No-name Jets receivers are sure to see a lot of playing time this year @ The Fan Hub

by Tim Moczula August 10th, 2012 2:48 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Chaz Schilens catches a pass during the New York Jets organized team activities at the Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Although their quarterback "battle" has been receiving a lot of attention, the New York Jets have an interesting situation at wide receiver. Behind Santonio Holmes, the top four receivers on their depth chart have a career average of just 1.3 receptions per game. As a result, a lot of young players will have plenty of opportunities to make names for themselves this summer.

While he would prefer a little more experience, head coach Rex Ryan claims to be "[intrigued]" by the "size and speed" of his young receivers. This summer,the team signed Chaz Schilens and drafted Stephen Hill, both are 6-foot-4 and ran sub-4.4 dashes. Additionally, they have 6-foot-5 Patrick Turner and second-year man Jeremy Kerley battling for playing time.

Receivers coach Sanjay Lal is excited to be working with the group and feels youth is “the greatest thing you can have.” While in Oakland-, he coached a young group and claims to prefers it over experience because there are no “preconceived notions” and players don’t have “bad habits.” Instead, they are able to grow as a unit and challenge each other to improve.

Stephen Hill//Credit Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE

Roles have yet to be determined, but there are a few indications of who will see more time. Kerley unfortunately entered camp out of shape and hurt. He has missed practice and even heard public criticism from his coach. Ryan claimed he has been “disappointed in Jeremy,” asserting the receiver must “step it up” and work harder to “pick up [their] new system.” Despite his solid rookie season, he may see less time this year.

Turner, on the other hand, has been gaining a lot of positive attention. He has been the team’s fourth receiver for the past two seasons, but he may finally see more passes. Being that he and Sanchez were college teammates and he has the most size of the group, he is one of the team’s best options. With the departure of Plaxico Burress, look for him to be a main target in the red zone.

Aside from Holmes, Hill has been Sanchez’s primary target during camp and even had a 50-yard touchdown reception against All-Pro cornerback Darelle Revis. The 21-year-old claims he and Sanchez already have great “chemistry” and communication. A possible setback may be transitioning from the spread-option type offense he was a part of at Georgia Tech.

Lal claims the stating positions are still up for grabs and hopes there will continue to be a lot of competition. Ryan noted that in the past, rookies have not impressed him. This group, however, is ready to play so Jets fans will be sure to see a lot of no-name players get a good amount of playing time this season.