Cortland – With a myriad of injuries at cornerback, the Jets are going to have a casting call, with guys currently on the roster, to determine who will start opposite Dimitri Patterson, who is expected back shortly from a quad injury.
“Our first order of business is to see what our guys can do,” said Jets GM John Idzik.
“We are going to try everybody there,” said Jets coach Rex Ryan.
One sleeper in the competition is former New England Patriots cornerback Ras-I Dowling.
He was very highly-regarded in the 2011 draft coming out of Virginia, and the Patriots grabbed him with the first pick of the second round.
He certainly looks the part, at 6-1, 210 pounds with 4.4 speed.
The Patriots moved on from him after a couple of seasons due to injury issues.
Now is his time to shine.
The opportunity is right there in front of him.
Today, when addressing the media, Jets secondary coach Tim McDonald, said Dowling has done some good things in camp and is a candidate for the opening.
One impressive thing about Dowling is how loose his hips are for a big corner. He changes directions smoothly.
Not only is he a tall cornerback, but has very good leaping ability. Dowling also has the size and temperament to maul receivers at the line.
But it’s now or never for Dowling.
With this opening in front of him, it’s time for him to realize his potential, and reach for the brass ring.
