Minicamp Is Upon Us
By Ken Berger
Thanks for all your suggestions on naming the blog. I can empathize with Bassett about having an uninspiring name. I'm pushing for something simple, like, "Berger Blog: Inside the Jets." I haven't heard this many hamburger jokes since elementary school, a simpler and information-deprived era when blogs didn't even exist.
I have fielded some unsolicited guesses from colleagues about the possible identity of John Doe, who lauds me one day and shreds me the next on here. As journalists, our natural investigative instincts have caused us to hatch an unofficial probe, but fairness demands that the results and details not be made public until after the grand jury convenes.
Now, on to more important stuff. Our first look at the new rookie crop will be this weekend at Hofstra during a two-day minicamp Friday and Saturday. Under Herm, the Jets typically held one offseason minicamp, open to rookies and veterans, on the weekend after the draft. Mangini has opted for a rookie camp two weekends removed from the draft, followed by a full-squad minicamp in mid-June.
In between, there allegedly will be a passing camp -- and that's the one that, at least for me, will generate the most curiosity. From what could be gathered during the draft, it appears that the passing camp at the end of this month will provide Chad Pennington's first snaps in live drills since his latest shoulder operation. If I had to guess, I would say that those practices will not be open to the media. It will be a monumental task simply to find out for you what, if anything, Pennington does. The full-squad minicamp in mid-June will be open to reporters, so I'll at least be able to tell you what my eyes see at that point.
As for the rookies this weekend, a lot of eyes will be focused on D'Brickashaw Ferguson. But to me, the most interesting storylines will be Brad Smith, Kellen Clemens, and Nick Mangold. I'll give you my impressions of all the rookies, as well as how Mangini conducts himself during his first on-field practices as a head coach.
We might as well get this rolling now: Feel free to throw me some questions or things you want me to look for this weekend. I'll be your eyes and ears. Even you, John Doe.
And you, too, Glauber. The only way Glauber would interrupt his post-draft hibernation would be if the Jets had drafted Marcus Vick.
Which brings me to an interesting question: Who thinks it's possible that Brad Smith could be a better pro than Marcus Vick?
See ya.
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Comments (27)
Here's some questions Ken. How's Curtis' knee? Any potential free agent rumors to help out in the backfield as we are a little lite back there? How about some prospects up the middle on the defensive line? Are we still looking for help at defensive back because there is not a lot of experience or depth back there?
Everything's a "BLOG" today. Sounds like what happens on the toilet...How about talking with people (a more polite thought)..."Jets Speak" or "Jet Reaction" or "Jet Launch"?
I absolutely think that B Smith could be a bettter pro than Marucs Vick... I know Vick was practicing with the Phins, but it looks like he will sign with a CFL team.
Smith could be a versatile player for the Jets. For now, I would much rather see him be the #4/#/5 reciever than a guy like Jovan Witherspoon. Nothing against a Witherspoon, it's just that other than being tall, he doesn't bring anything else to the table.
I was reading Lange's article last week and he said that Smith had a 4.54 time at the combine, while I read on FoxSports that his time was a 4.46 ... do you have any knowledge of that?
Either way, Smith's play is electric. His accuracy on long tosses is somewhat suspect, which scares me a bit if the Jets use him for gadget plays with long bomb type throws. I applaud the Jets for paying lip service to pursuing his dream to be an NFL QB on the side, but to find him work where he is most valuable, with his feet.
I found a clip of a game of his on YouTube, A note, the music used in the clip is a little ribald, so you might not want to blast the Three-6 Mafia at work (maybe Glauber would):
http://www.thejetsblog.com/blog/_archives/2006/5/1/1924872.html
While for sure the top draft picks get anyone's attention, I've always been interested in the mid and later rounds.. finding the so-called "diamond in the rough"..and to that end, this Anthony Schlegel really peeks my interest..so although there's prolly no full contact in these early practices, if you get the chance, I'd be interested in anything you pick up on his performance.. quickness? they say he's good on runs but might not be good in pass protection.. do you see anything that gives a hint on any truth to this? Thanks in advance.
David
Ken, Rookie Minicamp is always interesting especially this year with a new head coach. I think Eric will run a tight ship which is good. My real interest is how Leon Washington looks and undrafted free agent rbs DonTrell Moore from New Mexico and Ryan Gilbert from Houston. Both were very productive runners at school but both had major injuries which they seem to have recovered from. If any of them shine were does that leave Blaylock?
IRA
Firstly, to Bassett... I'm not sure where the 4.54 came from (that number was all over the web), but he ran a 4.46 at the combine. Look at the group 6 QBs ---> http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/9269912 ...
Ken, thanks again for your candor ;)
I'll put my beans on Brad Smith over Vick. He seems like a great athlete, with a great work ethic... and a head to match. While Vick seems like he'll need
a team of chaperones, to keep him from hurting himself.
I've got lots of questions, but for now...
there are so many conflicting reports about Clemens'
arm strength. I'd be interested in your take on it, after you see him at mini-camp?
Also, if Ramsey seems to have his head on straight.
And lastly... I'd be interested in any thoughts that come to mind, about Mangini as coach, as you watch him on the field. I've been impressed with what Tannini have done so far, but will it translate onto the field? How are the players responding to him?
How the practices differ from those over the past few years?
OK... I'll stop for now... thanks for the update, Ken!!!
Ken. Foegot to mention Titus Adams. I know def tackle is one of the hardest postions for rookies to p/u in there first year. Even though he is a 7th rd pick maybe we have found another Jason Ferguson. Keep your eye on him.
IRA
ken, halt the investigation. i am not a reporter or even a colleague of yours, just a big sports fan.
oh and i love how yesterday i post a comment saying "write something already, its been a week" and the next day you wrote it. funny stuff.
keep up the (inserting "good" is optional) work.
Hello Ken, Thanks for stepping up and doing this blog, it's always great to have an informative journalist updating the great Jets fans on what is going on and providing astute analysis. As for the rookie mini-camp, I am curious as to what Eric Smith will contribute. Is he a free safety or strong safety at the pro level? I am a huge fan of Eric Coleman, who I often refer to as BALLHAWK. Do you think Rhodes or Coleman's job is in serious jeopardy?
Hi Ken, good stuff. Please keep it coming. Can you keep us posted on the following:
- Who practices at NT, esecially with respect to our rookies and FA pickups?
- Who is in the running for inside and outside LB? It seems we have a lot of LBs, but it's not clear who will play which positions, especially with regard to Hobson, Barton, McClover and Kassel.
- Who is in the running for RT behind AJ? How does Blanton look?
Is D Robertson dead ? Mangini dosent even mention him when talking about the new D. Nor does the JEts Website? What gives ? Is he out soon to be cut?
I'm interested to learn about Mangini. We know he likes leaders with character, but what's his coaching style? Motivator like Parcells or strategist like Belichick? Player friendly or task oriented (teaches the basics)? Is he extremely intelligent? A great communicator? Autocratic or participatory decision making style? Work ethic as good as Herm's?
It's been awhile since the Sack Exchange... time for a new nick name? Has any team ever put their O line in the lime-light? How about The Great Green Wall?
Ken,
One question about mini-camp: why is it so "mini"? Shouldn't they make it a full week? Maybe Woody can run some cross-promotion and call it the "Extra-absorbent Maxi-camp." You know, since the players will absorb extra knowledge! Like a feminine napkin!
Also, does Schlegel get a chance to start, seeing as how he's the only LB on the roster who can actually take on a block at the point of attack? If the switch to a 3-4 does play out, he'd be the perfect complement to Vilma, no?
Why not call your column, Blogger Deluxe?
Fred, Brooklyn
Ken, This blog is a great idea, especially for us fans that have moved out of the NY area. Huge shake up going to the 3-4 Def. I am curious to see who fits in at NT. I would be interested in hearing if Sione Pouha (R last year) is still on the team. I think he played the nose at Utah and his size at 6-3 325lbs. seems perfect.
Ken - Thanks for keeping the blog alive. I visit many of the JET websites as I have been a season ticket holder since 1979. What I believe to be an added plus to your site is that you can give us fans an extra insight into what's happening with your journalist point of view. My suggestion for the blog is: Berger Blog - In Touch with the JETS
Ken, good questions/comments all around. I too am interested in Mangini. A solid and not flashy draft have left me (and most Jet fans) mildly optimistic about the upcoming season. New coaching philosophy, new defense, old and injured players. Besides CMart, remember Blalock was injured and Ced Houston was in a wreck this off season so runningback is a question. Any info on the possible step ins would be a great help.
For a name, how about "The Bergermeister Meisterblogger"?
Ken, great job on the blog. It will be interesting to see what kind of routes Chad is throwing and how his arm strength matches up to that of Ramsey. For some reason, I doubt chad will be throwing deep outs. The routes in camp may give us an inclination as to what type of offense the Jets will run and who this offense is tailored around.
Also was Herm really as clueless as he appeared at the end of the Pitt playoff loss and is Bradway that thin skinned?
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