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Person on the hot seat: TE Chris Herndon

The fourth-year tight end has regressed since showing promise as a rookie in 2018. He's off to a slow start in his third offensive system in four years, raising questions about his role. In the preseason opener, he got only seven reps with the starters, compared with 15 for fellow tight end Tyler Kroft. Herndon would be in serious jeopardy if the Jets were stacked at tight end, but that is hardly the case. Still, with a new coaching staff, anything is possible. -- Rich Cimini

Patience will be key for Jets fans suffering through the longest active postseason drought in the league. The Jets are set up to make progress as an organization, but it's premature to expect a return to relevant January football. The loss of Carl Lawson to a season-ending Achilles tear was a crusher that will haunt the team all season, but there is reason for legitimate optimism on the other side of the ball. Zach Wilson thrived in his final preseason tune-up, and New York has an intriguing mix of skill players. One thing to watch on Sunday: How will the rebuilt offensive line fare against the Panthers? The unit had a shaky summer.

It's going to be a long rebuild for Robert Saleh and the Jets. Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson will have some growing pains this year, but it's all about the future for the Jets. This season will be step one.

They're hoping recently acquired pass rusher Shaq Lawson can help lay down the Lawson after the demoralizing training camp loss of underrated Carl Lawson to an Achilles tear.

Why they're ranked here: Perhaps voting would have gone better for the Jets had pass rusher (and prized free-agent addition) Carl Lawson not suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon in camp. Even then, No. 27 or No. 28 likely would have been the best for which Jets fans could have hoped.

One big question: How quickly can it come together for 2021 No. 2 pick Zach Wilson? When trying to define what success looks like for every NFL team, for the Jets, it is all about the long game for Wilson. We know he has the arm talent and exceptional athleticism, but how quickly can he become a competent NFL starter, especially while playing in a Shanahan-style scheme that can be notoriously difficult in the first season?