Erik

Coleman

With Jonathon Vilma and Dewayne Robertson emerging, the Jets have the makings of a younger, faster defense.

Coleman has been one of the best stories of Jets camp. His nose for the ball could make him an IDP factor in years to come.

Coach Eric Mangini has only called it an “illness,” but he hasn’t been able to eliminate all the team sources feeding the New York papers information. Coleman may have to compete for his job with Kerry Rhodes and rookie Eric Smith when he returns.

Perhaps Eric Mangini uses the word “illness” like Bill Belichick uses “leg.” Coleman is a promising safety worth monitoring this month for IDP leaguers.

Coleman hadn’t practiced since July 29, the first day of camp, and is not likely to play against the Redskins on Saturday. He’s still very limited.

Turning 30 in May, Coleman has just one start in the past two seasons. He’ll provide insurance for Amari Spievey at strong safety. The signing may decrease the odds of the Lions signing free agent O.J. Atogwe after his upcoming visit.

It was an honest mistake by the Detroit News. Coleman did fracture his ankle in October, but that injury never required surgery. His health shouldn’t be an issue going forward.

This is the first we’ve heard of a knee procedure for Coleman. There’s no word on the severity much less a timetable for recovery. We suspect it wasn’t a serious surgery or the Lions wouldn’t have re-signed Coleman a month ago.

Coleman was limited to four games this season after breaking his leg in Week 4. Coleman has made just one start since the end of the 2009 season, and won’t be high on the Lions’ or anyone else’s to-do list this winter.

The Lions hosted Jones in early May. Jones was a 16-game starter for the Bucs each of the past two seasons, and has started 85 games since 2006. He was brutal both in coverage and against the run for Tampa’s 32nd ranked scoring defense last season, however, and has just one pick in his past 32 games. He’ll compete with Amari Spievey and Erik Coleman at strong safety. Jones’ signing throws cold water on coach Jim Schwartz’s weekend praise of Coleman.