As we all know the Jets have made their fair share of poor draft picks in the past. From passing up on Marino, to drafting Vernon Gholston, the list could go on forever. However, these 3 players currently on the Jets roster are primed to step up in 2014:
CB - Dee Milliner
As a rookie last season, Dee Milliner struggled his fair share throughout the 2013 Jets' campaign. However, Milliner stepped it up big time for the green and white in the final month of the season, especially the final 2 weeks of the regular season. Milliner was asked to cover Josh Gordon and Mike Wallace over the final 2 games and he did so exceptionally well. Gordon and Wallace are 2 of the premiere deep threats the NFL possesses today and Milliner was nothing short of incredible against them. He broke up 10 passes over the 2 day span, almost unheard of at the cornerback position, and played like a veteran. Milliner will surely be asked to play a huge role in the Jets' defense void of cornerback talent next season. With the physicality, speed, and raw athleticism Milliner possesses, watch out for the youngster to make huge contributions to the team come September.
QB - Geno Smith
Geno Smith's rookie season was a roller coaster to say the least. One week the youngster would play well and other weeks he would single handedly lose the game for his team by forcing passes and not protecting the football. Smith showed a huge improvement over the final month of the 2013 season. Like fellow rookie Dee Milliner, Geno was a huge reason for his team's success over the final month of the regular season. Smith has all the physical skills to play at a high-level in the NFL but some question his mental toughness and ability to dissect defenses at the NFL level. If Smith can learn to protect the football and build on the end of his rookie campaign, the youngster can be the answer to the Jets recent quarterback woes of the last few seasons. It is also worth noting that veteran quaterback Michael Vick was brought in to push Geno and give the Jets a legitimate option at the position if Geno does fail. I believe Vick will help mentor Geno and Vick's presence will aslo help to push the young quarterback to a new level of success.
WR - Stephen Hill
The New York Jets' franchise is all too familiar with the term "draft bust". This may be wide receiver Stephen Hill's last chance to prove he isn't one. Hill is entering his third season in the NFL, all with the Jets. Hill has done almost nothing since entering the league, other than constantly acquiring nagging injuries, and dropping huge passes at crucial points in ballgames. This season could be the turning point in Hill's career where he goes from bust to boom. As silly as it sounds on the surface, if you look deeper into it Hill really could begin to thrive this season. Assuming Hill stays healthy he will have weapons around him for the first time in his career. Newly acquired Eric Decker and the addition of a high-end receiver via May's draft will help further the development of Hill. Hill will not be asked to be a number one receiver and can take time to learn the position and focus on growing as a player. Hill possesses all the physical tools, strength, speed, and athleticism to contribute at the NFL level. His focus however does come into question at times, as at parts of ballgames he looks to have stones attached to his wrists rather than hands. With some veteran tutelage, more comfort in the offense, surrounding playmakers, and 2 legitimate options at quaterback, look for Hill to make a significant jump in productiveness this season.
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