Kelly

Jennings

Jennings was a standout all offseason and could be in line to replace Andre Dyson as a starter or play nickel. At only 179 pounds, the former Miami Hurricane is definitely a cover corner who could struggle in run support.

Numerous reports have Jennings intercepting balls and blanketing the ‘Hawks receivers consistently. His bid to start will ramp up in training camp.

Leon Hall (Achilles) is done for the year and Johnathan Joseph fled for Houston last summer. That leaves the speedy yet small Jennings as the starter opposite Nate Clements. Downgrade the Bengals’ pass defense, especially against bigger receivers.

Jennings’ absence, due to a hamstring injury, is a blow because he was going to open the year among Cincinnati’s top three cornerbacks. Morgan Trent and little-used Rico Murray are behind him on the depth chart. Otherwise, the Bengals are healthy at most key positions for their opener against the Browns.

Jennings was able to practice in a limited fashion on Friday, but will be a game-time decision against the Browns. Set to serve as the Bengals’ nickel back until Pacman Jones comes off the PUP list, Jennings should be spelled by Morgan Trent if he’s unable to go tomorrow.

The release of Herndon, 30, saves Seattle $2.5 million in salary-cap space. The veteran wasn’t a disaster of a free agent signing in 2005 but the ‘Hawks have younger, cheaper players with better speed in Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings. Herndon should find work as a nickel or dime back in free agency. Morley was a practice squad type who never had a shot to make the team.

Former first-day picks Josh Wilson and Kelly Jennings are falling down the depth chart. Lucas will be worth IDP consideration because he’ll be thrown at often. He’s also a pretty good tackler. Just don’t expect many picks.

It sounds like this was a reconstructive operation. Jennings, Seattle’s 2006 first-round pick, appears to be a dime corner at best. Ken Lucas and Marcus Trufant are the starters with Josh Wilson likely covering the slot.

Bradley, who is coming from Tampa Bay, will ask his corners to play tough in run support. LCB Marcus Trufant is a fine tackler and could benefit in IDP leagues. Undersized Josh Wilson and lanky Kelly Jennings aren’t built ideally to defend the run, so Seattle may add a cornerback in the draft.

This can be a 4-6 week injury depending on the extent. Seattle will likely be forced to start Kelly Jennings in Week 3 against Chicago. Jennings has been a bust since going in the 2006 first round, so upgrade Jay Cutler’s matchup.