The New York Jets have high expectations for rookie cornerback Dee Milliner. However, they’re not setting those expectations too high, according to ESPNNewYork.com.
"Dee Milliner is never going to be Darrelle Revis," Jets coach Rex Ryan said Monday. "He'll just be Dee Milliner, and I think that will be good enough."
Milliner arrived at Jets training camp Monday after agreeing to a four-year, $12.66 million contract Sunday night following a lengthy holdout. He was not able to practice with the team since he got to camp too late in the day. However, he is supposed to join his teammates on the field during the next practice on Wednesday.
The University of Alabama product said his shoulder has fully recovered from its surgery in March. Nevertheless, the Jets plan to limit him in practice. He took care of the team physical and the earliest he will be able to take the conditioning test is Tuesday.
"I know I'll be ready for contact," Milliner said.
The Jets chose to trade Revis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers instead of agreeing to the contract extension he wanted. While with the Jets, he was often called the best cornerback in the league. Although it is widely believed the Jets drafted Milliner to replace Revis, they don’t expect him to be Revis.
"I tell you what: I hope when he plays, there are those comparisons," said head coach Rex Ryan "I understand where people are coming from, but Darrelle was a special player. We'll see what kind of player Dee is."
"He can't be compared [to Revis]," said Antonio Cromartie who is expected to take over Revis’ spot as No. 1 cornerback. "He's got to make sure he doesn't get caught up in trying to be compared to him. He's his own man, Darrelle is his own man. The only thing he has to do is be Dee Milliner."
Milliner was exceptional in OTAs and minicamp. However, because of the holdout the Jets aren’t sure of the cornerback’s physical condition.
Although Milliner hasn’t been with the Jets, he worked out at the team facility until June. He then went back to Alabama and continued on the Jets rehab assignment at the University.
"I'm very much in shape, like I've been playing football the whole time," Milliner said.
