FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The New York Jets open voluntary organized team activities Wednesday after a busy offseason that included roster and coaching changes following a 3-14 campaign. Coach Aaron Glenn returns for his second season, and the team is one of five in the league with no primetime games on the schedule. The OTA window runs for 10 practices, followed by a mandatory minicamp scheduled for June 16-18.
Offensively, the focus is on a new look under coordinator Frank Reich and quarterback Geno Smith. The Jets had just 40 plays of 20-plus yards last season, the second fewest in the NFL, and expect more speed with receivers Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell joining first-round picks Kenyon Sadiq (TE) and Omar Cooper Jr. (WR), giving the club four pass catchers timed at 4.4 seconds or faster in the 40-yard dash.
Reich’s recent tendencies favor 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers), shotgun formations and no-huddle work, with lower rates of play-action and pre-snap motion than the league average. “Everything will be done to accentuate what the players do best,” Reich said, adding the staff will continue to emphasize the run while also seeking ways to be “dynamic in the passing game and be excellent in situational football.” Reich said Smith “fits perfect” in the system; Smith, 35, was a Pro Bowl selection three years ago but has totaled a league-high 32 interceptions the past two seasons.
The backup quarterback picture remains unsettled. The club has not added a veteran and will evaluate fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik over the next month. Klubnik performed well at rookie camp against mostly undrafted players, and coaches expect OTA work to provide a clearer assessment. The Jets have maintained contact with several free agents, including Russell Wilson, if they opt to add a veteran before training camp.
Rookie evaluation will be in sharp focus. The class, which includes three first-round selections, drew widespread praise. No. 2 pick David Bailey is the highest-drafted defensive player in franchise history and will be watched closely for run-defense performance once pads come on. Bailey said, “There’s always going to be room for improvement, but I’m confident in my ability to play the run.” Bailey, Sadiq, Cooper and second-round cornerback D’Angelo Ponds are expected to play prominent roles; Ponds will challenge Jarvis Brownlee Jr. for the starting nickelback job.
