Take 5: Ranking the newcomers

gmf1369 · #1 05-30-2012, 10:51 AM

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Welcome to our first "Take Five" list. From now until training camp, we'll have periodic top-five lists -- some serious, some not-so-serious. For our inaugural list, we'll rank the Jets' top five newcomers in terms of projected impact.

1. Tony Sparano,

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offensive coordinator -- He steps into one of the toughest coaching/managing jobs in New York. All he has to do is fix Mark Sanchez, manage a potential QB controversy and make sure last season's dysfunctional offense doesn't re-appear. He will change the way the Jets play offense.

2. Yeremiah Bell,

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safety -- At 34, he's an older version of S LaRon Landry, another newcomer. He probably isn't as talented as Landry at this stage of his career, but Bell gets the No. 2 spot on our list because he's durable -- and Landry isn't. Bell led the Dolphins in defensive snaps last season, according to ProFootballFocus.com, and he'll play a lot for the Jets. Just watch, he'll become a leader on defense. Landry is slated to play a lot, too, but injury issues make him a question mark.

3. Tim Tebow,

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quarterback -- Obviously, he'll move up if he unseats Sanchez, but we don't see that happening anytime soon. Tebow will see playing time in the wildcat, but don't expect it to be a heavy workload every week. Do you know how many wildcat plays the Dolphins averaged under Sparano? Four per game.

4. Quinton Coples,

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defensive end -- The Jets' No. 1 pick will start and will be a three-down player, so that immediately qualifies him for our list. He'll have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

5. Stephen Hill,

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wide receiver -- It's unusual for a rookie receiver to make an impact, and it'll be harder for Hill because he played in a triple-option offense in college, but he'll see plenty of the field. The reason: Speed. You can't teach a 4.3 40. When the second-round pick is on the field, he'll command respect because of that speed.

Rich Cimini