Cromartie says he's Jets' second-best WR
Even the Jets who aren't listed on the team's wide receiver depth chart can't stay out of the drama surrounding the position.
Cornerback Antonio Cromartie was given a few snaps on offense during the opening days of training camp and didn't hesitate about where he'd rank himself among the team's wideouts.
"I think I'd put myself as second," Cromartie told ESPN's 'First Take,' per ProFootballTalk.com. "I haven't really played it in the past four or five years, but I can put myself as the second just with raw ability and talent going out there, I think, me separating and being a more physical guy out there on the outside."
Santonio Holmes appears to have patched up his differences with quarterback Mark Sanchez, but he voiced doubt that a two-quarterback system can work in the NFL if the team really intends to use Tim Tebow in the red zone.
Coach Rex Ryan responded that he didn't bring in Holmes to be the Jets' offensive coordinator, although he's undoubtedly the team's top wideout. Behind him is raw rookie Stephen Hill, injury-prone Chaz Schilens and second-year pro Jeremy Kerley, who was criticized by Ryan earlier this week.
As for Holmes, general manager Mike Tannenbaum has seen maturity since the end of last season, when he clashed with Sanchez.
"I think he has done great things for us in the off-season program this year," said Tannenbaum. "I have seen him work with his teammates. He has been very coachable and last year I think we all could have done things better and we are going to move forward."
Moving forward, the drama remains with the quarterback situation. The Jets hope bringing in Tebow will help light a spark under Sanchez, who has been excellent in the postseason but very inconsistent during the regular season thus far in his career.
"Just watching Mark in the off-season, he has grown up just as a person," said Tannenbaum. "He's still the fun-loving guy. ... He's been great. His preparation, his work ethic, he has done well and I think he's going to have a really good year."
Meanwhile, Tebow has to learn the offense and impress the coaching staff before earning a significant role in running the offense - in the red zone or otherwise.
"Tim is a really hard-working, competitive guy," said Tannenbaum. "He's still learning the offense and it's early from that standpoint, and I think when the game's start he'll be exciting and he's a quarterback that can help us in a lot of different roles.
