The New York Jets open training camp on July 29 at the Atlantic Health training facility in Florham Park, New Jersey. Here's a closer look at the Jets' camp:
Top storyline: Do the Jets have any idea what they're doing? It'll take a full season to answer that question, but the first clues will start to emerge in the preseason. General manager Mike Maccagnan built this team with an eye on 2018, stripping down a roster filled with overpaid, underperforming veterans and replacing them with young, unproven talents. They figure to carry at least 10 rookies, many of whom could play key roles. It'll be a tough, competitive training camp with no fewer than six starting jobs up for grabs. The Jets are the 2016 Cleveland Browns, sans the front-office analytics. Management is willing to take a few steps backward, with the hope of developing players and snagging the No. 1 pick in 2018. Sam Darnold, anyone? It's a tough spot for coach Todd Bowles (15-17), who must show ownership that he can make lemonade out of ... well, you know. He needs to set a positive tone in camp, eliminating the stink of 2016 and not allowing the "tanking" perception to be a distraction.
QB depth chart: Bowles hasn't revealed the pecking order, but the expectation is that Josh McCown, 38, will go into camp as the No. 1 quarterback. The Jets will set it up so Christian Hackenberg and perhaps Bryce Petty have the chance to compete for the starting gig, but that won't fool anyone. Barring an upset, McCown will be the opening day starter based on experience, if nothing else. Let's be clear: It's not his job to lose; it's Hackenberg's job to take. As soon as the former second-round pick is capable of running the offense -- there's a lot of gray area in that statement -- he'll be in there.
Bubble watch: Nose tackle Steve McLendon, 31, is on the endangered list because he's one of only four players over 30, and his $2.75 million salary isn't guaranteed. He'll go to camp as the starter in the 3-4 base defense, but he'll be pushed by two younger players -- Deon Simon and Mike Pennel. McLendon is a two-down run-stuffer with good intangibles, but those qualities don't carry as much weight as they once did. Ask David Harris.
These rookies could start: Safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye will be Week 1 starters, and there could be more by midseason. Wide receiver ArDarius Stewart, who missed most of the offseason because of groin and thumb injuries, will challenge for a spot in the three-receiver package. Tight end Jordan Leggett and pass-rusher Dylan Donahue could start in certain sub packages. There will be no qualms about throwing rookies into the fire. Green is more than the team color; it's a new way of life.
Johnny Miracle Worker? New system, new coordinator, new players. The Jets are starting over on offense, with first-time OC John Morton taking over a unit that probably will have at least six new starters and arguably the worst quarterback situation in the league. The talent base is thin, and the receiving corps is largely unproven. Morton will deserve a nice raise if his West Coast offense cracks the top 20.
Sheldon watch: Defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson is one of the best players on the team, but his future is uncertain because he's entering the final year of his contract and has been on the trading block since last fall. It wouldn't be a shock if he's dealt by the midseason trading deadline. In the meantime, the plan is to move him back to his natural position, 3-technique tackle, where he has thrived in the past.
For daily updates at camp, check out the New York Jets clubhouse page.