3 players with the most to gain in training camp for the Jets

An in-depth analysis of the three New York Jets players with the most to gain with some strong performances in training camp.

It's been a seesaw offseason for the New York Jets. From firing Todd Bowles and replacing him with Adam Gase, to signing Le'Veon Bell and C.J. Mosley to massive contracts, having a good draft, then firing their general manager, it's been an up-and-down affair.

However, the Jets are in better circumstances than in years past, QB Sam Darnold may be the face of the franchise, Gase is a competent offensive mind, stars run amuck, and their new GM Joe Douglas is about as promising as one at his position can get.

With that known, the Jets have a roster with players having a lot to gain in training camp. One of the very stars mentioned makes an appearance amongst that group. To best a 4-12 record set in 2018 and a 5-11 one the year before, new Jets and old ones alike must prove their worth in late July/early August. On that note, some have plenty to gain.

3. Ty Mongomery – RB

Le'Veon Bell will get tired at some point — it's inevitable, especially considering his year-off. That gives way to an intense training camp battle between Ty Montgomery, Bilal Powell, and Elijah McGuire. The latter two were on the Jets roster last year, and each has shown promise in the past. Montgomery, a free-agent signing, is looking to cement that role after bouncing around from Green Bay to Baltimore in 2018.

A former wide receiver convert, Montgomery possesses a specific proficiency as a receiving back. Though an average runner (career 4.9 YPC on 192 yards), Montgomery is worth fielding as either a third-down back or motion receiver alongside Bell. Through his career, he's recorded 107 catches for 892 yards and three touchdowns on an average of 8.3 yards per reception. He'd be a valuable asset for a team now playing in a league where passes to backs are more efficient than rushes.

Montgomery doesn't have that spot locked down, as he'll have to compete with two Jets that have only worn green and white in their pro careers. But, that spot is his to gain.

Another area of the field with some gain is in the special teams. Though Montgomery had an unforgettable fumble in this area last season, he brings some value to the table. In the wake of Andre Roberts departure to Buffalo, the Jets must find an answer here. Luckily, Montgomery has fielded 41 kick returns for 900 yards in his career (21.9 average).

2. Jachai Polite – EDGE

After whiffing on Anthony Barr in free agency, the Jets don't quite have the edge-rushing answer screaming off the page. For Gregg Williams' blitz-heavy defense, it's necessary that it will be figured out. As it stands, Florida prospect and rookie Jachai Polite may have a starting position in his eyes, in turn having something to gain.

To many, Polite looks the part of a first-round pick. He had an outstanding 2018 season with the Gators as he compiled 11 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 45 total on the year. But his draft stock took a massive hit throughout the draft process. He had a hamstring injury pre-workouts and showed up overweight for measurements. At combine media availability, he criticized interviewing teams based on their strategies. Short of saying, maturity for the 21-year-old is a concern.

Nonetheless, Polite is in an excellent place to start week one for the Jets. His explosive game and NFL-ready body (6-foot-3. 258-pounds) may flourish in Williams' aggressive defense. Though he doesn't have that spot locked up, it's essentially his to lose as Copeland isn't particularly inspiring.

1. Le'Veon Bell – RB

“Prove your worth” is the phrase de jour circulating around the mercurial Le'Veon Bell. After skipping over a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers entirely in a brutal contract dispute stemming from a plea for more guaranteed money, Bell has all eyes on him entering training camp.

Bell is an immensely talented back and deserving of the four-year, $52 million contract ($35 million guaranteed) given to him by New York. In his four mostly-full seasons of play, Bell had at least 1,259 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns in each.

Maybe the most impressive feat of his career was his 12-game 2016 campaign, in which he tallied 1,1884 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns. Nonetheless, he hasn't played in a year and has never played with the Jets.

Bell is a sure-fire starter and will be implemented heavily into what the Jets do on offense. Snaps isn't necessarily what he has to gain, it's the trust of the media, coaching staff, fanbase, and locker room as being deemed worthy of a massive contract.