For the first time in a decade, the Jets will open the season with someone other than D'Brickashaw Ferguson protecting the quarterback's blind side. That job now belongs to four-time Pro Bowler Ryan Clady and the former Bronco has meshed in well with his new linemates.
"Ryan Clady is a true professional," OL coach Steve Marshall said. "The guy's been in this league a while and he's picked right up. He's melded very well next to Carpenter and has done a great job."
Opposite Clady on the depth chart is RT Breno Giacomini, who is currently on the PUP list with a back injury. With Giacomini on the mend, veterans Brent Qvale and Ben Ijalana have shared first-team reps throughout the summer
"They've done outstanding, it's been a competitive camp. The guys are working extremely hard and we're looking forward to getting ready for this next one," Marshall said.
Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker may headline the Jets' receiving corps, but a number of younger players have made noise over the past four weeks of practice.
"I feel really good about this group," WR coach Karl Dorrell said. "We have two good veterans in Eric and Brandon, and we have a host of young players that I think have some promise and a future in the NFL. They give us some juice, some excitement and they're bringing energy to our group. They're progressing and doing some really good things so far. We had two rookie receivers catch a touchdown in the last two weeks, so hopefully we can keep that going."
While the rookies compete for a roster spot, Decker is looking to expand his role in year two in Chan Gailey's system.
"Eric can get deep and sneak by you and do those things," Dorrell said. "Believe me, he lets me know that in practice too. He's proven that he can do those things and I think you'll see that more this year. There's a lot Eric will surprise people with and not that I had any doubt about that, it's just him understanding our system and now we're opening up the playbook a little bit more."
RB Matt Forte, who could get his first game action Saturday against the Giants, is set to join Bilal Powell in the offensive backfield.
"When you have two guys like that, it's a great problem to have," said RB coach Marcel Shipp. "They both bring a lot to the table and we're going to utilize them to their strengths."
In 2015, the Jets tight ends were predominantly used as inline blockers. However TE coach Jimmie Johnson, whose unit currently reads on the unofficial depth chart from one to six: Kellen Davis, Jace Amaro, Zach Sudfeld, Brandon Bostick, Wes Saxton and Jason Vander Laan, wants his charges to be proficient receivers as well.
"I'm in the business of trying to make complete tight ends," he said. "I'm not trying to make one pass receiving tight end and then have one for run blocks. With all those guys, most of them are pretty natural at running routes and catching the ball. The work they have to prepare for is inline blocking and pass protection. In this offense, they have to do a little bit of everything."
