The New York Jets concluded their offseason workout program in strong fashion this week.
It was the first year of the offseason program for head coach Aaron Glenn and his staff. From improvements on the offensive end to a new style of defense, the Jets have put forth the first bit of work to ensure improvements entering the 2025 season.
Now, it’s time to review what we learned from the last month and a half at Florham Park.
Intentional Coaching Mindset
New York has a brand-new coaching staff that features quite a few faces who are rookies in their roles. While some may be worried about the collective group’s lack of experience, the last month of workouts may show that the Jets may have finally found a coaching staff to believe in.
Glenn and his staff have intentionally directed practices and instructed their team. The first month almost looked more like a complex classroom on the field.
It’s an important distinction from past regimes and shows that Glenn’s push to get the roster younger has paid off. Now, it is up to the coaching staff to find a way to teach their players enough to prepare them for the start of the regular season.
If minicamp is any indication, the Jets are in great shape on that account.
Culture Wins Out
The mere fact that cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson attended both voluntary and mandatory workouts is huge for the Jets.
It shows that the team has bought into what Glenn is trying to teach from a culture standpoint. The Jets’ head coach also explained on the final day of minicamp that linebacker Quincy Williams commented on how there were no complaints about the month-long practice schedule—a rarity in the NFL.
Glenn’s culture is winning out. That much was clear over the last month.
Rookies Will Get Chance To Shine Early
From first-round tackle Armand Membou to late-round edge rusher Tyler Baron, there is a path for many of New York’s rookie class to see the field early in their first year with the team.
Membou appears ready to take control of the starting right tackle position, Mason Taylor looked strong at tight end, Azareye’h Thomas looked impressive, and the late-round picks of Arian Smith, Malachi Moore, Francisco Mauigoa, and Baron all held their own during the last month of work.
It’s a good thing to have happen for a team that is expected to be one of the youngest in the NFL this year.
Roster Remains Healthy
Over the years, many teams have experienced serious injuries to key players during offseason workouts. In 2023, Aaron Rodgers suffered a calf injury during minicamp and had to miss practice time with the Jets.
The good news is that the Jets won’t have to worry about that this offseason. Jermaine Johnson is expected back at some point during training camp, while Arian Smith and Malachi Corley don’t appear to be dealing with anything overly serious.
Outside of those three players, there aren’t any additional key players rehabbing injuries.
New York is healthy going into training camp. That is a massive boost for the group.
Offense Remains Work In Progress
There were moments throughout the first month and a half that showed that the Jets’ offense could be much better than people expect this season.
Other moments may have shown that concerns are fair.
At the end of the day, New York’s offense is still a work in progress. Quarterback Justin Fields made some excellent throws throughout offseason activities but struggled at times with his processing. Many of the issues Fields has had over his four-year career seemed to rear their heads during these practices.
Is that because he’s learning a new offense and working with a new team? Once camp begins, we’ll find out.
