a rotational depth guy. However it will also depend on what the Jets decide to do with the likes of Sheldon Richardson and Steve McLendon.</p>
<p id="yomOII"><strong>Just as a note on this series. I won't be covering any players who the Jets carried on the practice squad who didn't make a start for the team. So guys like Claude Pelon and Jason Vander Laan. Mainly because outside of saying we signed them, released them and then signed them, there isn't much to say</strong>.</p>
https://www.ganggreennation.com/2017/2/15/14630444/2017-nfl-rookie-review-lawrence-thomas-defensive-line-new-york-jets-michigan-stateDavid Wyatt-Hupton2017-02-15T15:00:01-05:002017-02-15T15:00:01-05:00Rookie Review: Brandon Wilds
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<p>Wilds was used sparingly by the Jets and may find himself as the odd man out in 2017.</p> <p id="PBk8ve">We're moving through our rookie contributors from 2016, and we're going to start getting down into the depths of the UDFA's now. As Brandon Wilds is still a Jet, I thought I'd quickly just recap his year.</p>
<p id="w50h5F">It was no surprise to see Brandon go undrafted in 2016. He didn't have a bad career at South Carolina, in fact he climbed the depth chart after landing with the Gamecocks as their 5th choice RB his Freshman year. Unfortunately he never really did anything that made him stand out either. </p>
<p id="J4ATLz">He didn't really get much of a chance with the Jets. He was originally picked up by the Atlanta Falcons, who waived him in early September with an injury settlement. He was signed to the Jets practice squad in late September and actually appeared in four games with the Jets. </p>
<p id="iVdm1g">His numbers were what you'd expect from a 3rd string RB, who was an undrafted rookie getting his first taste of NFL football. 10 carries, 27 yards, 2.7 yards a carry with 2 receptions for 20 yards. Incredibly small sample size to judge someone on, but my opinion of him is based on what I saw during his limited snaps and his college career.</p>
<p id="XJdoyP">I don't think Wilds is a bad runner, but he just doesn't have that 'something' to make him stand out in the pro game. He's not that fast, he doesn't have much wiggle or patience, his balance isn't at a pro level and his hands are pretty average as well. If your line gives him 5 yards of room, he'll pick up 5 yards. He doesn't look like the kind of back who will create on his own. </p>
<p id="zMkVUq">The Jets have Matt Forte and Bilal Powell and are being heavily linked to Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook in the draft as well. For some reason, the coaching staff also seemed extremely interested in Khiry Robinson, who's currently a restricted free agent. I just don't see there being room for Wilds, especially as you can guarantee we'll pick up a couple of backs who went undrafted this year as well. </p>
https://www.ganggreennation.com/2017/2/15/14622398/2016-nfl-rookie-review-brandon-wilds-running-back-new-york-jets-draftDavid Wyatt-Hupton2017-02-14T18:00:01-05:002017-02-14T18:00:01-05:00Rookie Review: Jalin Marshall
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<p>After making waves in the pre-season, Marshall will be looking to take a giant leap forward in year two. </p> <p id="vpe3FF">Jalin Marshall was an off-season star. He was singled out for praise by players and coaches and even beat reporters were waxing poetic about him through training camp. He was making plays and opening eyes, not only could he contribute on special teams, but maybe he could contribute as a wide receiver straight off the bat.</p>
<p id="pkqaOf">Marshall decided to leave Ohio State with two years of eligibility remaining. Although he had solid production while in Columbus, he went undrafted last year. Many scouts believed he was the product of a pro-receiver system in Ohio, that he didn't have the acceleration or the catching ability to be a good pro. Some said his release was poor and he'd struggle to beat press coverage in the pro's.</p>
<p id="gZNaOD">During his first year in New York, Marshall finished with 14 receptions for 162 yards and a 2 TD's. He was targeted 23 times, meaning his catch % was above 60%. He returned 13 kicks for 324 yards (24.9 yard average) and returned 18 punts for 100 yards (5.6 yard average). </p>
<p id="Nx5xUV">Consistency was the key for Marshall, he went through a couple of games where he put the ball on the ground with some costly fumbles (3 in total through 2016) and a shoulder injury sidelined him early. He obviously has talent, but after breaking camp with the Jets as the number 4 receiver, I think it's pretty clear that Robby Anderson is the clear number 4 as things stand. </p>
<p id="Rhr2ko">The concerns in relation to Marshall coming out of college still stand. He does need to add some hand strength to get off the line a little quicker. He does need to continue to work on his route running and ball protection. However he can help you in several facets of the game. He'll definitely be fighting for his roster spot in the summer, but he has a base that he can build on with the experience he gained with the Jets in 2016. </p>
https://www.ganggreennation.com/2017/2/14/14612924/2017-nfl-rookie-review-jalin-marshall-wide-receiver-new-york-jets-ohio-stateDavid Wyatt-Hupton2017-02-14T14:30:01-05:002017-02-14T14:30:01-05:00Rookie Review: Robby Anderson
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<p>The star of the show came to the Jets without them having to give up a draft pick for him. </p> <p id="HyqX2L">When an undrafted player ends the year as the most productive rookie, you give a hat-tip to your scouting department. Robby Anderson was the shining star of the rookie class in 2016 and if he continues to improve, the sky's the limit for the impressive former Temple star. </p>
<p id="uyFRQF">Anderson finished his rookie year with 42 receptions for 587 yards and 2 TD's, pretty impressive numbers for a rookie, let alone an undrafted rookie who only started 8 games (although he did appear in all 16). He was targeted 78 times, which means he caught around 54% of the passes thrown his way, he was credited with 4 drops for a drop rate of 5.1%, which isn't horrible, but could definitely be improved upon. For example, Brandon Marshall got a lot of stick for the amount of passes he put on the floor, but his drop rate was 6.3%. </p>
<p id="aqs1iu">When reviewing any wide receiver, you need to consider the QB's throwing to them. The Jets didn't have a stable situation all year, so that's always going to cause some problems. Saying that, Anderson obviously had a rapport with Bryce Petty, and saw considerable targets with the former Baylor man in at QB. </p>
<p id="4jeZfZ">Anderson showed a lot of good traits in 2016. He high points the ball with excellent body control. He showed a lot of short area quickness and ability to get separation. He has decent speed and good height for a wide receiver. He also made some great circus catches that looked great on the highlight reel. </p>
<p id="tSWrmQ">However he's not the finished product. He had a few concentration drops in there and he is stick thin, at times when he faced bigger more physical corners, he got pushed around a little. If he can add some weight/strength to his frame without losing his short area quickness, he's one to watch for sure.</p>
<p id="wbTXKF">Overall 2016 was a great start for the undrafted man and I've read countless quotes from him which make me believe he has a good head on his shoulders. He know's the benefit of extensive film study and I really wouldn't be surprised to see him take the next step in 2017. </p>
<p id="1PYdPZ">It was a great pick-up by the scouting department and the front office, and a great rookie year for Anderson. </p>
https://www.ganggreennation.com/2017/2/14/14603134/2017-nfl-rookie-review-robby-anderson-new-york-jets-temple-2016-nfl-draft-undraftedDavid Wyatt-Hupton2017-02-13T16:00:01-05:002017-02-13T16:00:01-05:00Rookie Review: Charone Peake
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<p>The Clemson product made an impression, but he'll be fighting for his roster spot in 2017. </p> <p id="kQKhvz">Charone Peake seems to have a little following within the Jets community, although in truth, he'll likely be fighting for his roster space come 2017. It's just a numbers game, and although Peake flashed in limited action, he will still need to compete against the likes of Marshall, Deckers, Enunwa, Anderson and others heading into next year. </p>
<p id="h2SZfk">Peake finished his rookie season with 19 receptions on 35 targets with 0 touchdowns and 1 dropped pass. Which means Peake caught 54.3% of balls thrown his way. Although he was only targeted 35 times, only having one drop is progress for Peake, who's hands were questioned coming into the NFL. His 2.9% drop rate is much better than the 9.1% he put up in his final year in college, although obviously the targets were reduced. </p>
<p id="uIrQLP">Although he failed to catch a touchdown in 2016, he did recover a Ryan Fitzpatrick fumble and take it to the house for a score, that was a heads up play by the rookie if nothing else. He has the size and speed to play wide receiver in the NFL, and he showed a little wiggle with the ball in his hands to make you want to see more. However his release off the line is sketchy at best and he'll need to work harder at finding open spots in zone coverage. </p>
<p id="05WlWn">In college you always looked at him and expected more. He's a great athlete, but there is a reason why he had 10 TD's in five years at Clemson, he's never quite been able to put it all together. Saying that, there was enough there to understand a little of the excitement, but don't be fooled, just like in camp in 2016, he'll be fighting for his place again in 2017. </p>
https://www.ganggreennation.com/2017/2/13/14593098/rookie-review-charone-peake-impression-made-new-york-jets-2016-2017-clemsonDavid Wyatt-Hupton2017-02-13T13:00:02-05:002017-02-13T13:00:02-05:00Rookie Review: Lachlan Edwards
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<p>The 7th round punter struggled in year one, but as a 7th rounder, what are you gonna do. </p> <p id="NgGb1R">What do you really expect out of a 7th round selection? Lac Edwards did some things well in 2016 and he also struggled at times. He's certainly no Johnny Heckker or Marquette King (Who i wanted the Jets to draft a couple of years ago), but he's a young man still finding his way. </p>
<p id="dqdG24">Edwards finished the year with 75 punts for 3,236 yards. Unfortunately that only equates to a 43.1 yard average which was good for 28th best in the league. He did manage to place 24 punts inside the 20 yard line (17th best in the league) and force 22 fair catches (11th in the league). </p>
<p id="rZxEEM">Edwards did have one punt blocked against Miami that resulted in a TD, but I don't think you can blame that on Lac. Rookie running back Brandon Wilds forgot to block his man and Walt Aikens had a clear run at Edwards. However his fumbled punt and poor attempt to recover the ball against Baltimore that resulted in the Jets falling 7-0 behind was definitely on him. He had some stinkers just in terms of punting as well, the week 4 games against Seattle comes to mind, a game where he punted 5 times and averaged just 39.4 yards. </p>
<p id="pT8jeO">I imagine the Jets will bring in competition for Edwards through camp, he's didn't show enough in year one to be handed the job, and as a 7th round selection, if he gets outplayed by someone else, the Jets can easily cut ties with him. We don't know what the offense is going to look like, but it may be an idea to try and sign a punter with a bigger leg than Edwards, his long in 2016 was 59 yards...good for 29th in the league. </p>
<p id="zvm9Ts">You have to consider the unit as a whole when looking at punters or kickers, the coverage on punts and kicks goes a long way to determining how effective they are. The Jets may have allowed a kick return for a touchdown, but they managed to avoid allowing a punt return. </p>
https://www.ganggreennation.com/2017/2/13/14592860/rookie-review-lachlan-edwards-punter-struggles-for-new-york-jets-in-year-oneDavid Wyatt-Hupton2017-02-12T12:51:50-05:002017-02-12T12:51:50-05:00Rookie Review - Christian Hackenberg
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<p>Following a redshirt year for the 2nd rounder, fans will be expecting to see something in year two. </p> <p id="K6YByf">You'll have to forgive me if this is a shorter article than usual, unfortunately there isn't a much to say about Hackenberg's rookie year because he simply didn't play. Credit to the Jets, early on they stated that this would be a redshirt year for Hackenberg and despite the injuries and poor performance at the QB position, they stayed true to their word. </p>
<p id="pJ4a2W">Hackberg's name has been dragged through the mud most of the year. A report surfacing here that the Jets don't have any faith in him, a report surfacing there that his accuracy was abysmal. Everyone knew that Hackenberg was a project coming in if you didn't know, you don't watch a lot of college football. Draft analysts had him going anywhere from the 2nd round (NFL) to not being drafted at all (PFF), and the Jets were accused of overdrafting him 51st overall. </p>
<p id="78S2ig">The issue with Hackenberg is mechanics. His throwing motion changes constantly and his footwork is an absolute mess, which means his accuracy is all over the shop. He does have prototypical size and a great arm, and he performed well as a Freshman in Bill O'Brian's pro style offense. The problem is, he finished off his college career with two below average seasons for a guy who's being selected in the 2nd round. </p>
<p id="BXJwCG">He was drafted because the Jets thought they could fix him. Part of that plan was to allow him to sit and develop for a little while. It's easy to really get on Hackenberg, but he's one of the hardest working guys at the facility, I believe it was Marshall who said that when he got into the gym first thing in the morning, Hack was already there. He's been on Fitzpatrick's hip all year trying to learn. </p>
<p id="lH2OCf">It may never come together for Hackenberg. However he deserves a chance. He'll be learning a new system this year, and although that presents its own challenges, getting a consistent motion with consistent footwork should be priority number one for Hackenberg and new QB coach Jeremy Bates. Personally I'm not holding out much hope for Hackenberg in year two, I do just want to see some progress in pre-season though, as his 35.7 QB rating in the pre-season did nothing to silence his doubters. </p>
<p id="KZ0DQR">If the Jets decide to draft a QB early in the 2017 NFL Draft, most will indicate the Hackenberg selection a mistake and proof that GM Mike Maccagnan is admitting as much. He was drafted as a project for the Jets to fix, a project is what we have. </p>
https://www.ganggreennation.com/2017/2/12/14591460/rookie-review-christian-hackenberg-the-penn-state-project-for-the-new-york-jets-2016-2017David Wyatt-Hupton2017-02-12T09:00:03-05:002017-02-12T09:00:03-05:00Rookie Review: Juston Burris
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<p>Burris flashed his potential late in the year, but remains largely a great unknown. </p> <p id="U15ij1">It's difficult to evaluate Juston Burris because he largely was resigned to special teams until the week 14 game against the San Francisco 49'ers. He was solid on specials and appeared in all 16 games for the Jets, but year two will be our first chance to really see him play significant minutes. </p>
<p id="gWIm8n">However in the limited action we did see, I thought he looked very solid. Over the final four games of the season, he totalled 5 tackles, 4 passes defended and 1 interception. He looked strong at the line and fluid when turning to cover. Coming out of college he was considered a good press corner with a smooth backpedal and we definitely saw that over the final weeks. </p>
<p id="UFuQ9D">The Jets don't have a lot of talent in their secondary, there are big decisions to come on both Revis and Skrine, so I'm sure Burris will have every opportunity to compete for a starting spot in 2017. He flashed in pre-season, with Brandon Marshall and certain coaches singling him out for special praise. He flashed in training camp and through the summer. He then flashed at the end of the year when he was allowed to play significant minutes. He has potential, but at the moment...that's all it is because we haven't seen enough. </p>
<p id="KSn9ti">He played 88% of the snaps against the 49'ers, 85% against the Dolphins, 50% against the Patriots and then sparingly in the season finale due to an injury. </p>
<p id="pAYM72">Burris is the kind of corner that Todd Bowles will love, he comfortably plays press and then has the fluidity to shadow receivers down field. I actually thought there were a number of plays where he just flat out took the receiver out of the game. I'll admit I'm pretty excited about Burris in year two, and with the Jets seemingly moving towards a youth movement, I'd tip him to be starting on the outside come the first game of the 2017/18 season. </p>
https://www.ganggreennation.com/2017/2/12/14590298/rookie-review-new-york-jets-corner-juston-burris-nc-state-flashes-nfl-potentialDavid Wyatt-Hupton