Jets’ Mickens a nickel and dime guy

By Krupka  |   Wednesday, June 14, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Jets
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Last month, the New York Jets brought back an old and familiar face to compete in their secondary. The team signed cornerback Ray Mickens to a one-year deal with a base salary of $714,000, bringing him back to the organization he played for from 1996-2005.

Mickens was chosen by the Jets in the third round of the '96 draft. He played superbly his first eight seasons with the team, rarely getting caught out of position. In his ninth, and what seemed to be his final season with the Jets, he tore his ACL in his left knee in training camp and missed the entire season.

Following the season, the Jets released him and he caught on with the Cleveland Browns. Last season, The former Texas A&M star showed he still has what it takes to play in the NFL. He tallied 30 tackles and an outstanding 13 passes defended, showing he still has the skills needed to be an adequate cover man.

The Jets scooped up the veteran following this past season for his leadership skills and teaching ability. He has lost a step because of his age (33), and aforementioned injury, but he still has a brilliant mind and tremendous grasp of the game. While he is being brought in to help the rather inexperienced "Gang Green" secondary, he is by no means there to baby-sit. Second-year players Justin Miller and Derrick Strait, and rookie Drew Coleman should look to Mickens to learn the nuances of the game and for his vast array of insight.

In training camp, Mickens is expected to compete for playing time in the nickel and dime defensive packages. The most likely scenario will see him as the nickel corner. Thus far in his career he has played in 142 games, registering 383 tackles, 11 interceptions, six sacks and 103 passes defensed.

Mickens' career has now come full-circle. Can he still be productive for the New York Jets in 2006? As a nickel and dimer, there's no foreseeable reason why he can't be.

Get more Ray Mickens info at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
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