Dee Milliner was a star for the two-time national champion Crimson Tide.
Credit: Getty Images
Fresh after signing his contract late Sunday night, Jets first-round pick Dee Milliner reported to the team’s training camp on Monday and will practice with his new teammates Wednesday. The Jets have a scheduled day off on Tuesday that will delay his first day on the field.
Milliner, the No. 9 pick in this spring’s NFL Draft, was the last of the Jets’ draft picks to sign with the team. A talented cornerback from two-time defending national champion Alabama, he has strong coverage skills and will be called upon to carry an immediate load with the team.
“It’s exciting, it’s a blessing to sign a contract [and] play in the NFL,” Milliner said.
After having shoulder surgery this past March, Milliner was unable to participate in rookie minicamp, the offseason activities and last month’s minicamp. He will be limited in practice at first as a precaution when the Jets take to the field again on Wednesday but he optimistically said, “I’m 100 percent back.”
He hopes to fully engage this week or next week but will lean heavily on the advice of the training staff as to how quickly he can resume a normal practice schedule.
The rookie cornerback did some rehab at the team’s facility following minicamp and then went back to college, where he followed a plan sent to him by the Jets medical staff. When terms of the deal were reached on Sunday night, Milliner was still in Alabama and he arrived at SUNY Cortland late in the afternoon on Monday after what he called a “drowsy day.” He was set to meet head coach Rex Ryan on Monday night following his introductory press conference.
Milliner hasn’t taken his physical but said, “I know I will be ready for contact.”
Follow Jets beat writer Kristian Dyer on Twitter @KristianRDyer for live updates from training camp.
