Opposite Jerricho Cotchery, 2008 preseason superstar David Clowney ran as the Jets' starting split end during Thursday's OTA practice. Clowney is ahead of Brad Smith on the depth chart. Chansi Stuckey is behind Cotchery at flanker, but Stuckey's main role is slot receiver.

Clowney has an outstanding chance to win the "X" receiver job despite one career reception. He has much better vertical ability than Smith, can catch the ball over his shoulder, and will look better in practice.

Clowney will generate pre-fantasy draft hype, but Dustin Keller and Cotchery are much stronger bets to dominate targets over the middle and outside. As we've established, this team will rely heavily on a game-managing QB, an aggressive defense, and a potential three-headed backfield monster. The Jets aren't going to take chances down the field too often. Clowney could also end up rotating snaps with Smith, as Smith is the more polished run blocker.

As it stands, we have the following catch totals projected for New York's pass-catching corps:

Cotchery -- 79
Keller -- 64
Stuckey -- 41
Clowney -- 34
Smith -- 15

Clowney should help the Jets because he's a field stretcher and will command some attention, but don't expect anything close to fantasy fireworks. Keller will be the Jets' No. 2 receiver.