What the Jets Must Learn About Their Roster During Training Camp

Training camp gives the New York Jets their first real opportunity to evaluate how the pieces of their roster fit together. There may be an odds-on favorite in every position battle, but practices and preseason games can quickly change the depth chart. Before the regular season begins, the Jets need answers to several important roster questions. Here is a real quick look at some questions that Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn will need answers to if this team is going to take a step in the right direction.

Is There Enough Depth on the Offensive Line?

The Jets appear to have their starting offensive line in place with Olu Fashanu at left tackle, Dylan Parham at left guard, Josh Myers at center, Joe Tippmann at right guard and Armand Membou at right tackle. Training camp will determine how quickly that group can develop chemistry and function as a unit.

The bigger question involves the depth behind them. Chukwuma Okorafor and Max Mitchell provide experience at tackle, while Xavier Newman, Liam Fornadel and Anez Cooper are competing for backup roles inside. Preseason games will help the Jets determine which reserves can play multiple positions and be trusted if injuries affect the starting lineup.

Who Will Emerge Behind Garrett Wilson?

Garrett Wilson remains the clear centerpiece of the passing game, but the Jets need additional receivers to earn the trust of the coaching staff. Training camp will help establish which players can consistently create separation, make contested catches and contribute when the ball is not coming their way.

Adonai Mitchell can make life much easier all around if he continues to emerge and shows he is a true # 2. Omar Cooper Jr and Arian Smith will both have plenty of chances to show why they deserve playing time.

How Will the Tight Ends Be Used?

The Jets have invested meaningful resources in the tight end position, giving the offense several options. Training camp should offer the first clear indication of how those players will be used within the new system.

Two-tight-end formations could help the Jets create favorable matchups while strengthening the running game. The staff must identify which combinations provide the best balance of receiving, blocking and versatility.

Can the Jets Defense Create More Turnovers?

What we know is the defense couldn’t create less turnovers. Interceptions, anyone? Defensive improvement cannot be measured only by yards allowed. The Jets must become more effective at creating interceptions, forcing fumbles and giving the offense additional possessions.

Turnovers can be difficult to predict, but training camp reveals whether defenders are consistently getting their hands on passes and attacking the football. Creating pressure without sacrificing coverage will also be a major part of that evaluation.

What Do the Jets Have in Cade Klubnik?

Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik will be one of the more interesting young players to watch during training camp. With Geno Smith established as the starter, the Jets can focus on evaluating Klubnik’s long-term potential without asking him to lead the offense immediately.

The coaching staff will want to see how quickly Klubnik processes NFL defenses, operates in the pocket and adjusts to the speed of the professional game. His performance against Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe will also help determine where he belongs in the quarterback rotation.

Klubnik does not need to look like a finished product, but he must show that his physical ability can be developed. If he demonstrates steady improvement throughout camp and the preseason, the Jets may view him as a quarterback worth developing behind Smith.