Ryan on Top Pick Wilkerson: He’s the Starter
Posted by on August 2, 2011 – 1:41 pmUpdated, 2:15 p.m. ET
Rex Ryan obviously doesn’t go by the NFL head coach’s book, and that includes the old rule about not giving starting jobs out on the second day of training camp, especially to rookies.
“Mo Wilkerson? He belongs. He’s the starting defensive end right now, the day he walked in here,” Ryan said at today’s news conference at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. “That’s why we drafted him, not to be a backup. He’s a big player. He and Brick were going at it yesterday.”
Wilkerson appreciates the good words from the boss but knows there’s a long way to go. ”I just have to worry about trying to do my best to try and help out the defense,” he said this afternoon. “Coming into the games, if I’m truly the starter, then so be it, but I’m definitely going to work hard to be the starter.”
We have a few of those photos up on the website, and it is interesting and significant to see first-round draft choice Muhammad Wilkerson running into left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, seemingly giving as good as he’s getting — and all this in Monday afternoon’s limited-pads workout.
“He’s a great athlete,” Mo said of Brick. “He has long arms just like me. He actually got me on one play yesterday, just had me stuck on the line, but that’s going to come when you’re playing against great guys like this.”
But what about Shaun Ellis? He remains a free agent, and all Mike Tannenbaum said is that the two sides are “talking.” But what if Ellis returns for his 12th season. For the last 10 years he’s been the primary starter at left end in the Jets’ different 3-4 incarnations. He’s third on the franchise’s all-time sack list. Would the Big Katt sit behind the rookie with the large wingspan?
“We don’t need guys to play every snap anymore,” Ryan said. “We brought in Trevor Pryce, who’s had some unbelievable years, to fill a purpose for us. If Shaun’s on this team, we’d start him, absolutely, but we brought this kid in to play.”
And as Rex said, he’d love to have Shaun back, “there’s no doubt.” But Wilkerson has just started to show his potential in green and white.
Top-Flight Consultants
Ryan was asked about the familiar-looking white-haired gentleman on the sidelines of camp. He was very happy to talk up the addition and role of Tom Moore as a consultant on his coaching staff.
“Tom’s great,” Rex said of Moore, who joined the Colts as offensive coordinator and until this year was the only pro OC that Peyton Manning had ever worked with. “He’s really going to be Brian [Schottenheimer]‘s guy, whatever Brian wants him to do. It doesn’t get better than having Tom Moore sitting in that room with you. He’s been here already during the offseason working on a lot of things, not just red zone.
“We weren’t the only team that was trying to get Tom but we landed him.”
Moore is joined as a coaching consultant by Jim McNally, the longtime heralded OL coach for the Bengals, Panthers, Giants and Bills. The two are in camp now and once the season gets under way, they’ll be working primarily from their homes, breaking down video on upcoming opponents and otherwise bouncing ideas off of Rex, Brian and the rest of the Jets staff.
Rex Cetera
Another player who’s getting his fill of Ferguson is LB Jamaal Westerman. “Jamaal’s been up against Brick forever,” Ryan said. “When you’re going up against one of the elite players in this league day in, day out, one of two things happen. Either you just get beat down so bad and you go home and go on to your life’s work, or you get better. … That’s what this young man’s done.”
Rex said S Jim Leonhard is a little sore right now but still doing fine in his comeback from December’s broken leg and offseason rehab. So all signs are go at safety, but as far as punt returns, the coach said, “I don’t have the heart to tell him he won’t be doing that in a game.”
The coach gave a plug to first-year LB Garrett McIntyre. “I don’t want to play this guy up too much, but the Canadian kid, he’s one of those guys that’s a pain to block. He’s one of those relentless guys.” McIntyre, 26, has been around the football block, most recently last season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, for whom he notched eight sacks, tied for fifth in the CFL, and four forced fumbles, first in the league north of the border.
Ryan on this year’s offense: “I still think we’re a ground-and-pound team. We’re deep. We’ve got four tailbacks that can go. We’re not going to disappoint you. We’re going to turn and give it to somebody. But I would say when it’s all said and done, we’ll pass the ball more than we did the first two years we’ve been here.”
Tags: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Garrett McIntyre, Jim Leonhard, Jim McNally, Muhammad Wilkerson, Rex Ryan, Tom Moore
Posted in Randy Lange | 37 Comments »
By Jimmer on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Please bring back Ellis. Let him play his entire career in Green & White. It just doesn’t happen that much anymore. And he can still play, ask Tom Brady about it.
By Tom Spicer on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
I am fine with them starting Wilkerson at one DE. Pouha is the NT with Kenrick Ellis being the NT of the future. But who is the other DE while I like Devito he is more of a role player & Rapolti looks promising he has never done anything. We ne to bring back Shaun Ellis to be the other starting end. Starters at DE Shaun Ellis & Wilkerson NT Pouha. Backups at DE Devito & Rapolti & NT Kenrick Ellis. That is a killer D line rotation. Mr.T do the right thing a bring him back for one more year.
By carl on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Bring the big cat back!!!! Rex give him his super bowl ring that he’s worked for!!!!Go Jets!!!!
By Tom Spicer on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
According to NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora, free agent Braylon Edwards may have to settle for a “one-year, prove-it deal” on the open market.
We’ve noted previously that no teams are considering locking up Edwards long term, and this is more evidence. One Monday report from a Phoenix radio station claimed Edwards “lowered” his demands to $25 million over five seasons — the Steve Breaston range — but Braylon won’t even get that. No team is going to risk dumping guaranteed money into a player they consider a “diva” with off-field issues and questions about his passion for the game.
By Tom Spicer on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
The above post I got off of a web site if Braylon has lowered his asking price to lowered his demands to $5 mil per year this may be time to jump on him. If we can get him for that kind of money & have Holmes, Braylon & Plax as our 3 I will book my tickets for Indy now. Holmes & Braylon are the starters with Plax as the number 3. When Plax comes into the game move Holmes to the slot like the Pats do with Welker. That would be the best WR group in the NFL HANDS DOWN!
By scjoe on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Just like Rex, bragging on a few players, getting some of the fans to fall in love with them, then trading or cutting them. That is fine as long as he gets a good return. I think signing Ellis would be a good move just to be a mentor for Wilkerson if nothing else. If he is not resigned watch out for NE.
By biglen on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
I want shawn back,too,but primarily as a mentor to Wilkerson. Between the 2 of them,they can destroy you….
By Tom Spicer on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
“The Jets plan to open up the passing game more this season after finishing first (2009) and second (2010) in the league in rushing attempts during Mark Sanchez’s first two seasons as a starter. New York will remain a run-minded team with Shonn Greene as the featured ball carrier. But they will throw more this year” This is what I want to hear open it up & throw the ball down the field.
By matt on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Rex said Wilk is the starter “now,” and he expects him to be the starter. I don’t think he was awarding the job to Wilk today. With Ropati coming off an injury and Shaun not here yet, that’s a logical statement to make. But I don’t think Rex meant to say he’s the starter for Dallas at all.
If S. Ellis re-signs, the starters will be him, Devito, and Pouha, if all are healthy. Wilk will be used inside in passing situations.
By jack on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Even with ellis back why cant wilkerson start at the RE side of the d-line? who else have the jets got starting?
By Randy Lange on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
jack, the position on the other side of nose tackle in the Jets’ 3-4 scheme is called a DT. That’s the position that Mike DeVito plays. The only DE is the position that Ellis and Wilkerson play. That’s not to say Wilkerson can’t line up elsewhere in passing packages, but Ryan said the rookie will probably be a DT or inside rusher in the nickel.
By Hans on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
If Jimmy Leonhard can’t do it, we still have both Cromartie AND Santonio Holmes who have BOTH done Punt Return duties in the past. I do expect to see AC on kick return duty regardless of what happens, get Kyle Wilson out of there and give Kerley a try. I do agree that we should get Shaun Ellis back.
By GaryC on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
youth be served, finally.no problem wth wilkinson starting,If ellis does not come back that is fine,would rather have cotchery with jets. this mcintyre kid played at fresno state a number of years ago,dont know what he can bring.still looking to see what satele has and hope they finally give westermann a legit shot.
By Jimmer on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Randy, but in Rex’s system, even Ellis lined up at NT. These D-Line positions are very fluid in Rex’s system.
By Randy Lange on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
True enough, Jimmer.
By Jimmer on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
The NYP had a story saying Cotchery was on the trading block. He made one of the toughest catches I’ve seen in a while. Moss or Plax would not have made that catch even while healthy. These younger guys better be really really good if Cotchery gets traded.
By dave on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Mike T – Don’t make Shaun Ellis our Don Mattingley!
Seriously, I dont think anyone except Ellis “needs to start. If I know rex he will rote starters with Mike D, Sione and Wilkerson!
RANDY, who are the backup linebackers besides Westerman? Mauga? I think the depth seems weak there.
Now resign Ellis please – Jet fans truly love this guy!
By Danny on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Relax fellas, Ellis is coming back he’ll sign by end of the week. he is a veteran that doesn’t need to be in camp. He is getting a well deserved vacation a la Rex, Tanny, & Woody.
By GaryC on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
ernie sims goes to colts, zach miller to seahawks,ronnie brown to eagles,again.yep, they are really batting down the doors to play for rex.Please I know we don’t need ronnie brown,just saying, the love isn’t there.tatoos we don’t need, players will do.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
The best news of the day for me is Rex saying that Wilk starts, even if he doesn’t actually end up doing so. It would be great to have Ellis back for part-time duty, but the Jets’ hesitancy to invest strongly in even their highest draft choices sometimes has got to end. Another guy I want to see play a lot this yr is Wilson, if you can’t use your #1 draft choice in his 2nd yr, you’re already on the road to calling him a bust. And while J-Co’s been great for us, I’d let him go if we could get Edwards back (doubtful with Plax wearing his number) or if some of the young WRs show a lot in camp. Yeah, J-Co made that catch and worked well with SH and BE. He also looked very slow at times and missed games due to injury for the 2nd yr in a row.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
By the way, Edwards’ “downgrade” to “only” 5 yrs/$25 mil still seems like way too much to me. Like several of us said, this is a guy who should be asking for less $ with the suspension thing hanging over his head, not going for the contract of his life. I’m also starting to wonder if this diva talk is actually for real, I still can’t forget how he started talking about other players on the team in ’09 only a little over a month after he got here. All that said, it would be great to get him back and doing so would make it easy to trade J-Co. Problem is I think as long as there are questions about J-Co’s back, he’s going to command even less in a trade than he would otherwise.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
GaryC, not one of the guys you listed is urgently needed by the Jets, we need DaJuan Morgan more than all 3 of them put together simply because he plays S and towers over Leonhard. As for the never-healthy Ronnie Brown and his Wildcat, thank God nobody here talked to him!
By Jimmer on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Jetfan64, Cotchery’s back is the reason I think contracts should be honored by both sides in the NFL. The NBA has a better system for players. Signing someone for 6yrs, then cutting them after a devastating Injury is something I don’t get.
A business(a) signs a contract with another business(b). Bus.A has labor issues and has to pay more for labor. So they say Bus.b has to pay more?
It’s the same thing, a 1 sided contract.
By Ellis44 on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
Bring back Ellis. He can still get after em.
By IRA on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
The real hitting hasn’t started yet but after watching todays practice there are some very interesting players the Jets have on board. Looking forward to see how they react once the big boys are back. Turner and Kerley looked good today. Kerley is very quick and it appears has excellent hands.
By matt on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
I think Kendrick Ellis will get most of the plays at NT by mid-year. I like Wilk too, but Kendrick will be the All Pro on the DL, and quickly. Sometimes he’ll remind us of Jenkins-way too fast and quick for that size.
By Jetsman on Aug 2, 2011 | Reply
WHAT!!?!?! We’re shopping J-Co?? This guy is one of my favorite receivers, I love the guy. He was a 1000 yard receiver even back when he had freaking CHAD PENNINGTON and Kellen Clemens throwing to him! He’s such a valuable player, particularly in the slot. We should definitely keep him, who’ll be our #3 WR then, Jeremy Kerly? Scotty McKnight? J-Co has been one of the quietest, blue-collar type of guys and it’ll definitely be sad to seem him go. Surprised to see not many people disappointed in us trying to trade him.
By kw65Fan on Aug 3, 2011 | Reply
J-Co is not going any where….rumors…and who would want a player currently on th PUP list with a bad back. He might start the season on IR. This guy McIntyre (LB-Rush) that coach speaks about is a beast. He very weel could beat out bryan thomas. If he is anythin like the kid in Miami (Wake)…we got a steal like they did from the Canadian Football league. Keep an eye on him…watched him numerous times and he is quick and fast. Had 8 sacks last year and i think it wa 5 forced fumbles…so he can hit…HARD. He just might be the pass rusher we are looking for.
By Alex.G on Aug 3, 2011 | Reply
once again the bold statement before proof is established, Rex stop making statements and lose the superbowl guarantee.I love ya and want you to have the last words ( I TOLD YA SO ) but lets win the division, lets get the pass rush position handled. GO JETS
By GaryC on Aug 3, 2011 | Reply
jet fan tom, get real, sims is a speed linebacker which we don’t have,miller right know is a better all around tightend than keller,believe it.I also said ronnie brown was not necessary, I just threw him in to make a point.I know every free agent that signs with another team you say we don’t need,but I did not expect anything different.You are betting the jets safety position on a college free agent because of size,a lot of these guys are just training camp fodder.your good with revisionist history, but I believe you were one of many who thought everyone was coming to the jets,but everyone is going to the eagles,I guess their directions were bad on the turnpike.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Aug 3, 2011 | Reply
Agree with you about the NFL contracts, Jimmer. GaryC, I don’t think EVERYBODY’S coming to the Jets but Holmes took less to STAY with the Jets so that’s good enough for me right there! I’ve seen just about every game Miller’s played and while he’s good, I would no way say he’s better than Keller, all-around or any way around. I just told Ray S is the position I’m most worried about but there wasn’t that much available in FA and we haven’t drafted anybody there, which is one reason I want to see Wilson in the nickel and Lowery at S. But I’m happy to see the Jets take their draft picks seriously for once and I’d much rather see Wilk, Ellis, Kerley, Wilson, Joe McKnight, and Powell make a difference this yr. And Westerman’s not fodder at LB.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Aug 3, 2011 | Reply
P.S. GaryC, you know I meant take ALL our draft picks seriously, which we’ve rarely done. Too many guys have ridden the bench and been let go without ever getting a chance including Ainge, though I also wonder if we ever did the due diligence on that guy. And my take on Aso is NOT revisionist history! I wanted the Aso who was excited about playing with Revis and for Rex on a 2 or 3-yr deal, not the 30-yr-old (expletive deleted) who played the whole league for a week and then insisted on a 5-yr-deal. To hell with him and the Eagles, who’ll find a way to lose like they always do. And I don’t see Vick doing as well this yr either now that he’s back in the league as a starter and there’s more tape on him.
By GaryC on Aug 3, 2011 | Reply
jet fan tom, no, westermann is not fodder, he has made the team,he just needs the chance to play more which I said on other postings,if you look at the training camp numbers, yes most of the free agents are fodder, if your lucky maybe 2 to 3 make the roster.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Aug 3, 2011 | Reply
Yeah, GaryC, you can’t count on the UDFA’s, I agree, especially when we actually had a normal number of draft picks for a change.
By ltf on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
Where is Pitoitua? Any news on him?
By STEVE KENT on Aug 4, 2011 | Reply
bring back ellis..he needs to retire as a jet..he still a good player better than anyone we have, do we want to win or what
By Ray Saddlemiure on Aug 6, 2011 | Reply
We want Shaun Ellis back as a mentor for the young guys! He can still play, was in the Pro Bowl last year. That is’t too shabby!