There has been a lot of talk about how different the Jets will be in their first year under new coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey. Now, it’s finally time to see what it looks like on the practice field.
Well, kind of. The Jets began Phase 3 of the NFL offseason program this week, which means it’s time for organized team activities (OTAs) and Wednesday will be the first full-team practice under Glenn where reporters are present.
We use the word “practice” lightly. This is more of a practice preview. We’re still a long way from September, as you can see on the calendar and from the fact that the players won’t be wearing pads or hitting each other.
But it’s still a big step toward meaningful football and there are some things to be learned in the Jets’ upcoming OTA practices (three will be attended by the media) and mandatory minicamp in early June.
So what will we be watching for? Here are a few key things that could be telling.
**A new role**
We know what Glenn brought as a defensive coordinator to Lions practice because we saw it on “Hard Knocks” back in 2022, when HBO documented training camp in Detroit. We saw Glenn’s intense competitive nature in practice duels and how much he cared about the standard his defense was setting – more than anything he appeared to view every practice as a reflection on his group’s identity and what they were building for the regular season.
As quick as Glenn was to point out when his standard wasn’t being met, he was also free with his praise when players deserved it. We don’t expect any of that to change. But it’ll be interesting to see what part of Glenn comes through in his new role as head coach. How will Glenn set the tone if he doesn’t like what he’s seeing, and what will it look like with the rest of his staff on the field? Will we see some of the intense duels we saw on the Detroit practice field between the offense and defense? It’ll be interesting to watch how Glenn embraces and grows in his new role, but let’s also remember there’s a difference between OTA practices and training camp when the pads come on. It’s going to be a lengthy process getting to know the Jets’ new leader.
**First impressions**
Glenn isn’t the only new face, obviously. This will be the first time quarterback Justin Fields practices in public in a Jets uniform, and while his performance in OTA practices should be taken for what it’s worth – not much, football in May is almost a different sport than football in August and September, when the pads come on – everything Fields does from here on out will be watched and scrutinized anyway.
We’ve already seen him get high marks from his new teammates and coach for the way he comports himself as a leader. Now we’ll see how he deals with being the center of everything in the biggest media market in the world and the kind of tone he sets for his teammates with a tremendous opportunity to reshape his career after it didn’t work out with the Bears, who took him No. 11 overall.
Our prediction: Fields will be just fine dealing with the good and bad. He has plenty of experience being in the eye of the storm from his time in Chicago.
**Early impacts**
We’ll also be watching closely how the rookies look in their first practices with the full team. But we’re going to be able to gather more intel on some than others. It’s almost impossible to evaluate offensive linemen in this setting, without pads or contact, so if anyone draws any definitive conclusions on No. 7 overall pick Armand Membou after the offseason program, don’t buy it. But this will be a good chance to see if some of the position players can turn some heads and offer a preview of their potential Year 1 impact. Specifically we’ll be watching a few players: Will tight end and second-round pick Mason Taylor look comfortable in the offense and build an early rapport with Fields? How will cornerback Azarey’h Thomas, their third round pick, look in coverage? Can fourth-round pick Malachi Moore make some big plays for the defense if he gets the chance? And finally, it’ll be our first chance to watch fourth-round pick Arian Smith’s speed up close and see if he’s made some progress on his issues with drops.
Remember, for good or bad these practices won’t define anyone – especially the rookies. But it doesn’t hurt to flash early and make a good impression. More than anything, what we watch over the coming weeks could tell us if these players are mentally ready to contribute in Year 1.
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_Andy Vasquez may be reached at_ [_avasquez@njadvancemedia.com_](mailto:avasquez@njadvancemedia.com)_._