Brett

Ratliff

A journeyman undrafted free agent, Ratliff has made zero career appearances since entering the league in 2007. Gant spent all of 2011 on the practice squad despite turning in a strong preseason. He could compete for a roster spot in 2012. Franklin was held off the stat-sheet in two games on the active roster. Balogun could latch on as a special teamer.

Ratliff garnered some hype after an outstanding preseason last August, but he had already fallen behind Kellen Clemens in spring practices. He’ll fall to No. 3 on the Browns depth chart behind Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson, but a Quinn trade could open up a shot at playing time. Eric Mangini obviously saw something he liked last year.

“We like his work ethic, his intelligence,” he said. “You saw the two TD passes he had against the Browns [in preseason last year]. He’s made substantial progress and that’s encouraging.” Ratliff is currently sitting at No. 3 on the depth chart.

“That’s because he’s done a really outstanding job in the offseason program,” coach Eric Mangini said. “Not that Derek hasn’t done well, but (Quinn) had the edge so he took the first reps.” Mangini put no timetable on naming a starter, but did indicate that both Anderson and Quinn are ahead of Brett Ratliff on the depth chart. Quinn clearly has the early overall lead.

The Jets could pull the trigger on a Josh Freeman at No. 17 overall, but they are counting heavily on Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff after failing to land Jay Cutler. A rookie might only push Erik Ainge for the No. 3 role.

“I thought he looked outstanding today,” coach Rex Ryan said. While you can’t tell much from simple drills that included a lot of dump-offs, Clemens is reportedly carrying himself with confidence and making fewer mistakes than Brett Ratliff. This race has a long way to go.

Brett Ratliff worked with the twos. Clemens showed better accuracy, but these are non-contact drills. There won’t be much separation here ‘til the summer.

Their lackluster performance was reportedly one of the reasons the Jets would not release Brett Favre until after they selected Mark Sanchez. If the report is true, the Jets have little reason to turn the offense over to Clemens if Sanchez proves capable in training camp.

The paper is cautious about the source, but he “without hesitation” says Quinn will get the nod. The source adds that Brett Ratliff isn’t a serious contender and that Cleveland has turned down two “very substantial” trade proposals for Quinn, each including a first-round pick. It would be very surprising if the Browns spurned such offers, then didn’t start Quinn.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer guesses that coach Eric Mangini was just “throwing (Ratliff) a bone,” but the former Jet took the offense 71 yards in less than one minute. Still, it doesn’t sound like Ratliff is pushing to start yet.