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Wednesday marked the final open OTA practice before the Jets hold the mandatory minicamp next week. There were some important things to note. So let’s jump right in with the final OTA notebook of 2015. . .
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie, along with guard Willie Colon and defensive lineman Leger Douzable, missed practice to participate in the NFL’s Broadcast Boot Camp, for players who might be interested in a media career after football.
Taking Cromartie’s place with the first team opposite Darrelle Revis was Darrin Walls, who started 12 games for the Jets last season. Walls made some nice plays and said after practice that the experience he had last season made him more confident coming into 2015.
“I think the amount of time I played last year gave me the opportunity to get more comfortable. There’s definitely a difference from the game to practice,” said Walls, who made only four starts before last season. “With Darrelle Revis on the other side of you, it’s hard to slack off. He’s brought a lot of attitude and energy to the secondary.” . . .
Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley finally returned to limited action after sitting out while dealing with an Achilles/ankle injury. When he returned to the practice field at the end of a drill and was met with excitement from fellow wide receivers. . .
Offensive lineman Brian Winters made his debut in team drills, rotating along the first-team offensive line. He worked primarily at the guard spots and looked good in limited reps.
Winters is coming off knee surgery to repair a torn ACL he suffered against the Denver Broncos last season. Head coach Todd Bowles said he will have a rep count as he continues to rehab the injury. . .
Newly signed wide receiver Jonathan Rumph, who had a couple of nice practices as tryout player during the Jets’ rookie minicamp, looked impressive in limited action. He made a nice catch on a tipped ball by cornerback Dexter McDougle in team drills.
The Jets have a loaded receiving corps, but Rumph (6-5, 218 pounds) has great size for the position. He’s definitely a player to watch in training camp. . .
There were a number of offside penalties called against the kickoff coverage team in a drill against no opponent. Running back Zac Stacy and cornerback Dashaun Phillips were flagged on separate plays, while tight end Zach Sudfeld and outside linebacker Trevor Reilly were close to getting flagged . . .
On the second practice field, second-round pick Devin Smith made an over-the-shoulder grab between safeties Rontez Miles and Durrell Eskridge, his first big play of open OTAs. Quarterback Bryce Petty dropped the ball in the perfect spot between the two defenders. . .
Cornerback Marcus Williams, who started the Jets’ final eight games of 2014, continued to look impressive during OTAs. On Wednesday, he broke up passes to a tight end and a running back and had tight coverage on receivers on the outside and in the slot.
He’s been somewhat of a forgotten man since the signings of Revis, Cromartie and Buster Skrine, but he can be a solid contributor for the Jets secondary in 2015.
The Jets are likely going to have to cut a few good players in the secondary. They have a lot of talent back there.
June 3, 2015
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