New York Jets 2015 Training Camp: Top 3 offensive surprises

Jul 31, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Oday Aboushi (75) blocks linebacker Troy Davis (58) during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

It’s only a matter of days until the New York Jets kick off their 2015 training camp and their preseason competitions. As every year, there will be those players that disappoint, those that deliver exactly what you’d expect and those that seemingly come out of nowhere to surprise. Todd Bowles and his staff will be busy all summer long figuring out where each of the players will fit into those categories.

I wanted to take a look at that last group of players, those that may come out and surprise a lot of fans during camp. Of course, there is absolutely no science that would allow you to predict who those players will be. This article is based on my novice opinions, I’m just a die-hard Jet Fan after all.

Let’s take a look at the players I think could really surprise.

Next: 3. Oday Aboushi

Aug 16, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Jets offensive tackle Oday Aboushi (75) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

3. Oday Aboushi

Aboushi was taken by the Jets in the 5th round in the 2013 NFL Draft. Aboushi played in every preseason game in 2013, but failed to appear in any Jet games for the year. He saw his first start at left tackle last season against the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football. He appeared in 15 games for the Jets last season, playing adequately at left guard.

Aboushi is just 24 and showed he can play at the NFL level last year. He stands 6’5″ and tips the scales at 308 pounds. Needless to say, he offers a large object to move for opposing defensive lineman.

The major knock on Aboushi when former general manager John Idzik drafted him was his footwork coming off the snap. Experts claimed he was too slow footed to play at the NFL level. Aboushi began to prove his critics wrong last season and if he can show development of his game again this year, he might shut them up entirely.

The Jets made some acquisitions this past off season to bolster their offensive line. Many pundits see those acquisitions as a change of role for Aboushi, most have relegated him to a back up role this season. I’ve even read that if he doesn’t come strong this summer, he might be a casualty of cuts in camp. I think the latter is a poor analysis of Aboushi’s talent however.

The Jets sure could use someone to step up and provide depth for the Jets along the offensive line. Aboushi in my opinion is a player that is going to do exactly that. Aboushi is a versatile player that can slide along the line and provide relief for the Jets in case of injury. With proper coaching and hard work, he’s going to surprise Jet Fans this summer. Keep an eye on this young man!

Next: 2. Jarvis Harrison

Sep 21, 2013; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Jarvis Harrison (51) blocks for quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) against the SMU Mustangs at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jarvis Harrison

I just wrote an article here at The Jet Press concerning Jarvis Harrison, it can be found here: New York Jets 2015 Training Camp Profile: OG Jarvis Harrison. Harrison was chosen by Mike Maccagnan in the fifth round of this year’s NFL Draft. To describe Harrison as anything but huge, would be an understatement. At 23 years of age, Harrison stands 6’4″ and breaks some scales at 330 pounds. He has size and talent.

Harrison suffered in the draft due to a perceived lack of motivation. He was also criticized for showing up overweight for his senior season, in which he was benched for the first four games last year. Harrison was reportedly torn between basketball, the sport he describes as his first love and football in college. The criticism from scouts, along with the four game benching, plummeted his draft stock. Some “draftnicks” had him going in the late second or early third before the issues came to be.

Harrison has ideal size for an NFL guard. He’s huge, but doesn’t move like most would expect. He moves well off the snap, utilizing his foot work to mirror defensive linemen. His size is a whole lot to handle in the run game as well as he’s fluid through the hips and blocks with authority.

While most fans are looking at this player as a practice squad option, or even a potential cut in camp, I see this young player in a much brighter light. The motivation problems have a way of working themselves out when a player sees the NFL money in my opinion. Once one of these young players realize that the money is connected to their performance they usually turn it around.

The Jets will absolutely ask Harrison to shed some weight this summer. Strength and conditioning coach Justus Galac’s job this summer will be among other things, making sure Harrison achieves his playing weight and maintains it. Offensive line coach Steve Marshall will insure he’s motivated and ready to go.

I think Harrison has a bright future with the Jets if he can overcome his issues. I have faith in this new coaching staff to get the job done. Harrison has the size and the skills to become a long time contributor at left guard for the Jets. When camp begins, it will be up to Harrison to get with the program and achieve his potential. Keep an eye on this young man this summer, as I’m expecting many will be surprised.

Next: 1. Chris Owusu

Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Chris Owusu (14) scores a touchdown as Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes (21) can

1. Chris Owusu

The Jets made a major move this past off season, adding veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall to their roster. Marshall joins Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley on the offensive side of the ball this year. In addition, they drafted Ohio State’s speedster, Devin Smith in the second round of this year’s draft.

As a result, fans believe that this group is untouchable. I believe Chris Owusu can definitely challenge at least some of this group. Most fans that suffered through the entire season last year, saw the potential this young man holds. In the Jets final game of 2014, Owusu got his chance to show his skills to the Green and White faithful.

Owusu has good size for a NFL wide receiver as he stands 6’2″ tall and weighs out at 200 pounds. Much has been talked about Smith’s speed, but Owusu possesses speed too. At the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, Owusu recorded an insane 40-yard time of 4.36 as he also blew most away with a 40.5 inch vertical jump.

Owusu has bounced around a bit, but the potential is clearly there. He has the size, speed and athleticism to succeed in the NFL. He’ll have his chance this summer. With scouting reports questioning Smith’s readiness, I see Owusu as a deep threat for the Jets until Smith can further develop his game.

It doesn’t stop there for this young man. He was also a special team’s player, returning kicks. With his speed he could become the answer for the Jets in the return game for the foreseeable future. Yet that is not all that is to Owusu. As seen in the final game of 2014 against the Miami Dolphins, Owusu isn’t afraid to run with the football either.

He’s a very versatile player at the core. Keep an eye on this young man, I think he has a “lights out” camp this summer and may even become a major contributor to the Jets this upcoming season.

Next: Final thoughts

Jul 27, 2013; Cortland, NY, USA; General view of a New York Jets helmet during training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Final thoughts

The Jets are indeed a talented group. They have a plethora of talented young players to go along with a very talented cast of veterans. Almost anything is possible during a summer’s worth of training camp as players will get hurt, others will not live up to expectations and some will come out of nowhere to win playing time.

These are just three of the guys that I think may surprise this summer. I’m high on the Jet youth movement and I’d love for some of these young guys to “take the next step” in their development. Surely my readers will have players of their own they will be keeping an eye on this summer.

I’d love to hear about your guys so please leave us a comment and Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

Next: New York Jets: Top 5 dark horses to make final roster

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