Jeremy Kerley: Assessing His Situation With New York Jets

For the past few seasons, former TCU star Jeremy Kerley has been the New York Jets primary receiving target. During 2011-2013, Kerley was New York’s leading receiver, racking up a career high 827 receiving yards in 2012. How can a receiver who has been the face of the receiving core for so long, slip all the way down to fifth on the depth chart?

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Usually, if a receiver finds himself in this situation, it could be due to a few factors. Primarily, age and injuries are a huge factor. Free agent or trade acquisitions can also be taken into consideration. In Kerley’s case, not any of these can point to his disappearance in the offense.

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The additions of Brandon Marshall and second round pick Devin Smith were bound to diminish Kerley’s role, but not by much. Heading into the season, it was assumed that Kerley would still be the number three receiver, behind Marshall and Eric Decker. Instead, Kerley is in front no one, but rather behind five other receivers. The emergence of young receivers like Chris Owusu and Quincy Enunwa, who have been battling for the third receiver in the slot, have had an enormous impact on Kerley.

Why is this the case? Did Kerley not perform during training camp? Did Enunwa and Owusu out perform him? There is no doubt that those two had impressive camps individually, but Kerley did not have a bad one either. Kerley’s number one problem in this new offense, is his height. At 5’9″, he is the shortest receiver on the depth chart.

Enunwa, 6’2″, Owusu, 6’0″, and Smith, 6’2″, all have the advantage over the former fourth round pick. Marshall, 6’4″ and Decker, 6’3″, are atop the depth chart. Coach Todd Bowles has said he likes big, aggressive receivers who can block well. It plays to his offensive scheme, and in turn plays well into running the football. Because of Kerley’s size, he has been pushed aside.

Now, Kerley is still a very good football player. And, to give him credit, I do think he is a fairly decent blocker, especially considering his size. However, in the coaching staffs eyes, then do not see it as such.

Its an unfortunate situation as Kerley, who has been a Jet his whole career, has been a hard working, respectable, and classy teammate. New York has never had to deal with any misconduct or legal trouble with Kerley, and he has never spoken out negatively about his teammates or the coaching staff. He has been a model citizen. He has shown up, has played well, and has done everything that has been asked of him. Put it this way; if Kerley was three inches taller, he would be playing right now.

Whether Kerley gets traded, or rides out his current position on the depth chart remains to be seen. But one thing is fore sure, Kerley is a good player, and if he ends up going somewhere, he will be productive.

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