The Jets take the next step toward the 2016 season Tuesday, when they begin Organized Team Activities, a fancy way of saying spring practices.
Todd Bowles enters Year 2 trying to build off a 10-6 season that finished one heartbreaking loss shy of the playoffs. The Jets have been working out for more than a month, but the OTAs step up the intensity a notch. All 10 are voluntary, but there should be a good percentage of the team there. Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson won’t be around as he awaits a long-term contract, and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick remains a free agent.
Even with those absences, there will be plenty to watch. Here are five things to look for in OTAs:
The other guys
This offseason has been dominated by the Fitzpatrick negotiations and the failure of the two sides to reach a deal. That means he won’t be out there this week, but Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg will. The absence of Fitzpatrick will actually benefit these three because they will get more reps. Each of them will be fascinating to watch. Does Smith look ready to lead? Has Petty improved? Is Hackenberg light years away? We’ll find out soon.
New-look linebackers
No position underwent more of a face lift this offseason than the linebacking corps. Only David Harris remains of the four starters at this time last year. Erin Henderson will be playing alongside Harris, but first-round pick Darron Lee will be fighting for time. On the outside, the Jets have a bunch of unproven players fighting for jobs. It’s a battle that should last until the end of August.
How’s the knee?
The Jets traded for left tackle Ryan Clady when D’Brickashaw Ferguson retired last month. There is no questioning Clady’s talent, but his health has been an issue in recent years. He is coming off a torn ACL in his left knee. The injury happened a year ago, and the Jets expect him to be ready for training camp. But will he be able to do anything in OTAs? The Jets might be extra cautious with him.
Remember me?
Last season, the Jets completed eight passes to a tight end, a ridiculously low number. Jace Amaro, the team’s second-round pick in 2014, missed last season with a shoulder injury. Could he be the answer at the position? It will be interesting to see how the coaches use him in OTAs. Last year, before the injury, he was an afterthought.
The other island
Darrelle Revis is recovering from wrist surgery and won’t be practicing, but the Jets know he’ll be ready for the season. The question is who will start opposite him with Antonio Cromartie now gone. Bowles said Buster Skrine gets the first shot, but Marcus Williams and Dee Milliner figure to get a chance, too.