Jets Sign Guard Adrien Clarke

Like many teams, the Jets have quietly signed some players over the past few weeks to future contracts. Basically, this means that they will be practice fodder for the Jets, and maybe one of them has a chance to actually make the 2007 team.

One of the players I am sure the Jets would most like to see make the team, and possibly play substantially, is Adrien Clarke. More than likely, Clarke is a project that the Jets hope might pan out, but statistics will work against Clarke. I am not looking to read into things here, but here is a basic assessment of Clarke and his ability to stick with and contribute to this team.

On the plus side, Clarke is 6'5" and 330 pounds which would pair well with D'Brickashaw Ferguson's finesse by inserting a mauler on the right side. Clarke's size is intriguing, he would probably play tackle, as he outweighs the Right Guard, Brandon Moore (6'1" 242 lbs.) by about the weight of one emaciated Nicole Ritchie, but imagine the beef that the right size could have, IF he does in fact fill the Guard spot!

More likely, if Clarke makes a bid at sticking on this team could make for a nice replacement at Right Tackle, which looks to be vacated by free agent Anthony Clement or the drunk driving Adrian Jones, or even both.

It does bear to mention that he shared time at OSU with Nick Mangold and some of the other Buckeyes on the team. Although he wasn't recruited by Jim Tressel to OSU, Tressel has proven to be a pretty good coach, finding and developing some quality NFL players.

On the minus side, Clarke was drafted in the 7th round of the 2004 draft, which isn't the best sign, but means he has some athletic or speed issues, but hey, he's 330 pounds. Clarke has started in 4 NFL games for the Eagles at Left Guard in 2005. The fact that the Eagles gave up on the player, isn't a ring of endorsement, but the Jets have shown that they are willing to give some players off the scrap heap another chance, especially when they have nothing to lose like now in the offseason.

Also, Clarke played Guard, which, as a whole is the most unathletic position probably in the league. Pete Kendall is not the norm, so I worry about his ability to actually play Tackle consistently at the NFL level.

Other players signed by the Jets:
DE Darrell Adams - No stranger to the team. Some though Adams was a bubble player for the final roster for the Jets last year. Looks like he gets another chance.

CB Alphonso Hodge- Had a cup of coffee in 2005 with the Chiefs, but was placed on IR.

WR Frisman Jackson - Large possession receiver that had played for the Browns and had one stand out game in 2005.

TE Joe Kowalewski - Kowalewski was a practice squadder for the Jets in 2006, and was helpful in prepping for opponents.

DT Keyonta Marshall - Another pickup from the Eagles, the large (6'1" 325 pounds) seems to be a backup nose for the Jets, maybe in running situations.

DT Matt McChesney - Buffs alum was with the Jets last year, and is getting another chance to make the squad at a linemen.

DT Zarnell Fitch - Wow, what a suprise another under 6'5" 300+ pounder. Get the feeling the Jets are trying to address the defensive tackle spot?