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One of the real interesting, intriguing battles this summer will come at this position. It’s wide open at this point, and the decision could take some time.
I’m talking about the cornerback spot opposite Darrelle Revis previously occupied by Antonio Cromartie.
There has been a lot of talk about Buster Skrine having the edge here.
I don’t see it that way.
In my opinion, Marcus Williams or Dee Milliner have the edge.
Based on my breakdown of the games, Skrine was pedestrian last year. Just like with Revis, the Jets might have gone a little overboard with this contract – four years, $25 million with $13 million guaranteed. My view of Mike Maccagnan is that is job performance has improved steadily since that profligate spending right out of the game last year which was largesse.
For that kind of money Skrine got, he gave up way too many plays from my perspective.
Here are some notes from my film study.
In overtime against the Giants, on a fourth-and-six, Eli Manning hit Odell Beckham for a gain of 20 down the left side on Skrine. In the third quarter of the second Jets-Dolphins game, Ryan Tannehill hit WR Jarvis Landry for a gain of 40 down the sideline. Skrine bit on a double move. In that same game, Landry beat Buster Skrine for a gain of 22 on a quick slant.
Late in the Jets-Jags game, Skrine gave up a couple of plays, allowing the Jags to go down the field in a heart-beat. He gave up 29-yarder over the middle to WR Allen Hurns and then a 20-yard TD to WR Brian Walters deep left. On this late Jags drive, he seemed to be a little out of sorts. Against the Raiders, Skrine was beat on a fade in the right side of the end zone by Andre Holmes. He never saw the ball, never turned back
He also needs to cut down on penalties. This was a problem in Cleveland as well.
In the fourth quarter against the Pats, Skrine was called for pass interference on a pass down the left seam to WR Keyshawn Martin. In the fourth quarter against the Giants, Skrine was called for pass interference, holding WR Dwayne Harris on a deep pass down the left side. putting the ball at the 12.
His eye discipline is a work on progress. He plays with a little hesitation. Maybe he will improve in his second year in Todd Bowles system. He might not have been entirely comfortable in the playbook in Year One.
His eyes and instincts might limit his ceiling. He is probably best suited to be a nickel or dime back, regardless of how big his contract is.
I love his toughness. He’s a good blitzer and strong tackler, but his position instincts need some work.
I could be wrong, but I view Williams and Milliner as the better starting options. And keep an eye on Kevin Short, who was on the practice squad last year. This guy has skills.
Williams has better ball skills than Skrine. And honestly, Milliner is a starting quality NFL cornerback with great size, speed and all the tools. His problem obviously has been an inability to stay healthy. It’s not a talent issue.
July 6, 2016
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