The 5 Biggest Issues Facing New York Jets with OTAs Wrapped

Full disclosure: Anyone who tells you they have all the answers after organized team activities (OTAs) is lying through their teeth.

The fact of the matter is that these days of the offseason workout program are more about teaching for the coaches and learning for the players than they are about evaluating anyone or anything pertaining to the composition of the roster.

That doesn't mean we can't still get a better idea of which issues each team is facing.

In the case of the New York Jets, those issues start at the game's most important position, but they run up and down the roster as a whole. Here's a look at some of those issues.

Who Will Start at Quarterback?

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

At this point, finding the starting quarterback has to be priority No. 1 for the Jets.

As it stands, Geno Smith has been getting the first-team reps, and according to head coach Todd Bowles, he will continue to get those reps because "nobody can get in a rhythm" if the first-team reps are being split between two quarterbacks. 

Thus, if someone is going to take the job away from Smith, it will be because Smith stunk, someone else stepped up in a major way or some combination of both factors.

Smith's skill set seems to be well-suited for Chan Gailey's offense—the early criticisms of Smith were centered on his experience as a spread-offense quarterback and that he operated almost exclusively out of the shotgun, but both of those factors will work in his favor with Gailey at the helm.

Who Are the Team's Top Wide Receivers?

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Jets WRs Eric Decker (left) and Brandon Marshall (right) should be the top two options in the offense.

It's a beautiful problem to have—too many options. 

Between Eric Decker, Brandon Marshall, Devin Smith, DeVier Posey and Jeremy Kerley, the Jets have a lot of different wide receivers who could have a legitimate claim to an extensive amount of playing time in 2015.

Kerley has been a weapon out of the slot, but he's not suited to line up on the perimeter on a regular basis. Smith (6'0", 196 lbs) has the size and athleticism for that spot, but as a rookie, he still has a lot to learn before he's ready to assume a major role in the offense. Posey, like everyone else, is learning a new offense, but he's never been a big part of any offense in his career.

All five receivers will get their share of opportunities, thanks to Chan Gailey's spread offense and fondness for multi-receiver sets, but Decker and Marshall are probably line for the most playing time because of their combination of size, talent and experience.

What Will the Defensive Line Look Like?

Jeff Lewis/Associated Press

Will Jets rookie DT Leonard Williams (above) play a big role on defense as a rookie?

Once again, the Jets face an embarrassment of riches. With one of the most talented defensive lines in football, they virtually can't go wrong no matter who ends up playing the biggest roles.

That doesn't mean the Jets should ignore the questions facing them at the defensive line positions, though.

Between Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Damon Harrison and Leonard Williams, the Jets have a lot of options on how to deploy their defensive linemen. Those options could be dramatically different depending on whether the Jets are in a 3-4 or a 4-3 front. Todd Bowles tends to favor the 3-4, though, so we'll probably only see three of the Jets' four star linemen on the field at a time.

Harrison is the primary nose tackle, Wilkerson is a top-notch 5-technique (defensive end), Richardson has gotten off to a hot start playing the 1- and 3-technique (defensive tackle), and Williams could be a factor as a 1-, 3- or 5-technique depending on the play call. For now, though, Williams should probably be the rotational player with the other three starring in featured roles. 

What's the Pecking Order at Running Back Behind Chris Ivory?

Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes, a running game can be described as three yards and a cloud of dust. For the Jets at running back, it's Chris Ivory and a cloud of question marks.

Last year, Chris Johnson (the artist formerly known as CJ2K) was the primary backup to Ivory in the backfield. This year, Bilal Powell, Zac Stacy and Stevan Ridley should all be competing for the No. 2 role behind Ivory.  

Powell played primarily on passing downs in 2014 and could resume that role this year as the only back with true experience on passing downs. Ridley is recovering from major reconstructive knee surgery after tearing his ACL and MCL in Week 6 of the 2014 season. Stacy has been underwhelming in two years with the St. Louis Rams, and head coach Jeff Fisher was seemingly searching for upgrades from jump street.

For now, pencil in Powell as the top backup, but Ridley could make a push for that role if he has a strong camp and proves that the knee injury is behind him.

Who Will Start at Guard?

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Uncertainty breeds competition. 

The Jets don't know exactly who should be their starting right guard, so it should be an open battle for the spot. With a lot of names in the competition, though, there's no telling who will end up with the job.

It could be Oday Aboushi, who stepped in for an injured Brian Winters in the middle of the 2014 season. Perhaps Winters could earn his job back. Maybe even veteran Willie Colon will earn the job once again, after coming back on yet another one-year deal. Finally, don't count out rookie Jarvis Harrison, if he can stay motivated.

Right now, the favorite should be Aboushi, but this job should be up for grabs throughout training camp. We may not have our final answer until Week 1 of the regular season.