Jets camp is in full swing, and there's a buzz in the Florham Park air. There's a new head coach, a new GM, and lots of fresh faces on the field.
Which players have the potential to be unheralded X-factors for the Jets this year? Here's five guys who have stood out so far.
Jonotthan Harrison (C)
Harrison is a familiar face after starting nine games over the last two years, but there was some thought that the Jets may pursue an upgrade at center this offseason. Instead, they stuck with Harrison, and the results are paying off.
Head coach Adam Gase has spoken highly of Harrison as a leader, and Harrison has a great relationship with Sam Darnold, the man he'll be snapping footballs to. He probably wasn't the team's first choice to start this year, but there has been nothing but good signs so far.
He said it: "I try to be physical out there. I love getting after some D-linemen, I love making D-linemen and linebackers mad." - Jonotthan Harrison, via Jets
Daniel Brown (TE)
The Jets have long had a dearth of talent at the tight end position, and they shook things up a bit this year by cutting Jordan Leggett and Neal Sterling. Chris Herndon is the unquestioned starter, but he is still going to need some help.
Enter Daniel Brown. He's a converted receiver who can help out as an underneath option, and his role as a blocker and a special teams player increased for the Bears over time. Fellow tight ends Trevon Wesco and Eric Tomlinson are mainly blocking options, so Brown could be a guy worth keeping around to provide a different look and some coverage on special teams.
He said it: "I've always prided myself on being a really good route runner. Catching, with the size of my hands, comes pretty naturally." - Daniel Brown, via Baltimore Sun
Henry Anderson (DL)
The Jets were 16th in the league in sacks last year with 39, but Anderson lead the way with seven QB takedowns. He's a big man at 6-foot-6 and 301 pounds, but he's nimble enough to rush the passer and has improved his technique - he went from accumulating just three sacks in three years as a Colt to seven as a Jet last season.
Anderson has said he's excited to work with Gregg Williams, and he should start next to Leonard Williams and Quinnen Williams on a revamped D-Line.
He said it: "I feel like I can excel in any type of scheme because I feel like I have pretty good technique and I've got pass-rush ability." - Henry Anderson, via Jets
Blake Cashman (LB)
A fifth-round pick this year, Cashman has overcome adversity before. After having zero Division-I offers out of high school and walking on at the University of Minnesota, he made it to the NFL as a special teams-focused linebacker.
CJ Mosley and Avery Williamson have the starter's spots covered at inside linebacker, but there will be opportunities for Cashman to contribute in a part-time role on defense and heavy special teams reps.
He said it: "I know that they have plans for me and to utilize me in the special teams game. It's something that I have a lot of confidence in and enjoy doing." - Blake Cashman, via Jets
Bless Austin (CB)
Although he's from nearby Rutgers, Austin is more than just a local product. He overcame two ACL tears to still be drafted by the Jets in the sixth round this year. He was a ball hawk for the Scarlet Knights when healthy, and his speed is coming back slowly but surely.
The cornerback pecking order behind starters Brian Poole and Trumaine Johnson is still unsettled. Austin will probably have to start off on special teams, but there could be a chance for him to keep pushing for time on the defensive unit if he can flash the skills that got him four interceptions and 18 pass breakups over an abbreviated NCAA career.
He said it: "I'm not trying to get to be the player I was - I'm trying to be better than that. My expectations for myself are that I want to be one of the best to ever play the game at my position." - Bless Austin, via Jets