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Who is the better receiver RIGHT NOW, Jets seventh round pick Jordan White or second round pick, Stephen Hill? That is a tough one.
White had 140 catches as a senior, and Hill had 49 catches his entire college career.
Obviously Hill has a huge upside, much higher than White. Hill has an amazing size-speed ratio, and world class leaping ability, but it’s going to take time, even though Rex Ryan is already putting him in Canton, to borrow a Bill Parcells’ expression.
It’s easy to downplay White’s college career because he played for Western Michigan in the MAC.
But keep in mind, in his final college game, he caught 13 passes against a Big Ten opponent, Purdue, in the Little Ceasar’s Bowl.
Personally, I don’t think you can ever scoff at a 140-catch season by any player on the Division One level, regardless of the conferences. That is awfully impressive – very rare.
So with that kind of production, why did White drop to the seventh round?
There are three clear reasons.
First of all, he has had surgery on both knees. He blew his right ACL as a freshman, and then tore cartilage in his left knee in 2008, both season-ending injuries. This had to scare some teams.
And then he ran a 4.69 forty at the combine, which is below par for a receiver, though he has run as high as 4.6.
Also, his hips are a little stiff.
But this guy is a player. Not only did he had 140 catches as a senior, he also had 94 as a junior, and both of these seasons followed those knee surgeries, so obviously he’s okay.
“They’re fine,” White told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer about his knees. “Have been fine for three years. The last time I was hurt was 2008. I thought I would have proved doubters wrong on that by now.”
If the Jets give this kid a legitimate chance, which they aren’t always wont to do, he’s going to be very hard to cut. He has the potential to be a terrific slot receiver on the next level.
He has an excellent build for the NFL level – with a thick body-type at 6-0, 208.
His hand are exceptional – that goes without saying when you catch 140 passes in one season.
The biggest question is going to be his speed. Will he be able to separate from NFL defensive backs with stiff hips and a marginal forty time.
We will see.
But like Antonio Allen, this kid is an outstanding seven round value.
I just don’t know if he will get a legitimate chance to show what he can do.
Remember, with no more two-a-days, there are very limited reps for third-string players, and that is where White is right now on the depth chart.
It’s going to be very hard for him to get on the field to show what he can do in Cortland.
There is a very good chance he winds up on the practice squad, and that is probably what the Jets brass has in minds. Don’t forget, the roster is basically already decided, except for one, maybe two spots, and barring injury, White has a myriad of receivers ahead of him.
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