Notes From Jets’ OTAs

The New York Jets continued their organized team activities (OTAs) this morning in Florham Park, NJ.

QB Mark Sanchez, who is recovering from off-season knee surgery, participated in 7-on-7 drills and even took one snap during 11-on-11s. The Jets are being cautious with Sanchez, as they should be, to avoid any unnecessary setbacks. “It’s just not worth taking a chance,” Sanchez said. “We’re just taking it slow and being smart about it.”

Sanchez participated in two drives during the 7-on-7s, and connected with David Clowney and Brad Smith for touchdown passes. Clowney executed an effective triple move on the route, which is something we didn’t see from him last season.

Sanchez didn’t hesitate to say that his knee feels great, but he has yet to participate in any full speed drills. “I haven’t tried to sprint yet, or move in the pocket quickly,” Sanchez noted. “That would be the only question left- reaction time and quickness in the pocket.”

One interesting note- Sanchez was not wearing his knee brace during practice today.

Speaking of knee injuries, NT Kris Jenkins had an increased role in practice today. Jenkins is fully recovered from his torn ACL, but the coaching staff is keeping him out of most drills until he gets his weight under control. He is reported to be around 390 lbs, and the coaching staff wants him to shed 10 pounds before he can get back on the field.

K Nick Folk, who had a terrible practice last week, was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts today. “I feel a little better today than I did the other day (about Nick Folk),’’ Ryan said.

Unfortunately, Rex could not say the same for Clint Stitser, who has missed nearly every kick this off-season. “He’s not ready right now…we’ll move on,” Rex said. Stitser looked terrible today, missing kicks by a good 15 yards. Stitser was a below average college kicker and has been out of football for over two full seasons. Before signing with the Jets this off-season, he had no NFL experience. Expect to see Stitser cut and a new leg added to the roster in the next few days.

Other notes:

• Rookie LG Vladimir Ducasse is still impressing the coaching staff. He worked with the first team during team drills, and looked good next to Mangold and D’Brick.
• Vernon Gholston had another good practice, with a  would be sack (the practice was non-contact). This is the 3rd straight practice in which Gholston had a sack
• Shaun Ellis and Ben Hartsock spent the duration of the practice on the stationary bike. They were later joined by Kris Jenkins
• Rex Ryan praised Kenwin Cummings and Braylon Edwards. Both are having great off-seasons.
• Ladainian Tomlinson scored on a 5-yard TD pass, with Darrelle Revis on the coverage.
• Bart Scott’s mouth was out in full force today. He even yelled “Hey, Jason Taylor!” at ex-Jet QB Ray Lucas.
• Jerricho Cotchery and Kellen Clemens hooked up for two really nice completions during 11-on-11s, with rookie Kyle Wilson covering both.
• The Jets have had problems finding a long snapper to replace James Dearth. Matthew Mulligan had a rough day with a few bad snaps (I’ll skip on the Mulligan pun- too easy). Don’t rule out the possibility of Dearth returning to the team.

Tags: Jerricho Cotchery, Mark Sanchez, Nick Folk, OTAs, vladimir ducasse