Content available exclusively for subscribers
Things can change quickly.
With all the depth on the Jets’ line entering camp, you got the sense that tackle Chuma Edoga might be in trouble.
After all, the team entered camp with Mekhi Becton at left tackle, backed up by Conor McDermott, and George Fant and Morgan Moses battling at right tackle. So that probably would have been it for tackles making the team.
But now with McDermott likely suffering a serious knee injury, and probably done for the year, and Becton’s up and down summer (including having to leave practice today after getting shaken up), Edoga could come in handy.
Edoga missed some time early in camp with a knee injury, but was back on the field today with a medical sleeve on his right leg.
Edoga is actually a very good fit for the team’s new outside zone blocking scheme because he is very light on his feet. He was the Jets’ third-round pick in the 2019 draft out of USC. He was a five-star recruit coming out of high school in Atlanta . . .
Jets DE Jabari Zuniga was on the rehab field today with a knee brace on his right leg. Unfortunately for the player, it’s been one injury after the other since arriving in Florham Park in April 2020 as a third-round pick of the Jets.
Look, as you know, I don’t like to judge players based on injuries. If you are injured you are injured, but at some point he’s going to run out of lifelines, that is just the nature of the NFL . . .
Speaking of defensive lineman who have had a hard time staying healthy, DT Sheldon Rankins sat out of practice today with a knee injury. His left knee had a brace on it. He had myriad injuries with the Saints, including fibula, achilles and knee issues. It’s unclear if his current knee issue is related to the one he had last year.
Once again, not judging. Guys get hurt, but he’s had had hard time over the years on this front . . .
Watching the Jets-Eagles practice today – one quick Eagles observation – QB Jalen Hurts holds the ball too long . . .
While we need to see more game action from him to make an a more concrete assessment, but based on practice, and a couple of preseason games, it looks like Joe Douglas might have stolen CB Brandin Echols in the sixth round.
One thing I’ve noticed that he consistently does very well is stay in stride with wide receivers downfield, and not let them get much separation. He does this all the time, like on a PD today on a pass down the deep left side to Eagles 2021 first-round pick, WR DeVonta Smith . . .
Quinnen Williams had a couple of nice plays in a row in practice. He got inside the left guard to pressure the quarterback, and then on the next play, he stopped running back Miles Sanders on the line. This guy is a difference-maker, and his presence in the Jets’ defensive lineup changes the complexion of that unit . . .
The Jets starting end, Bryce Huff and John Franklin-Myers, both had QB pressures today beating tackles . ..
Speaking of defensive ends, Jeremiah Valoaga, who the Jets signed right as camp was opening, isn’t bad. He’s slippery and usually doesn’t stay blocked long. He came in knowing the Jets’ system, because his last team was the 49ers. I’m not putting him in Canton, but the former UNLV star has some skills.
The Jets new defensive end, signed yesterday, Aaron Adeoye, is a long, athletic player who moves well. He is built like a basketball forward and is twitchy.
August 24, 2021
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Wednesday.
