The Return of 'Q Szn'
Having missed all of 2017 due to a neck injury sustained during the Green & White scrimmage, Quincy Enunwa looks to return to form heading into 2018. After having a relatively quiet first two seasons with the Jets, Enunwa had a breakout campaign in 2016, becoming the leading receiver on the roster. He amassed 857 yards on 58 receptions, finding paydirt four times.
At 6'2'' and 225 pounds, Enunwa's stocky frame presents problems for defenses when he lines up in the slot or on the outside. His addition could bring an added dimension to a group that saw improved production in 2017 with Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse and also acquired Terrelle Pryor in free agency. The fourth-year player will have a lot to learn this summer, as the offense has changed hands twice since he last suited up for the Green & White. Despite this challenge, Enunwa is excited to get back to work.
"The offense we ran two years ago is a lot different," he said. "It's just about making sure I know all the terminology and that I'm not making too many mistakes so that I can go out there and play fast."
Not Just a Home Run Threat
After a productive rookie season, Robby Anderson stepped up big for the Jets in 2017 following the loss of Enunwa. The Temple product racked up 942 receiving yards and 7 TDs, establishing himself as a bona fide deep threat. Since entering the league, Anderson is sixth in the NFL in receptions of 20+ yards with 27. Despite the reputation as a home run hitter, WRs coach Karl Dorrell envisions Anderson growing into a more well-rounded receiver in his third season.
"There are some different roles on our team, doing secondary jobs to help other people out and I think that is something he will learn and grow with," Dorrell said. "He'll be better at that now that he knows the scope of it. I think Robby is really going to explode and become a more complete player because of it."
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To Where He Was Pryor
With the signing of Terrelle Pryor during free agency, the Jets gained a big-bodied weapon who has the ability to terrorize opposing defensive backs. At 6'4'' and clocking in with a 4.38 40-yard dash at the 2011 NFL Combine, Pryor's combination of size and speed is one of the most impressive in the NFL.
These strengths were on full display in 2016, Pryor's first full year at wide receiver after moving over from QB, when he eclipsed 1,000 yards for the Browns. Pryor signed a one-year deal with the Redskins in 2017, but never found his footing in nine games before ending his season with an ankle injury. While Pryor underwent another surgery on the ankle this offseason, he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
"The one thing I do love about Terrelle is that he's in every meeting. He doesn't miss anything. He's a pain in the butt in the training room because he wants to get everything done and more. He's just really good about trying to get back on the field with some urgency," said Dorrell. "That's what I like as a coach. He wants to get back as soon as he can."
Year Two Duo
ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen hope to make jumps in their second seasons in New York. Despite showing glimpses during their rookie years, both wideouts saw limited time last season. Returning for OTAs and minicamp, Hansen looked noticeably bigger and his play on the field caught the eye of many onlookers.
After combining for 15 receptions and 176 yards last season, both second-year receivers need to continue to progress once the pads come on.
"They both have tremendous potential," said Dorrell. "You see it and it's the reason why we drafted those guys is because you can see the long-term potential. For Chad and ArDarius, they have made some really good steps forward when they needed to."
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Youth and Opportunity
Heading into training camp, the Jets have no tight ends on the roster with more than four seasons under their belts. Despite the lack of experience, tight ends coach Jimmie Johnson believes that the group is poised to produce this season.
"We have six guys in the room, which is the most I've ever had," he said. "We feel strongly about the position this year. A lot of guys that are young, hungry, and competing really hard."
The team figures to get a long look at second-year tight end Jordan Leggett. Leggett missed all of 2017 after suffering a knee injury during a preseason contest against the Detroit Lions. In spite of the setback, Leggett has returned to form so far and he'll compete to get some of the balls that went Austin-Seferian Jenkins' way last year.
"We are excited about him," said Johnson of Leggett. "He doesn't worry about his knee. He has those issues behind him now. So now, we can move forward and get back to playing football."
In 11 games last season at Miami (FL), fourth-round pick Chris Herndon had 40 receptions for 477 yards and four touchdowns. He is a versatile talent who will mix it up in the trenches.
"He's very focused and works very hard," Johnson said of Herndon. "He's very athletic. One of the best tight ends coming out in the draft in terms of in-line blocking. So, we were excited about that. He has a lot of work to do but you like the potential and you like the upside."