Jets’ WR Cotchery has his big chance

By Krupka  |   Monday, June 05, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Jets
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Last Friday, New York Jets wide receiver Wayne Chrebet officially announced his retirement--ending his career after 11 seasons with the team. The undersized receiver (5-10, 188 pounds), was originally signed as an undrafted free agent, and made himself into a Jets legend.

"I always told people I believed I could do this and certainly my first day here, a 70-year-old security guard didn't let me into practice. I could either laugh it off and go on my journey or take it as a sign it wasn't going to happen. I didn't take that sign. I believed in myself," said Chrebet.

He finished second in team history with 580 receptions, and third all-time on the team list in yards, with 7,365. He played the game hard, and right, which caught up to his small frame. A series of concussions was the determining factor in his decision to retire.

However, when one door closes, another opens. And for the Jets' young receiver, Jerricho Cotchery, the absence of Chrebet is his chance to succeed. The team is now looking for him to take over the spot the veteran leaves behind.

Cotchery was selected by the Jets in the fourth round of the 2004 draft. The NC State product has improved steadily in his first two seasons. He is big (6-0, 207), strong, physical and has good hands. The one knock on him is he doesn't have elite speed, which has hurt his ability to create separation, and could hinder him from ever becoming an elite player. However, he certainly has the tools to become a solid option for years to come. Also, the team isn't looking for him to be the No. 1 option, but will still rely on him to make a big improvement from last year.

He came on well at the end of last season, and showed flashes of what wide receivers coach Noel Mazzone and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will try to harness to make him a consistent option.

A solid season from Cotchery could prove to be the difference in taking the Jets' offense from average to very good. All anyone ever asks for is a chance. Jerricho Cotchery, here's yours. Make the best of it.

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Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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