The Jets just got first-rounder Dee Milliner under contract.
So they want to make sure not to put too much on him too fast.
Jets coach Rex Ryan tried to soften the inevitable comparisons to former Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, saying Milliner’s talent will stand on its own.
“I understand where people are coming from,” Ryan said, via Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. “But Darrelle was a special player. We’ll see what kind of player Dee is. Dee Milliner is never going to be Darrelle Revis. He’s going to be Dee Milliner. And I think that’s going to be good enough.”
Milliner reported to camp today, but wasn’t able to get there in time to practice. With a day off schedule for tomorrow, he’ll hit the field for the first time Wednesday, and begin the process of claiming the starting job oppositie Antonio Cromartie.
“He’s got to earn it,” defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman said. “He knows that. We know it. You don’t just give anybody anything in this league. You have to earn it. Do we expect him to be involved and highly competitive to be a starter? That’s our anticipation. But we’ll see.”
“He’s got to catch up. We got to make sure he is mentally where we need him to be.”
Milliner missed most of the offseason work after shoulder surgery, and will need to get up to speed soon, as he’s expected to start right away.