Tim Tebow or Mark Sanchez? Predicting the New York Jets' Week 1 Offense

The New York Jets had an extremely disappointing season however you look at it. Sparks flew in the locker room and on-field performance slipped.

The Jets have made some moves in free agency, most notably, the trade for Tim Tebow. The NFL draft is still to come, and it will give the Jets a chance to further shape and build their roster.

But who will they draft, and how will the new acquisitions fit in?

Here is my prediction for the New York Jets' offense in Week 1.

Left Tackle: D'Brickashaw Ferguson

D'Brickashaw Ferguson is a lock to start on the blindside for Jets; however, he must be better than last season. While he did make the trip to Hawaii, his level of play dipped considerably as (according to ESPN) he allowed 9.5 sacks—the most of any Jets offensive lineman. His run blocking also regressed as the Jets ranked only 22nd in rushing yards.

However, Ferguson played the most snaps of any Jets lineman. As it is often said, statistics lie. Many of the sacks were not explicitly Ferguson's fault. Often, the line had to slide to compensate for Wayne Hunter's deficiencies and Ferguson was left isolated. Sometimes Mark Sanchez simply held on to the ball for too long.

Left Guard: Matt Slauson

Despite coming off serious shoulder surgery, Matt Slauson will be the starter at left guard for Jets in Week 1. While initially it was believed he would be questionable for training camp and even the start of the season, the latest reports from NJ.com are saying he could be ready for the Jets' OTAs.

In Slauson's second year as a full-time starter, he showed significant improvement in his pass protection allowing only 2.5 sacks on a shaky offensive line. Although, it seemed to come at the expense of his run blocking as the Jets struggled for yards on the ground.

If Slauson can continue to improve his blocking in both the running and the passing games, he will cement his role as a starter.

Center: Nick Mangold

The All-Pro center will continue to anchor the Jets' offensive line in 2012.

Mangold was hampered by an ankle injury for most of last season which affected his level of play. However, he was still one of the better performing players in what was a shambolic season. When he was injured for three games, quarterback Mark Sanchez took an absolute pounding.

As long as he stays injury free, Mangold will be a rock for the Jets again this season and will help whichever quarterback Tony Sparano and Rex Ryan decide on.

Right Guard: Brandon Moore

Moore was the best performer on the Jets' line last season.

Coming off hip surgery, Moore started slowly but grew as the season progressed. His pass protection was outstanding as he allowed just a single sack all season.

Meanwhile, his blocking in the running game was as solid as ever. As a result, Moore deservedly made his first Pro Bowl appearance.

Even though there are rumors circulating from ESPN that the Jets will draft Stanford guard David DeCastro in the first round, I find this hard to believe. While Moore is in the final year of his contract, it would be a wasted pick. The Jets have more (excuse the pun) pressing needs and a guard would be a wasted pick.

Moore will be the starter.

Right Tackle: Bobby Massie

The sight of the word 'Hunter' on a Jets' uniform must give Mark Sanchez nightmares.The Jets' right tackle was terrible last season. He was directly responsible for 8.5 sacks and at fault for countless others.

After doing nothing to fix this in free agency, the Jets must address the position in the draft.

Enter Bobby Massie.

Many mock drafts including this one from Bleacher Report's very own Adrian Mackie have the Jets taking Massie in the second round. He has the size, strength and athleticism to repair the Jets' ailing line.

Massie has no glaring flaws and could be a 'plug and play' prospect for the Jets.

Wide Receiver: Santonio Holmes

Santonio Holmes is the only wide receiver on the Jets' roster currently assured of a starting berth next season.

The Jets' offense struggled last year both in the pass and the run. While some of this can be attributed to a poor offensive line, the Jets need more production from Santonio Holmes and their wide receiver corps. A stat line of 51 receptions, 654 yards and 8 touchdowns will not cut it as the No. 1 receiver.

Holmes will definitely be a Week 1 starter despite some average play last year. The Jets simply do not have enough other options to warrant dropping him.

Wide Receiver: Michael Floyd

If Michael Floyd falls to the Jets at No. 16, they must pull the trigger. They need a serious upgrade at the receiver position—something Floyd would offer.

While the latest reports from SB Nation have the Jets trading up to grab pass-rusher Melvin Ingram, the fee required to get him will be outrageous. There are too many teams that are looking for defensive lineman that can get to the quarterback.

Floyd is the best option for the Jets. He can be a day one starter, and he possesses the size and athleticism required to become an elite receiver in the NFL.

Tight End: Dustin Keller

Dustin Keller was the only consistent performer in the Jets' passing game last season. He even became the first tight end in team history to lead the team in receptions with 65. Additionally, his 815 receiving yards placed him sixth amongst tight ends.

He was the Jets' only offensive playmaker and the only one that had any chemistry with Mark Sanchez. Keller has improved throughout his NFL career. If he can maintain his current progress, he could become a top-tier tight end, something the Jets badly need.

Keller is one of the safest bets to start for the Jets come Week 1.

Fullback: John Conner

I considered a third wide receiver but quite frankly, there is no one worthy of a starting role on the roster. Also, with the addition of Tony Sporano as offensive coordinator, a fullback appears more likely.

Head Coach Rex Ryan loves John Conner and with the team looking to play a bruising running game, he could be the perfect fit. He is a competent lead blocker and can pick up first downs in short yardage situations. Conner is a bruising player, known as "The Terminator."

I think that Conner has a good chance of starting Week 1. He will act as both a powerful runner and a bruising lead blocker.

Running Back: Shonn Greene

Shonn Greene is by no means a star, but he will definitely be the starting running back in Week 1.

He is not a true every down back, Greene is a power runner who lacks breakaway speed—his longest carry last season was only 31 yards. The struggles of the offensive line did not help Greene, but he did manage to finish the season with 1,054 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

Greene is not the long term solution at running back. However, he is a competent player who will provide some stability in what at times, seems to be a chaotic, disjointed offense.

Quarterback: Mark Sanchez

Sorry Tebow lovers, but Mark Sanchez is the No. 1 quarterback on the Jets' roster.

He signed a three year contract extension prior to the Tebow trade and will be given every chance of succeeding. But more importantly, unlike Tebow, Sanchez can pass the football. At least, when given decent protection and a set of receivers who can make plays.

I will never fully understand the Jets' reasons for bringing in Tebow. He is a mediocre player at best who is surrounded by a media circus and cult following. As soon as Sanchez comes under pressure, the calls for Tebow will come. His presence will create further division in an already explosive locker room.

Although Tim Tebow will feature for the Jets at some stage, it will not be as the starting quarterback in Week 1.