The Jets report to training camp Wednesday. Here’s a primer of questions facing the team:
Biggest comeback
The Jets are counting on Ryan Clady to replace D’Brickashaw Ferguson at left tackle. When Clady has been healthy, he has been a Pro Bowler, but he has missed 30 games over the past three years, including the entire 2015 season with the Broncos. Clady is coming off a torn ACL he suffered last spring. This spring, he gradually did more and more in practice and the Jets are confident he is 100 percent. Still, they probably will ease him in during training camp.
Biggest position battle
The outside linebacker competition will be fascinating to watch. Grizzled vet Calvin Pace is gone and the team moved on from Quinton Coples in the middle of last season. That leaves the two starting jobs up for grabs. The Jets have a bunch of guys fighting for those spots, but all of them are unproven. The favorites are 2015 third-round pick Lorenzo Mauldin and this year’s third-round pick, Jordan Jenkins. But keep an eye on Freddie Bishop, Trevor Reilly, Deion Barnes and Mike Catapano.
Most fascinating newcomer
The Jets signed veteran running back Matt Forte to replace Chris Ivory, who is now in Jacksonville. There is no questioning Forte’s production with the Bears. His 12,718 yards from scrimmage lead the league since he entered it in 2008. The question with Forte is: How much does he have left? At 30 years old, there will be plenty of doubters. But Forte should be a nice addition to the Jets’ offense, particularly with his pass-catching ability.
Coach’s toughest challenge
Todd Bowles needs to manage the quarterback situation in his locker room while Ryan Fitzpatrick remains unsigned. Many of the veteran players on the Jets have made it clear they want Fitzpatrick back. How will they react if he does not re-sign? Bowles is going to have to deal with questions every day from the media about the situation and so are his players. Then, there is Geno Smith. At some point, this becomes unfair to Smith. It is up to Bowles to decide when that is.
Most intriguing rookie
Jordan Jenkins made a strong impression in the spring. The outside linebacker from Georgia probably has the best chance at a starting job of any of the rookies because that position is wide open. Jenkins is not a fierce pass-rusher, but is strong on the edge and might be the person the Jets need to replace Calvin Pace. Quarterback Christian Hackenberg will be under the microscope during camp, too, but there are no expectations for him this season, so there should not be too much pressure.
Most notable absence
This is an easy one. Ryan Fitzpatrick’s absence is going to hang over the Jets until he either re-signs or the team moves on. It is amazing the standoff between the two sides has stretched on this long. Now, the Jets must decide how much longer they are willing to wait for Fitzpatrick, who threw a team-record 31 touchdowns last season. As long as Fitzpatrick is not in camp, he is going to be a topic of conversation for the media, something that is sure to wear on the players and coaches who are actually going through training camp.