What Have We Learned About the Jets This Offseason?

JB: In their second year leading the organization, GM Darren Mougey and HC Aaron Glenn talked the talk about retaining a core of young players and then they walked the walk. Perhaps most importantly, the Jets re-signed workhorse RB Breece Hall to a three-year contract extension and then this week versatile OL Joe Tippmann to a new four-year deal. Also on that list are FB Andrew Beck, OL Max Mitchell, S Andre Cisco and RB/KR Kene Nwangwu. Mere housekeeping some would say. Fair enough. But when it comes to the defense, we learned that Mougey and Glenn were successful in adding quality talent from front to back. Edge David Bailey was drafted No. 2 overall in April. “Large human” DT T’Vondre Sweat was acquired via trade from Tennessee. Also up front signed in free agency were David Onyemata, Joseph Ossaiand Kingsley Enagbare. Bringing back LB Demario Davis for a third go-round with the Green & White and signing S Minkah Fitzpatrick brings veteran knowledge and determination. The competition at cornerback will heat up with the coming of training camp in July with the addition of Nahshon Wright, and the drafting of D’Angelo Ponds. Cisco will compete at safety with Malachi Moore, free agent Dane Belton and rookie VJ Payne.

AV: As head coach Aaron Glenn likes to say, it’s tough to judge the physical side without the pads on, but my biggest takeaway has been the character of this team. The Jets rightfully targeted veterans, not just because of their on-field experience but for their leadership. Because the Jets had one of the youngest rosters in the NFL last season, this was a pivotal change. QB Geno Smith and LB Demario Davis have been shouted out the most by players and coaches but there are other veterans worthy of being role models as well. On Thursday, Glenn said he “likes” where the team is at, but wants to get to the point where he “loves” where they’re at; I think that sums up pretty well where the Jets stand at this point of the year before full player evaluations can be made during training camp. It seems that the install process has gone well in all phases of the game during OTAs and minicamp based on what coordinators have said, but adding in the element of physicality will certainly put that knowledge to the test. I believe we will learn the most about how the Jets improved this offseason come training camp, but the foundation of where Glenn wants to take this team has already been established.