New York Jets: Six Players To Watch In Training Camp
May 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles watches organized team activities at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
The end of July means one thing in the NFL; the beginning of training camp. For the New York Jets, that time has officially come, as players reported yesterday and the Jets will begin practicing today. This will be a fun time for the Jets, as it is the true beginning to the new regime, as Todd Bowles has taken over as head coach and Mike Maccagnan in the front office, replacing Rex Ryan and John Idzik.
The Jets did well in the offseason, upgrading virtually across the board via the NFL Draft and free agency. With the new regime in place, and with the moves they made, there are some heightened expectations as well. They have added weapons on offense and solidified their defensive secondary, bringing back some familiar names in Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie to anchor them.
The Jets are pretty solidified across the board, as they don’t have many training camp battles on the horizon. But, that doesn’t mean there won’t be storylines and things to pay attention to. There are still players that will be fighting for a spot and playing time under a new coaching staff. There will also be younger players trying to solidify themselves as NFL pros that will need to show something or else face the potential of being cut.
The Jets, like all NFL teams, have plenty of players that fall under those categories. Here are six players to pay attention to during training camp over the next couple of weeks.
Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson (50) celebrates the win against the Washington Redskins at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Henderson is currently low on the Jets’ depth chart at linebacker, and there is a good chance that he does not make this team, but he is still a player worth watching. He is worth watching because Henderson is battling back from substance abuse and trying to revive his career. He was looking for another chance, and the Jets have given it to him.
He was a solid producer for the Minnesota Vikings prior to giving into his alcohol problems. As recently as 2013 he was highly productive, registering 112 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble and two interceptions in 14 games. There is obviously talent there prior to his career and life getting derailed; it’s just a question of what remains, and if he can stay on the straight and narrow avoiding alcohol.
If he is able to stay sober, he could bring a solid veteran presence to the Jets off the bench, backing up the middle linebacker spots. He is someone that people will be rooting for both on and off the field as he tries to get his playing career and life back on track.
Next: Rookie Wide Receiver