New York Jets: Early 2015 Awards Predictions

We're inching closer and closer to Week 1 of the regular season. 

Training camps are now less than a month away, and teams are beginning to get a grip on what their roster will look like in the year ahead. 

The New York Jets are a completely different squad than they were a year ago. The franchise boasts a new general manager, a new head coach and a variety of big-name additions. 

While it is still way too early to tell if the Jets will go from a four-win team to a postseason contender, it's a good time to take a look at their roster and project the impact of every player. 

Let's predict the individual awards for New York in what should be an intriguing 2015 season.

MVP: Darrelle Revis

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The acquisition of Darrelle Revis has the potential to shift the power in the AFC East. 

Not only did New York take away its biggest rival's best defensive player, but it also brought in arguably the best player in the league to fill its greatest weakness.

The Jets secondary was close to atrocious a year ago, as the team was relying upon players who had no business starting in the NFL. 

Gang Green allowed an AFC-high 31 passing touchdowns, along with a sky-high 101.5 passer rating.

Revis, along with new additions Antonio Cromartie and Buster Skrine, should play a critical role in significantly improving the Jets pass defense in 2015.

The All-Pro cornerback is the kind of player who can completely shut down one side of the field, and he has the ability to make a game-changing play if opponents dare to target him.

With games against Tony Romo, Tom Brady and Andrew Luck next season, it's crucial that Todd Bowles and Co. have a strong secondary.

Revis will give them just that, and he should be the team's most valuable player in 2015.

Offensive Player of the Year: Brandon Marshall

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The Jets offense will be far from record-shattering in 2015, but it should be vastly improved from last season's stagnant unit. 

The additions of Brandon Marshall, Devin Smith and Stevan Ridley should pay immediate dividends, and there is still hope that Geno Smith finds himself in his third NFL season. 

Marshall should be the No. 1 target in the passing game this season, despite the inconsistent play and injury problems that have plagued him over the last year-and-a-half. 

Marshall is an elite receiver in every sense of the word. He is a big, strong target with great hands and terrific route-running ability. He is a monster in the red zone, but he is also a dangerous weapon between the 20s. 

Before 2014, the UCF product put together an astounding seven straight 1,000-yard seasons—and he did it with three different teams. 

The 31-year-old will be determined to show that last season's disappointing campaign was just a fluke, and he should benefit from having Eric Decker across from him. 

Marshall also seems to be building chemistry with his quarterback, as he moved in with Geno this offseason. 

Don't be surprised if the former Bear becomes the first Jet receiver to post 1,000 yards since 2007.

Defensive Player of the Year: Muhammad Wilkerson

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With Sheldon Richardson suspended for the first four games of the season, Muhammad Wilkerson will be relied upon even more than usual to start 2015. 

Wilkerson has been one of the best defensive ends in football over the last three seasons, and although there have been rumors of his departure from the Big Apple in recent months, he will enter the final year of his rookie deal as a Jet. 

The Temple product will be more than determined to prove his worth in his contract year, as he has the potential to land a monster deal if he can put together a brilliant season. 

Opposing teams are likely to challenge Gang Green's run defense more than usual with Richardson out, especially considering the improvements the secondary underwent this offseason. 

Wilkerson will have his shot to prove he is worth elite money, and chances are he will make the most of it.

Most Improved Player: Calvin Pryor

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Calvin Pryor had a pretty underwhelming rookie season, as he struggled in man-to-man coverage and missed way too many open-field tackles. 

However, it is way too early to give up on the Louisville product, and he should be in line for a much better season in his sophomore campaign. 

Pryor will move back to his natural position of strong safety this season after spending 2014 at the free safety spot. 

The positional switch will be a welcome change for Pryor, as he will be playing much closer to the line of scrimmage. This will help bring out the physicality in his game, as well as cover up his weaknesses in pass coverage. 

The 23-year-old should also benefit greatly from having a full offseason under his belt, and the notable additions in the secondary should only serve to raise his game. 

Expect Pryor to become the player the Jets thought they drafted in the first round of last offseason's draft.

Rookie of the Year: Leonard Williams

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Leonard Williams falling to the Jets sent shockwaves through the NFL landscape, as the USC product was considered to be the best prospect in the entire draft by many experts. 

But Williams was also considered a luxury pick for New York, as the team already had Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson and Damon Harrison on the defensive line. Many even predicted that Williams' rookie impact wouldn't be too great. 

Now, the 21-year-old is in line to start in Week 1, as Richardson will miss the first four games of the season for violating the NFL's drug policy. 

Williams is a raw prospect, but he boasts elite size, strength, versatility and quickness off the snap. He should be an immediate contributor in the running game, as well as a solid pass-rushing threat. 

The No. 6 overall pick should put together a strong rookie season, especially if he impresses in Richardson's absence.

Breakout Player of the Year: Jace Amaro

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Jace Amaro had a fine rookie year, as he caught 38 passes in 14 games. 

However, he didn't come close to reaching his full potential. He struggled with drops throughout the season, and he only played 34 percent of the team's offensive snaps. 

There are several signs that Amaro is in for a breakout season in 2015. He will move from the tight end spot to more of a halfback/slot role, which should allow him to focus more on his receiving and less on blocking. 

He will also see single coverage on a more consistent basis, as Brandon Marshall will command the attention of opposing secondaries. 

The former Texas Tech star will be even better if Geno Smith manages to improve his game in his third NFL season, although that is anything but a guarantee. 

Nonetheless, the 23-year-old should be a much better player in his sophomore campaign.