It’s finally here, after weeks of waiting for football, it is finally making its return as this week many teams will start training camps. Over the last few weeks, several of my co-workers have previewed other teams. I decided to take one of the New York teams.
On July 30th, the New York Jets begin training camp as they have many unanswered questions and positions are still being determined. Here are five position battles to watch as training camp gets underway.
Cornerback
After Antonio Cromartie did not re-sign with the New York Jets this off-season, it left a major hole. The three Jets players who are going to battle for that role are Buster Skrine , who the Jets picked up in free agency last year; Dee Milliner, who the Jets drafted 9th overall in the 2013 draft; and Dexter McDougle, who the Jets drafted in the 3rd round of the 2013 Draft. My take, look for Buster Skrine to take the role for the reason that he doesn’t have a ton of competition. Dee Milliner and Dexter McDougle have not really shown over the last three years why they should be taken seriously.
Quarterback
Out of any of these position battles on this list, this one is the most interesting one. A few days before camp begins, Geno Smith is currently being penciled as the starter due to Ryan Fitzpatrick not signing his contract. If Fitzpatrick doesn’t sign, then the battle of who will be the backup Quarterback is between Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, who the Jets drafted in this past year draft. I see Bryce Petty getting the backup role unless Hackenberg has an impressive camp. If Ryan Fitzpatrick does decide to sign his contract with the Jets, then this battle is non-important because then Geno would then assume the backup role and Petty would have the 3rd string role. Unfortunately, Hackenberg would be the odd man out.
Outside Linebacker
This was a position left voided when Calvin Pace did not resign his contract last season, so it is expected that Lorenzo Mouldin will be asked to play more. However, he doesn’t have the type of contract that would automatically guarantee him the job for the year . You have Jordan Jenkins, Trevor Reily, and former CFL player Freddie Bishop. I have a feeling Mouldin will get the job and you will see Jordan Jenkins be the backup. I see Trevor Riley and Freddie Bishop being put on special teams.
Inside Linebacker
It’s pretty known that the starter is going to be Erin Henderson, however, it is not guaranteed. The Jets spent a first round pick and got Deron Lee. They signed Bruce Carter who played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. I feel Erin Henderson will be the starter when camp breaks, but once he slides or starts to fall apart that the Jets will pull the plug and put Lee in.
Third string Wide Receiver
The Jets have one of the best duos in Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall. There were rumors that Jace Amaro may slide into that position. I don’t see that happening as I see him being playing more Tight End. The battle I see will come down to Devin Smith and Quincy Enunwa. Unfortunately, Devin Smith got injured and was placed on the shelf for a majority of last season. Qunicy Enunwa came in and did well for what he was asked to do. So Devin Smith is going to have a major bounce back during training camp to get his spot back.
These are the position battles I am looking at as the New York Jets begin training camp this week. What position battles are you looking at for the New York Jets, leave them in the comments below and let us know.