Chris Prosinski-USA TODAY Sports
Newcomer Ryan Spadola, rookie out of Lehigh University, has impressed in his first two preseason games greatly.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound receiver has the size, speed, and the ability to get open quickly that is looked for in a productive slot receiver. Spadola, a little taller than most slot receivers, likely will be competing for the third receiving slot after Stephen Hill and Jeremy Kerley. Kerley, smaller than Spadola, is the ideal slot receiver, however, it appears unlikely that they would switch it up to where Spadola would be the second receiver.
Spadola is fighting it out with fellow rookie Zach Rogers, who had a good game yesterday, Braylon Edwards, and Ben Obomanu, who both had impressive days yesterday on their own. However, since Spadola is a rookie, coaches tend to favor the younger guys and give them every chance to show what they can do.
Yesterday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Spadola had four catches for 59 yards. Rogers, another intriguing prospect, had three catches for 32 yards. It’s exciting to think that either one of these two will make it on the New York Jets roster and will be a productive receiver for the team. Even though Edwards and Obomanu have the experience and many would say that would give them a leg up on the competition, Rogers and Spadola are not making it easy for the Jets coaching staff.
Spadola has out performed Rogers in the first two preseason games, and he also has height that Rogers doesn’t. This also allows Rogers, however, to become a little more elusive, just like “little” Wes Welker. It’ll be interesting to see how these two perform in the last two preseason games.
