Here are some thoughts and observations from the first four days of Jets training camp:
1. The dominant storyline, of course, was the absence of Sam Darnold and his contract negotiations with the Jets. I think the Jets did the right thing by conceding on some of the contract language that Darnold and his agent Jimmy Sexton were seeking. They did not just dig in and keep fighting. They made sure to get Darnold into training camp after he missed just three practices.
In my mind, this was a test for Christopher Johnson, who is still feeling his way as he fills in for his brother Woody running the team. Surely, Christopher had to sign off on the concession that the front office made. Johnson proclaimed Darnold a franchise-changing pick in the spring. It was wise of him to get Darnold in the building and avoid a Joey Bosa-like situation that dragged on for weeks.
2. The Jets’ quarterback situation is the most fascinating one I can remember around the team. Many teams have a rookie draft pick trying to win the job and a veteran trying to hold him off. But the Jets also have Teddy Bridgewater, who is a wild card.
Over the first few days, Bridgewater has made some throws that make you remember why he was a first-round pick. But he has been inconsistent. That may be him shaking off the rust or learning the offense. It is too early to draw conclusions, but he has not done anything to make me think he should be ahead of Josh McCown on the depth chart yet.
3. Leonard Williams has been a wrecking ball in the middle of the Jets defense during these practices. He seems to constantly be beating his man and blowing up plays in the backfield. Williams seems highly motivated as he tries to bounce back from a slightly disappointing 2017 season.
4. The Jets have done a nice job of filling the hole left by Muhammad Wilkerson opposite Williams on the line. Both Henry Anderson and Nathan Shepherd have flashed in practice, and that looks like a strong combination on the defensive line for the Jets.
5. The early breakout star of training camp is second-year cornerback Derrick Jones. He has constantly been around the ball. He has intercepted McCown and Bridgewater and tipped a Darnold pass Monday that was intercepted by Doug Middleton. Jones basically had a redshirt year in 2017 after the Jets drafted him in the sixth round out of Mississippi. Now, he is emerging and could be a fourth cornerback this season.