Because I wrote about Danny Woodhead, the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher from Division II Chadron State who was signed by the Jets as a free agent, before the recent rookie minicamp, I didn’t give too much in the way of reaction to him from the past weekend. Eric Mangini will of course do “what’s best for the team,” but he did seem to take a liking to Woodhead.
From Saturday’s press conference: “He’s hard to find, and for a couple reasons, you know?” Mangini said of the 5-7 ½ Woodhead, who sometimes gets rounded up to 5-8. “[There’s] the obvious one. And he’s pretty quick, he’s pretty elusive and he’s done a good job mentally picking up the information. We just have to see how that continues to develop. But I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen early on.”
In the little bit of practice we were able to watch last weekend, Woodhead never stopped moving. No one’s a lock based on a three-day rookie minicamp, but I’d be surprised if a spot for Woodhead isn’t found somewhere.
Comments (5)
Erik,
Would this mean we'd go into the season with a Woodhead/Jones tandem leaving Washington to return kicks?
I liked Washington last year and I do think he showed flashes of a solid back considering how bad our line was last year but I'm starting to get the feeling that he may get phased out by Woodhead.
Cliff, I have a hard time believing that Woodhead would be any higher than third on the depth chart. If the Jets fail to see that Washington is probably the best player on offense, and they don't find a way to get the ball in his hands more often, it would be a crime.
Cliff, I didn't mean to imply too much with Woodhead. An impressive rookie minicamp to phasing out Washington in any capacity is a stretch for now.
I must've misinterpreted it then, it seemed as if it was more of a possibility than would've normally been perceived. After all, Mangini always seems to have some plan for the "raw athlete" and players like Woodhead.
Step back in time. . . Joe Morris / NYG.
Probably not but hope springs eternal.