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Florham Park – The Jets are halfway through their OTAs after completing Wednesday’s practice. Let’s take a look at some of what went on today . . .
The competitions most frequently mentioned are at quarterback, running back, right guard and safety, but the battle between punters Ryan Quigley and Jacob Schum also deserves some attention.
Schum, who lost last year’s competition against Quigley, kicked the ball very well Wednesday and was able to really drive the ball for impressive hang-time on several punts. He said he spent the last year working on his approach to his kicks, adding he’s happy with the initial results.
“I felt like I’ve been making some pretty good contact with the ball. I just feel like I’m in a good rhythm right now,” Schum said. “I’m still building up to what I want to get to, but it’s still early in OTAs and everything. I’m feeling really good with how things are starting out. . .”
Safety Calvin Pryor looked much more comfortable in the box than he did dropping back deep. On several plays during team drills, Pryor slid down into the box and played like a third linebacker in the defensive front.
Pryor also showed great burst off the line when blitzing, and made what would be nice plays against the run if contact were allowed during OTAs. . .
Running back Zac Stacy looked good in team drills. The 5-9, 224-pounder was able to get skinny through the offensive line. He also made some nice cuts to get down the field, and once he reached the second level, he displayed solid field vision to move around defenders.
Stacy rotated in with the first team with Bilal Powell due to the absence of Chris Ivory, who was attending to a personal matter according to head coach Todd Bowles. . .
Rookie outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin looked fluid during punt team drills. He was the first man down the field during his returns, beating other linebackers and tight ends to the returner.
Mauldin figures to have a big role on special teams during his rookie season, which could lead to more in-game reps. . . .
Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick made his debut in team drills; taking a few reps with the first team. He has been recovering from a broken leg he suffered last season. Fitzpatrick moved around the pocket well and was able to make some throws on the run. . .
Working on the second field, undrafted free agent safety Durrell Eskridge made some nice plays, including a well-timed breakup of a deep pass from quarterback Matt Simms. Eskridge, a high school wide receiver, watched the college game film of safeties Ed Reed and Sean Taylor as he began to learn a new position at Syracuse.
“I’m a ball hawk. I fly around pretty well, but I can get up there and get the ball,” the Miami-native said. “I think I help corners out and put them in good situations. I’ve got the athleticism to run down ball carriers and make plays. But at the end of the day, I’ve got to get better at everything.”
May 27, 2015
Premium will return by 9:30 pm on Thursday with more on the quarterback situation, following Todd Bowles comments today, which I’m sure you saw. We will break this down.
