LaDainian Tomlinson showed Jeremy Kerley some serious TCU love after Friday’s practice.

“I think he can be Wes Welker or Wayne Chrebet,” LT said of the dynamic rookie slot wide receiver/punt returner. “I think he can really be that type of guy because of his quickness, [ability to] catch the ball and his toughness. I think he’s everything that you would want in a receiver that can play slot or line up wide and play.”

Kerley, of course, will get the opportunity to be the Jets’ third wideout now that Derrick Mason has been traded.

“I wouldn’t say Wes Welker or anything like that,” Kerley replied when told of LT’s praise. “I’m just trying to fill a role.”

Tomlinson met Kerley when he was a sophomore at TCU during spring practice.

“He’s a Horned Frog, that’s just how it is,” Kerley said of LT. “We had that bond right away.”

Asked how Tomlinson has mentored him, Kerley said, “Just helping me out on the field and telling me little things as far as keeping my head in it and watching out for this and that.”

LT finished his TCU career with 5,263 rushing yards -- including an NCAA-high 2,158 and 22 touchdowns his senior year in 2000.

• Nick Mangold says he’s “doing well” despite being limited at Friday’s practice. Mangold missed Thursday’s practice with an ankle injury.

The veteran center says he’s feeling less pain and getting more movement.

Rex Ryan said “he’s not real sure” about Ropati Pitoitua, who missed Thursday’s and Friday’s practices, calling his status for Monday night's game against Miami “really questionable.”