File Under: Eric Hicks, Bobby Hamilton, Andre Wadsworth, Michael Haynes, Dick Vermeil
08/01 — It was "Defensive Codgers Day" for Eric Mangini as he fielded questions at today's news conference on those intriguing front seven veterans who came to the Jets this off-season and are trying to resurrect careers and fulfill promise as they're sorting through the issues of Jets training camp.
DE Eric Hicks, for example, arrived with great references.
"When I talked to Dick Vermeil," Mangini said, "he said he was his tempo setter for years. He just loved the guy. Terry Bradway had been with him [in K.C.] and liked him as well. When Vermeil speaks so glowingly about someone, it has a big impact on me. ... I love his motor, his toughness, his willingness to learn and take coaching."
Simliarly about Andre Wadsworth, the coach said, "I had great respect for Andre the first time I met him. ... He's a very good mentor to the younger guys and he's just got a great personality. ... I've seen some progress with Andre, but there are a couple of things there that will take a little time."
And with DE Michael Haynes: "He's adjusting to this system. ... The last few days he's started to pick it up, things are starting to click a little more. ... I'm looking for his progress to continue."
As for Bobby Hamilton, who returned to the Green & White on the eve of last year's opening day, Mangini had a great crystallizing quote about "Dawg": "He has veteran wisdom, the enthusiasm of a rookie ... he's a fun guy to be around."
One piece of housekeeping revealed by the coach: TE Chris Baker and WR Justin McCareins will not be working at today's practice, set to begin at 2 p.m. Those absences are not due to injuries or personal reasons.
"It's actually a positive thing," he said. "There were opportunities during our off-season program and they were on the winning team for one of those opportunities. They get to watch everybody else practice today — which I think they're pretty excited about."
Drew Said:
Wed, August 1, 2007 - 8:31pm ET"It looks like we have a ton of DE/LB on this team There are going to be a couple of good players getting cut this summer. Speaking of cut players has anyone seen or heard from Schlegel since the GB game? I cannot see the Jets keeping this guy. I loved our last 2 drafts but he was a reach/mistake"
Moto Said:
Thu, August 2, 2007 - 3:22pm ET"When a player coming out of college enters the pros, do they usually choose their agent early on in the process or do they sign an agent when they get on a team?"
Randy Lange Said:
"Moto, players usually select their first agents once they're certain they're done with college football and before they enter the draft."
harbor rat Said:
Thu, August 2, 2007 - 5:25pm ET"here is my problem with the current situation with our first round pick,whom i will not name until he is an actual member of an nfl team.whom ever told him to stay put and wait for the jets to meet his demands forgot to tell him that he is a corner not a QB..why not be honored being drafted??money!!"
andrew Said:
Wed, August 1, 2007 - 2:15pm ET"Where is Revis? its absurd that he still is not here. give him 5 yrs and put him on the field!"
Offensive Comment?