Dee Milliner
Dee Milliner hasn’t practiced while rehabbing his off season shoulder surgery. He is smooth and fluid in his movement with little wasted motion and good body control. He can stick his foot in the ground and drive hard on the ball. Milliner has good ball skills to play the ball down the field. Confident and with a competitive spirit, he should be ready to go when training camp starts. Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson has impressed the Jets’ brass with solid practices where he’s shown first step explosion, instincts, and strength. The disruptive playmaker has seen reps at every position along the defensive front including nose tackle. A good effort player, he doesn’t stay blocked, and can run in pursuit or skate down the line and stuff the run. He has long arms and a thick lower body. Richardson has excellent lateral quickness and good awareness of backs on screen passes and checkdowns. Geno Smith has improved his fundamental quarterback play in OTAs. He appears to be getting more comfortable under center with each passing day. His footwork is becoming second nature for his West Coast offense passes. Smith has taken some first team snaps and has impressed with his athletic ability and pocket awareness. His arm strength has been impressive. He hit 8 of 9 passes and one touchdown with one drop in a late May OTA practice with the first unit. On his first day of practice he hit 17 of 25 while showing accuracy, good footwork, and strong mechanics. The Jets are missing as many as four receivers who will make the roster in the fall due to injuries. Brian Winters is receiving work at left guard, but will really shine once he gets the pads on. If Willie Colon’s right knee forces him to the bench, Winters will be ready to step in. He started four years at left tackle in college. A dominant player in the Mid-American Conference, he plays big and with intensity. He has strong hands to control the defender in pass protection and run blocking. Physical and ornery in his play, he has good balance and is durable and smart. Oday Aboushi is getting reps at left tackle but may eventually move to the right side where he also has starting experience. A long torso guy, he can pull around and seal the edge. He has good initial quickness and plays with a good base, shuffle, and mirror in pass protection. More core strength and quicker reactions are needed to be an edge speed rusher. William Campbell is transitioning from defensive tackle to offensive guard. In mini camp he played right guard. He has been a quick study and impressive while learning a new position. Campbell has shown enough early that he may pass Vladimir Ducasse on the depth chart. The big man has long arms and big hands to neutralize the defender. He must work to keep his knees bent and his butt down. Tommy Bohanon must beat out Lex Hilliard to make the team. He projects as an H-back type who blocks well on the run. He has good hands to catch the ball outside his frame. Weight room strong, he is a willing blocker with physical toughness. GRADE: GOOD.
Box 235 Hiawatha, IA 52233