Rex Ryan, the son of Buddy Ryan, began coaching in the NFL as a member of his father’s staff with the Arizona Cardinals in 1994. He spent his first year coaching defensive lineman before working with linebackers the following season. Prior to his first stint in the NFL, Ryan spent seven years working at the collegiate level. He began in 1987 as the defensive ends coach at Eastern Kentucky. In 1989 he was named the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for New Mexico Highlands University. From 1990-1993 he was the defensive coordinator at Morehead State.

Following his two years of service with the Cardinals, Ryan returned to the collegiate ranks – in 1996 and ‘97 as defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bearcats, and under that same title in 1998 with the Oklahoma Sooners – before rejoining the NFL in 1999 as a member of Brian Billick’s staff in Baltimore. It was in Baltimore that Rex Ryan’s reputation grew as one of the better assistants in the league, eventually leading to his hiring as head coach of the New York Jets this offseason.

When Ryan first joined the Ravens he was hired to coach the defensive line. It was a role he held for six seasons before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2005, following the departure of Mike Nolan. In 2008, the Ravens newly named head coach John Harbaugh, added the title of assistant head coach to Ryan’s responsibilities. In total, during the ten seasons Ryan worked in Baltimore, their defense ranked among the top ten in yards allowed per game nine times, and among the top ten in points allowed per game eight times. It’s an impressive feat that certainly played a role in Ryan holding the position he has today.

Returning as offensive coordinator is the son of another well known former NFL coach. Brian Schottenheimer, son of Marty, has been with the Jets as their OC since 2006. New York has been his first and only stint as a coordinator in the league. Prior to working under such capacity he served as quarterbacks coach on his father’s staff in both San Diego and Washington. He also spent time as an offensive assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Rams upon first entering the NFL coaching ranks.

Quarterbacks: Kellen Clemens; Mark Sanchez (R); Erik Ainge

The selection of Mark Sanchez with the fifth overall pick in this years draft leaves the Jets without an identifiable starter at quarterback heading into minicamp. Though Kellen Clemens is a three year veteran, he has little experience as a starter in the league. He watched from the sidelines as a rookie in 2006, and again in 2008 behind the newly acquired Brett Favre. In 2007 Clemens started eight games for the Jets, but completed only 52% of his passes while throwing 5 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Needless to say it wasn’t an impressive display.

With Sanchez reporting to camp on time, having recently signed a 5-year deal worth up to $44.5 million ($28M of which is guaranteed), Clemens will be hard pressed to earn the starting nod going into his fourth season. Though he has an edge on Sanchez due to working with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer the past three seasons, many have speculated Sanchez is the front runner here.

In terms of production, neither is likely to provide much in fantasy leagues. Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco aside, rookie quarterbacks rarely perform well when starting so early in their career. Clemens meanwhile has done little to show he’ll be a successful option in the league, hence the Jets use of the fifth overall pick on Sanchez.

Running Backs: Thomas Jones; Leon Washington; Shonn Greene (R); Tony Richardson (FB)

Thomas Jones is coming off a career year for himself, but at 31 years of age come start of the season, there is reason to doubt he’ll have another outing like that in 2009. His unhappiness over his current contract leaves his status with the Jets up in the air as well. Though he’ll likely remain in New York, there is a possibility he will be cut or traded before the start of the season.

Behind Jones is fourth year pro Leon Washington. Washington is currently mired in a contract dispute of his own with the franchise, but is in better position to receive an extension before the start of training camp. He sat out the last three weeks of practice as a display of unhappiness about his current deal, but returned to work this past Monday. Washington has hinted he will hold out if a new deal isn’t reached, but his recent return makes that scenario less likely.

Added to the mix in the Jets backfield is Shonn Green. Greene was the first pick of the third round in this years draft, and with Washington better suited as a situational back and Jones’ status with the team up in the air, he could see a fair amount of playing time this season. He’ll be worth keeping an eye on throughout training camp. He’ll also quickly gain value during the season if Jones remains with the team, but later suffers an injury or is unproductive.

While the Jets trio of running back’s all hold a certain level of value, none are clearly worthy of starting status in fantasy leagues. Thomas Jones may very well prove to be a solid number two back, but he comes with risk - especially without the luxury of an experienced QB under center, defenses will be able to focus more on stopping the run. Leon Washington will be a serviceable number three or four back once again. Shonn Green is the sleeper of the group, but it’s uncertain if an opportunity to play will come his way this season.

Wide Receivers: Jerricho Cotchery; Chansi Stuckey; David Clowney; Brad Smith; Marcus Henry

At receiver, the Jets have Jerricho Cotchery followed by a bunch of question marks. Cotchery has posted numbers worthy of a solid number three option in fantasy leagues the past few seasons, but has done so while playing opposite Laveranues Coles.

This will be his first year as the clear cut number one option in New York, and it remains to be seen how well he’ll perform in that role. Having an inexperienced starter under center is also likely to hinder his performance, though he should once again perform as a solid number three option and borderline number two.

The rest of the Jets receivers will all be waiver wire fodder. You could argue there’s a sleeper in the group, but with Sanchez or Clemens playing QB it’s unlikely that scenario develops.

Tight Ends: Dustin Keller; Bubba Franks

Dustin Keller will look to improve upon his rookie season (48 receptions, 535 yards, 3 touchdowns) and will likely do so. Without Coles in the fold he should have more looks come his way. He may also prove a popular outlet for whichever of the Jets young QB options is under center. Look for him to rank among the top ten at his position this year.