With rookie mini camps already underway, NFL coaches are already evaluating their new draft picks to see where and how each one can contribute in 2017.
There might not be another team that’s more excited than the New York Jets. They added two former SEC standout safeties in Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, and they both should earn significant playing time as rookies.
In addition, the team is already projecting ArDarius Stewart to emerge as Brandon Marshall’s replacement — who departed for the Giants after being cut. This is somewhat of a surprising development — considering it’s still so early in the offseason — but it’s a welcomed one from Tide faithful.
Per ESPN staff writer Rich Cimini, the coaches love the rookie because he’s tough, physical and can produce major yardage after the catch.
He has the necessary skill set, so there is no reason why Stewart shouldn’t step in and fill the void left behind by Marshall. The Jets have plenty of question marks heading into the 2017 season — especially with Eric Decker recovering from a second surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.
The other receivers currently on the Jets roster are Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson — both of whom had decent seasons in 2016. Still, that may not be enough to keep a talented receiver such as Stewart off the field.
The Jets already lost former second-round pick Devin Smith — who tore his ACL for the second time within the last two years. The Jets desperately need Stewart to step up in a big way in 2017. Based off what Stewart has shown thus far in his career, you can expect him to answer the call.
Michael Cannady is a contributor for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter at: @mike_can21
