WR turnover one big takeaway from Jets’ offseason
AVERY ROCKY and interesting offseason is over for the Jets. They concluded their offseason program with last week’s threeday minicamp. The Jets spent this offseason shedding salary and veteran leadership, in the name of a youth movement, with an eye on grabbing the No. 1 draft pick in 2018. What is left of the roster will reconvene in six weeks for training camp. Here are my f i ve t akeaways from the offseason program: CATCHING GRIEF: Of all the changes the Jets have made, I think letting Eric Decker go might be the one they feel the most. Their wide receivers are young — like probably-not-old-enough-to-rent-a-car young. Even with Brandon Marshall gone, Decker provided the Jets with one proven target on the outside. But the Jets cut him last week, and now Quincy Enunwa, Robby Anderson and Charone Peake are your top three wide receivers. Draft picks ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen had a hard time staying on the field in the spring, both dealing with injuries. Maybe they can fight their way into the conversation in August. My biggest question, though, is if this season is truly about evaluating Hackenberg, how is he getting a fair shot with this group of receivers? He could use a target he can trust on the outside. OH SNAP! The quarterback competition between Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty is the most interesting storyline right now. Hackenberg surprised me, especially during the minicamp. He has made some strides and I’m not sure McCown starting Week 1 is a sure thing.
Hackenberg showed a deft t ouch on deep passes, and looked improved on the short and intermediate throws — an area in which he really struggled last year. He still looks inaccurate and unsure of himself at times. If he can make mo r e progress in training camp and especially the preseason games, he could make the quarterback decision a tough one for coach Todd Bowles.
PRESSURE POINTS: Evaluating linemen in the spring, with no pads on, is particularly tough, but the defensive line looks like it might be back to its formidable self. After a disappointing 2015 season, Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson look motivated. Wilkerson is healthy again and eager to s hut up t he critics. Richardson is in a contract year and has dollar signs on his mind. Then there is Leonard Williams, who just seems to get better and better.
Offenses may key on Williams this year, throwing double teams and sliding protections toward him. If they do, that should open things up even more for Wilkerson and Richardson, who both could have big seasons. HELLO, AGAIN: The most obvious thing to take away from the Jets’ practices this spring is that they have rediscovered the tight end position. The Jets had just 26 receptions by tight ends in 2015 and 2016 combined, 71 fewer than the nextclosest team. New offensive coordinator John Morton is bringing the position back, though. Tight ends were frequent targets in the spring.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins may have had the best spring of any Jet. After losing 25 pounds and giving up alcohol, he looks like he may be ready to realize the potential he showed in college. FINE FIRST I MPRESSION: Jamal Adams looks like the real deal. He had the most impressive spring of any Jets rookie I have seen since Richardson in 2013. Adams flew around the field, broke u p plenty of passes and notched a few interceptions. He also was a vocal presence in practice and already looks like a leader. Adams will be a Day 1 starter and should have an immediate impact on the defense.