Braylon Edwards sees a lot of diversity and balance, among the Jets’ wide receivers now that Santonio Holmes is aboard, and thinks the team’s receivers will be difficult to defend.
It’s why Edwards told The Post yesterday that he is a fan of the Holmes acquisition, even though he will have to compete for catches with the former Steelers wideout.
“I like having him on the team because I think now we have a better wide receiving corps and I think we have one of the best in the league,” Edwards told The Post at Radio City Music Hall. “I think it helps us because it forces matchup problems now.
“Now you’ve got a big wideout [Edwards], now you have a speedy wideout [Holmes]. Now you have Jerricho [Cotchery], who runs perfect precision routes. So now it forces people to be in a bind.”
Edwards was a special guest at the NFL Draft, on hand to announce the Jets’ fourth-round pick, and the crowd saluted him with a mixed reaction. Edwards said he has had a terrific offseason and is “extremely, extremely excited.”
“I don’t even know if ‘excitement’ really coins what I am, but I can’t wait,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a big year for the New York Jets. I think it’s a huge year for myself. And I think we’re going to do many, many things.”
Edwards’ optimism stems from the fact that he’s relaxed and “comfortable” with the Jets. He arrived in a midseason trade from the Browns last season that cost the Jets a third-round pick in this year’s draft.
“They finally put me in a situation to relax, have fun and enjoy football again,” Edwards said. “Right now I’m like a kid again.”
So what constitutes a big year for Edwards? Although he will be a free agent after the season, he said that stats are not important.
“On this type of a team, I’m not worried about stats — obviously stats will come,” he said. “If I catch 50-55 balls, seven touchdowns and we’re winning, that’s all that matters.”
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Former No. 1 draft pick Vernon Gholston, a bust at linebacker, will be turned into a defensive end, coach Rex Ryan confirmed yesterday. The Jets plan to have Gholston back up veteran Shaun Ellis and get more athletic at the position.
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The Jets started filling out their roster for next week’s rookie mini-camp, agreeing to deals with several undrafted free agents. According to reports, that group includes Michigan DB Donovan Warren, Texas OG Charlie Tanner, Nevada DE/OLB Kevin Basped, Illinois TE Jeff Cumberland, and Pittsburgh DT Mick Williams.