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HOT TOPIC
The rookies who participated in last month's mini-camp had nobody to compare Eric Mangini to besides their high school and college coaches.
But the veterans who took part in the recent voluntary mini-camp found out rather quickly that Mangini is nothing like predecessor Herm Edwards, although they didn't criticize their former coach.
"Eric is different than Herm," guard Pete Kendall told reporters. "They're both good coaches. Eric already has the respect and attention of everybody in that room. We're doing it his way. ... He's low-key, but it's very evident that he doesn't miss a thing."
"It's always rough at the beginning when you have new structure, some new discipline, but everyone is taking it in stride," safety Erik Coleman said. "I think everyone is liking it."
"I think he's a very detailed person," quarterback Chad Pennington said. "He believes not only in physical preparation, but mental preparation. Accountability is very important. That has definitely been stressed to us."
Edwards had the label of a "players' coach," and he lived up to that perception in many ways. The team rarely practiced on Sundays during training camp, and often didn't practice on Mondays during the regular season. There also were whispers that the strength and conditioning program suffered under Edwards' laissez-faire regime.
Other than their 5-0 start in 2004, the Jets usually stumbled out of the gate opening the season. Critics believed that Edwards' less-than-rigorous training camps were the reason.
"We have a lot of structure and I think that's what we needed," Coleman said.
Under Edwards, there were different rules for certain players. For instance, according to sources, cornerback Ty Law was excused from numerous meetings last season.
That won't be the case for anybody in 2006, as Mangini will have the same set of standards for every player. It will be interesting, once the season begins, to see how the veterans have responded to the changes.
PLAYER NOTES
--WR Wayne Chrebet made his retirement official with a news conference at the Jets' Hofstra headquarters. Hofstra, of course, was where Chrebet played his college ball before moving to the other side of the campus as an undrafted rookie free agent.
He recalled that on the first day, "a 70-year-old security guard didn't even let me in for practice. I felt at that moment that I could either laugh it off and go on my journey or take it as a sign that it wasn't going to happen. But I didn't take that sign. I believed in myself. I had great people around me. I'm truly thankful that those people were along for the ride with me. From start to finish, the same people have been in my circle. I've picked up some great friends along the way who have been there when I needed them."
Chrebet revealed that he had 13 concussions as a player in his 11-year career, and still is bothered by headaches. But it was obvious he has no regrets about the career he chose.
"I'm thankful for everything the NFL has done for me," he said. "It's everything I thought it would be growing up, to be an NFL player. I'm just glad I lasted this long."
--Eric Mangini and the Jets' players spoke to reporters at Mangini's fifth annual Football Fundamental youth camp at Bulkeley High School, Mangini's alma mater. Proceeds from the camp benefit the Carmine & Frank Mangini Foundation for underprivileged youths. The foundation is named in honor of Mangini's late father and uncle, respectively. Over 700 kids attended this year's camp.
--C Nick Mangold, the Jets' second pick of the first round, was the only player absent from the organized team activities. Coach Eric Mangini said that Mangold was busy finishing his degree at Ohio State.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
The Jets seem to have solved their offensive-line woes by taking T D'Brickashaw Ferguson and C Nick Mangold in the first round. Still, there are plenty of questions as they head into the full-squad mini-camp June 15-17.
Quarterback still is unsettled, as they are keeping most news of Chad Pennington's rehab under wraps. The previous regime did the same thing last year, as Pennington's surgically-repaired right shoulder came along very slowly. One can't help but wonder if he is progressing more quickly this time around, especially because he seemed more guarded after the team's recent voluntary mini-camp.
Also, the needs of a pass-rushing defensive end and a speedy, defense-stretching wideout were not addressed in the draft. Thus, the Jets may wind up scanning the waiver wire very carefully for potential stopgap solutions.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: DE John Abraham (traded to Falcons).
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
--LB Kenyatta Wright (not tendered June 1).
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHST FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
--TE Chris Baker: UFA; terms unknown.
--P Ben Graham: Potential ERFA; terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
--LB Matt Chatham: UFA Patriots; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
--OT Anthony Clement: UFA 49ers; terms unknown.
--WR Tim Dwight: UFA Patriots; $4.2M/4 yrs, $750,000 SB.
--CB Andre Dyson: FA Seahawks; $11.5M/5 yrs, $3M SB.
--LB Brad Kassell: UFA Titans; terms unknown.
--CB Ray Mickens: UFA Browns; terms unknown.
--DT Monsanto Pope: UFA Broncos; $625,000/1 yr, $40,000 SB.
--QB Patrick Ramsey: Trade Redskins.
--DE Kimo von Oelhoffen: UFA Steelers; $9.2M/3 yrs, $3.2M SB.
--OL Trey Teague: UFA Bills; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
--DE John Abraham: Franchise FA; traded Falcons.
--LB Mark Brown: Not tendered as ERFA/Cardinals; terms unknown.
--S Oliver Celestin (released).
--WR Wayne Chrebet (retired).
--OT Jason Fabini (released; failed physical).
--QB Jay Fiedler (released; failed physical).
--LB Barry Gardner (released).
--OG Jonathan Goodwin: UFA Saints; terms unknown.
--OT Scott Gragg: UFA; retired).
--CB Ty Law (released).
--DT Lance Legree (released).
--C Kevin Mawae (released).
--DT James Reed: Not tendered as UFA/Chiefs; terms unknown.
--FB Jerald Sowell (released).
--QB Vinny Testaverde (UFA; retired).
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
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