Top 7 things to know for training camp

new york jets /

May 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Jets Brandon Bostick (82) catches the ball during OTA at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets kick off their training camp officially on July 28th. So what are the important dates? What is there to look out for? We answer it all.

It’s now finally official, the New York Jets have released their full training camp schedule for the 2016 offseason. Every year there are things to look out for, but particularly in 2016, there are a ton of story-lines going in.

From the Ryan Fitzpatrick saga to the Muhammad Wilkerson contract situation, the Jets have a lot to wade through as they make their way into the preseason. Though it’ll be hard to top the crazy training camp from last season.

The Jets bore witness to their then starting quarterback being separated from his jaw and one of their brightest stars being dragged through the headlines. Entering year two under head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan, the Jets are hoping for smoother sailing this time around.

Next: 7. The positional battles

Jun 14, 2016; Florham Park, NJ, USA; Jets owner Woody Johnson introduces New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) and New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) to actor Bobby Carnavale during OTA at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

7. The positional battles

The 2016 depth chart for the Jets isn’t set in stone and Bowles is more than open to demoting guys or promoting guys to starting positions. He talked about that before mandatory mini-camp broke in the middle of June, here’s his quote courtesy of the Media Relations Department of the Jets:

On whether he has a depth chart as of now…

We have a token one, but the spots are open. We always have one just to line up to say ones out, two’s out, three’s out. That doesn’t mean the spot is taken. It just means you have to have one going in.

Specifically there are heated battles at the cornerback spot on defense and on offense at the wide receiver position. There is a healthy mix of rookies and veterans vying to rejuvenate their careers with the Jets.

Clearly, draft status or contracts won’t factor into who ends up starting and who ends up sitting, so it leads to some interesting questions heading into camp. So with that being said lets go into a bit more detail at those specific positions and what to look out for as training camp draws closer.

Next: 6. The battle at wide receiver

Jun 14, 2016; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets tight end Wes Saxton (86) catches a pass during OTA at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

6. The battle at wide receiver

While the top of the depth chart is locked in with perhaps the best one-two combination in football with Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, the rest of the depth chart has yet to be decided. Which has started a bit of a controversy, in terms of who will actually win the number three spot on the receiver depth chart?

The candidates? You’ve got third year wide receiver Quincy Enunwa who impressed in spurts last year. But must work on his hands and consistency to truly make an impact in year three for the Jets.

Devin Smith, a heralded second year receiver out of Ohio State, possesses incredible speed and boasts tremendous talent. His rookie season was cut short by injury, but fans and analysts still have high hopes that he can be the real deal.

The least likely of which would be the Jets’ seventh round pick, Charone Peake, somehow rising from forgotten about player to starting receiver. While crazier things have happened, it should still be an entertaining battle how the depth chart shakes out.

Next: 5. The battle at cornerback

Jun 14, 2016; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) answers questions from media during OTA at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

5. The battle at cornerback

There is a lot more to be had, in terms of opportunities at the cornerback spot in 2016. The only locked-in starter on the team is Darrelle Revis and the rest are up for grabs.

Buster Skrine is the most seasoned out of the bunch and with that experience, comes a vast knowledge of the schematics. Skrine can play the slot or the outside, which because of that versatility, may force the Jets to keep him inside to get the most bang for their buck out of their lineup.

Marcus Williams has often been underrated throughout his young career and with the Jets as everyone knows by now, he took full advantage last season. Some analysts around the league are questioning whether last season was an aberration or a sign of things to come, we’ll have to wait and see.

Finally the x-factor, as Eric Allen, team reporter for NewYorkJets.com put it in a recent radio interview, is Dee Milliner, the former top-10 pick. He’s got the talent and he’s finally healthy, which Bowles is witnessing for the first time, can he keep it that way?

Next: 4. The top story-lines

2016 #JetsCamp dates are OUT!

Tickets will be available for download beginning July 12 >> https://t.co/yVr2BRkgws pic.twitter.com/VsTa6bK3y8

— New York Jets (@nyjets) June 27, 2016

4. The top story-lines

Every season it’s something, is Revis holding out for more money? Are the Jets going to finally push the New England Patriots for supremacy in the AFC East? And who is going to be starting at quarterback for the Jets?

That last one seems to have been the question for the last several decades for Gang Green. Surprise, surprise, that is the narrative once again as we get closer to the upcoming season. While Bowles may be done “talking Fitzpatrick”, if this situation isn’t resolved by training camp, he better be ready for more.

While another story-line is that of Jets’ defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who remains unsigned. Multiple sources from around the NFL believe that Fitzpatrick will end up re-signing with the Jets either at midnight before training camp commences or into the first several days of camp. While Wilkerson’s immediate future is a bit murkier, despite the franchise deadline on July 15th, people close to the situation aren’t as sure what Wilkerson will ultimately decide, so stay tuned on that front.

Outside of those issues, the weather in Florham Park is phenomenal and the training fields are prepped and ready to go for July 27th when the players are due to report. Some more things to note as you set up your calendars to attend camp:

For Open Practices and Special Youth Group Days, fans can take advantage of bleachers (up to 1,400 fans) for enhanced viewing, a shuttle service to and from the parking lot, water stations close to the field, and cooling zones provided by Seasonal World. There will also be an expanded food court presented exclusively by Village Super Markets, offering food for purchase for guests in the fan and seating areas.

(provided by the Media Relations Department)

Next: 3. Legend Day

3. Legend Day

While you should attend as many training camp dates as possible, there is one in-particular you should circle on the proverbial calendar. That is of course, Jets Legend Day, one of the public practices, but with a little extra added juice to it.

Jets Legends Day

On Sunday, August 14^th, the New York Jets will host more than 40 former players who will participate in meet-and-greets with fans. Legends will be available for autographs throughout the day in the Jets Fest tent and around other areas of the training facility. (provided by the Media Relations Department)

Not only will you be able to witness the practice, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet some of the greatest players in franchise history. In addition to meeting some of these Jets legends, autograph sessions will also be open throughout the day.

So this is clearly the most anticipated day of the offseason, outside of the Week 1 opening game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. Although if you can’t wait for that you can get an early preview of the game right here: Breaking down Week 1 vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.

Next: 2. Public dates announced

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets fans celebrate an overtime victory over the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots 26-20 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

2. Public dates announced

What days will you be able to see your team in action at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center? In July, you’ll get two opportunities on the 30th and 31st respectively. While in August, you’ll have the chance to see the Jets on a weekly basis.

Training camp will also be open to the public four times: August 6th, 13th, 14th and the 21st. While the Jets will suit up another 12+ times, those practices won’t be open to the public.

But for the public dates, for fans looking to attend, here is what you need to know, provided by Media Relations Department:

Gen Jets Kids Club Presented by Chase

At all Open Practices and Special Youth Group Days, members of the Gen Jets Kids Club presented by Chase will have a kids-only player autograph area. Space is limited to the first 125 kids each day on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parents are encouraged to check in their children at the Gen Jets tent upon arrival.

Parking and Shuttles

All guests must park in the BASF parking lot located at 100 Park Avenue. Fans will then be shuttled to and from Training Camp. The shuttles will begin 30 minutes prior to gates opening and will continue to run for approximately one hour after practice ends.

2016 New York Jets Training Camp Schedule

For all practices at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center (AHJTC), gates will open at 1:00 p.m. (except for August 6^th). All dates and times are subject to change including cancellations due to inclement weather.

Next: 1. Final notes

Jun 14, 2016; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) answers questions from media during OTA at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

1. Final notes

Training camp for the Jets will span two preseason games, before breaking camp on August 24th, right before their annual game against the New York Giants. The Snoopy Bowl is set for Saturday, August 27th, where the Jets will be defending their crown.

This will be the second straight year, that the Jets will be hosting their training camp at their own facilities. Previously, the Jets had a long-term agreement with SUNY Cortland, but severed the ties in lieu of traveling to downstate New York. A lot of NFL teams have adopted this strategy, because most of these NFL teams have the best facilities on planet Earth, why wouldn’t you hold your camp on your turf?

It just made too much sense to stay in New Jersey and it appears the Jets are going to keep training camp there for the extended future. But getting back to the actual football talk, Bowles has lightened his stance on the quarterback situation. If the Fitzpatrick saga isn’t decided by the first preseason game, it appears Geno Smith will indeed get the nod.

Which appeared to be the case last season, before that ill-fated slug to Smith’s jaw. Smith looked good in last year’s camp before the injury, and perhaps will have the chance to lead the Jets in September. Again, something to watch out for this July. Lastly, make sure you follow these specific instructions when planning your adventures, like I did last summer:

must read: Darrelle Revis might not be the same anymore

Admission and parking at all Jets Training Camp events are free, but tickets are required. Beginning on July 14^th, fans can register and print tickets for Open Practices and find information on parking and directions by visiting newyorkjets.com/camp.

Home/Jets News