Justin

McCareins

Look for Chad Pennington to pick on the rookie and make McCareins feel comfortable on his team right away. He’s a strong play.

Chad was in an apologetic mode for not getting the ball to Santana Moss and Justin McCareins thus far in 2004. We expect the numbers to normalize, and Chad does too.

The Titans had depth at WR (Mason, Bennett, Calico) and feared losing McCareins as a restricted FA. McCareins is another young, speedy, deep threat to complement Santana Moss. He’ll be an excellent fantasy sleeper, although New York could use a possession receiver.

Curry has caught three of his 13 targets for a 23% catch rate. After him, Todd Heap (27% of 11 targets), Ashley Lelie (28% of 18 targets), Marty Booker (30% of 10 targets), and Justin McCareins (31% of 26) bring up the rear.

Who would make it over him? We know Eric Mangini wants a certain type of player, but it seems hard to believe that Tim Dwight, Dante Ridgeway and Brad Smith would help the 2006 Jets win more games. McCareins’ hold on a starting job appears tenuous, though, so we’ll continue to drop him in our rankings.

McCareins has been replaced in the starting lineup by Jerricho Cotchery. We’ve already dropped McCareins in our cheat sheets.

McCareins’ status is uncertain.

He’s running behind journeyman Tim Dwight and converted-quarterback project Brad Smith. McCareins had two catches for ten yards.

McCareins played as New York’s number three receiver on the first series. After being dogged by trade rumors and job uncertainty, McCareins still appears to have a significant role in the offense.

This and the Jets’ lack of receiver depth makes it seem unlikely McCareins will be moved. One rumor has McCareins going to Atlanta for T.J. Duckett, but that deal isn’t likely to happen soon.