Dee Milliner is on the roster bubble and he knows it. The cornerback was drafted in the first round with the intentions that he would replace the departing Darrelle Revis. That has yet to truly pan out as Milliner struggled with rookie inconsistencies and a season-ending injury in his first two seasons with the New York Jets. Now he is facing trade rumors with Revis and Antonio Cromartie on the roster.
Head coach Todd Bowles made it clear that Milliner had a lot to prove in the upcoming season which has been difficult considering he is rehabbing a torn Achilles suffered last season. Cromartie took the time to get some veteran jabs at the pro while Milliner recognized that he is on thin ice this year.
Cromartie took time to interview Milliner asking (via NFL.com), "Do you feel confident going into the season? There's a lot of talk saying you're on the roster bubble, (that) you're here to make the team. Do you feel and have the confidence that you and in your ability that you can do the things you're supposed to do?"
Milliner did his best to play along responding, "Oh most definitely. When I come out there I do what I'm supposed to do. Do my work, get better each day. Compete like I'm supposed to, like nothing ever happened. Just be out there."
Cromartie has been supportive of Milliner while the media continues to wonder if a trade is in the works come training camp time. The veteran downplayed the idea that Milliner is a draft bust as he blamed injuries for a big reason he has struggled in his short time in the NFL. The presence of Cromartie and Revis could be what Milliner needs to get on track in the league as the veterans aim to help, not hurt him.
"I think, right now, this gives Dee that opportunity-to come in and just get comfortable, get all the way healthy, and just go play football to the best of his ability, without thinking," Cromartie said, via NJ.com. "It's not a point of saying, 'He's a first-round bust,' because I don't believe that. He shows a lot of potential in what he can do, when he's healthy. Dee can play."
The defense has a lot of position battles taking place. Muhammad Wilkerson is finally showing up to practice as he makes sure Leonard Williams does not outplay him for a job. The safety position has come questions as the pressure in on Calvin Pryor to step up while veterans like Calvin Pace, Quinton Coples and Erin Henderson are all looking for space on the field as well.
