Here’s a look at the Super Bowl prospects of the New York Jets, who finished the season 5-11:

Jets Super Bowl barometer: Nowhere close.

Assessing the foundation: There are major questions at every level, from the ownership to the coaching staff. Owner Woody Johnson could be be named the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, which means he'd be out of sight, if not out of the picture for three years. This wouldn't disrupt the organization too much because he'd still be consulted on key decisions. Under normal conditions, the results have been mixed under Johnson. While he's not afraid to spend money, Johnson lacks the savvy needed to build a strong organization and winning culture. In his 17 seasons, the Jets are eight games below .500, with seven playoff appearances and only one AFC East title.

General manager Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles failed to make the playoffs in their first two seasons together, extending the team's drought to six years. Bowles was solid in 2015, but he regressed in a number of areas. Look for him to run a tighter ship in 2017. He and Maccagnan report directly to Johnson, not to each other, a setup that could lead to philosophical clashes. Bowles is in win-now mode to save his job, while Maccagnan prefers the long-term view. They tried a balancing act the first two years -- "a competitive rebuild," they called it -- and it didn't work. Because of this arrangement, the organization at times lacks that one-voice leadership that guides so many successful franchises.

Bowles' coaching staff has a gaping hole, as he continues to look for an offensive coordinator to replace the retired Chan Gailey. This is a pivotal hire for Bowles, a defensive-minded coach who spends little time in offensive meetings. The pool of experienced candidates is thin, so he'll have to find a diamond in the rough.

Judging the quarterback: What quarterback? The depth chart hasn't looked this bleak since early 2009, when Brett Favre retired, leaving no answers on the roster. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith, both pending free agents, won't be back. That leaves only two under contract, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, neither of whom will be the opening day starter. Petty didn't show enough in four starts to be handed anything, and Hackenberg, who didn't see any action as a rookie, remains more suspect than prospect. The organization hasn't given up on him, but he probably won't be a factor until 2018.

This is the single biggest issue facing the team. The Jets need to come out of the offseason with a veteran starter, perhaps Mike Glennon or Tyrod Taylor. Tony Romo would create the loudest buzz, and that shouldn't be discounted. The fan base is angry after a 5-11 season, and Johnson has been known to make publicity-driven moves (see: Favre and Tim Tebow).

Realistic ways the Jets can improve their chances to contend for a Super Bowl:

1. Accept reality and rebuild: The reality is the talent base has crumbled to a bottom-five level, and they're at least two good drafts away from being able to contend. Instead of reaching for quick fixes, as they've done in the past, the Jets need to deal with the situation and rebuild accordingly.

2. Draft an offensive playmaker: Troubling, but true: The last skill-position player drafted by the Jets who made the Pro Bowl in a Jets uniform was wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson (No. 1 overall pick in 1996) in 1999. The current offense has some complementary players, but it needs a game-changer. With the sixth overall pick, they could have their choice of wide receiver Mike Williams and running backs Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook.

3. Overhaul the offensive line: The Jets should follow the Cowboys' blueprint, building a strong foundation up front. They're set at guard with James Carpenter and Brian Winters, but the other three positions need to be addressed. They should re-sign Ben Ijalana and have him compete with Brandon Shell at right tackle. They should trade defensive end Sheldon Richardson for a draft pick (maybe a third-rounder), using it to trade up into the second round for a left tackle. They also need an heir apparent for center Nick Mangold.

4. Find the next Darrelle Revis: That's easier said than done. It became clear that Bowles' defense doesn't work without a lockdown cornerback. Revis, 31, can't be that guy anymore, so they need to find one. Ohio State's Marshon Lattimore will be a consideration with the sixth pick, or they could spend big in free agency on A.J. Bouye or Trumaine Johnson.