While no roster spot is a lock, here are a few competitions in particular to look out for over the course of training camp and the preseason.
Quarterback
This is the obvious one. Josh McCown has the most experience of the group, but all three quarterbacks are learning John Morton's system together. The redshirt is off second-year gunslinger Christian Hackenberg, who has all the tools of a prototypical QB. The Penn State product is expected to let loose after showing progress throughout the spring. Lastly, third-year signal caller Bryce Petty started four games in the second half of 2016 and endured his share of ups and downs. The Baylor product said the experience proved to be invaluable and has recovered nicely from shoulder surgery.
Get to Know the Jets QBs Before Training Camp Begins
Selected in the second round of the 2016 Draft.
Started four games in 2016, tossed three touchdown passes.
Fourteen-year veteran signed with the Jets on March 20.
KickerThis battle is the most "mano a mano" of the bunch. Ross Martin and Chandler Catanzaro will go head-to-head, or toe-to-toe, throughout training camp and the preseason. Both kickers have strong legs, so consistency will most likely prevail. Martin flashed last year during camp and booted a 55-yard field goal in the preseason, but Catanzaro has more NFL experience and a career FGM average of 84.8%.
CB2
While competition will be fierce, the expectation is Morris Claiborne will line up on the outside and often line up against opponent's top targets. The versatile Buster Skrine played outside in base last season, but he also shifted inside when the defense lined up in its sub packages. Second-year corner Juston Burris could make a push for regular time on the outside. Bowles expects progress from the 6'0", 212-pound Burris, a long defensive back who has the potential to excel in press situations. Keep an eye on Darryl Roberts, who the Jets claimed last September. Despite limited exposure (285 defensive plays), Roberts impressed during his time on the gridiron.
Bonus: Wide Receiver
Quincy Enunwa had a career year in 2016 and has carved out a role on offense. However, the rest of the unit consists of young, unproven talent. The Jets drafted a pair of receivers in the third and fourth rounds in ArDarius Stewart (Alabama) and Chad Hansen (California). Robby Anderson had a nice rookie season and it will be interesting to see how he progresses in his second year. Jalin Marshall and Charone Peake showed good signs as pass catchers last season as well. The remaining receivers include Marquess Wilson, Frankie Hammond, Myles White, Deshon Foxx and Lucky Whitehead.
