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Observations on OTA No. 3 (the first session open to the media):

1. Yes, Mark Sanchez outplayed Tim Tebow. So what? It's only May, and it's only OTAs. In the big picture, this means very little. It's almost laughable how some have jumped to conclusions. Chill, people. Frankly, Sanchez should outplay Tebow because he's a better thrower of the football and, with no live pass rush, that's all they're doing -- throwing.

2. There were some dropsies in the early portion of team drills. WR Jeremy Kerley let a well-thrown Sanchez pass sail through his hands, rookie WR Stephen Hill dropped a throw from Sanchez (had plenty of zip on it) and TE Dustin Keller dropped a Tebow pass. Keller rebounded with a diving catch on a Sanchez pass.

3. The play of the day was an 80-yard pass from Sanchez to Hill. The second-round pick got past CB Kyle Wilson on a fly pattern and turned on the jets. He was wide open and Sanchez hit him in stride. As Rex Ryan noted afterward, the Jets want to emphasize vertical passing this season. That's the Tony Sparano philosophy: Hammer them with the running game and hit 'em deep on play-action.

4. RB Shonn Greene is listed at 226 pounds, but it looks like he dropped a few. He ran with a little extra giddy-up. I even saw a little something out of Bilal Powell. Yeah, Powell.

5. The defense, which has three-plus years in Ryan's system, is way ahead of the offense, which is just learning Sparano's scheme. RG Brandon Moore noted how the defense showed a few wrinkles, including a "Bear" front and third-down pressures, forcing the offense to react quickly. Sometimes they did, sometimes they didn't. On a couple of plays, Tebow was scrambling around the backfield, looking to escape an unblocked rusher.

6. You'd better be prepared for a summer-long battle, Nick Folk. Recently signed PK Josh Brown impressed at the end of practice, nailing five of six FGAs. His only miss came from 45 yards.

7. No doubt, LB Bart Scott, 12 pounds lighter than last season, is moving better in coverage. He made a nice interception on a Tebow pass.

8. Sparano is big on tempo. In practice, he's always preaching the offense to pick up the pace. You don't want to be the guy who slows down the rest of the group.

When Tim Tebow walked into the locker room Thursday, with a crowd of reporters already camped out at his locker, his teammates sensed the moment -- a massive scrum/news conference -- and sounded off.

"Te-bow! Te-bow!" several players chanted.

A couple of players were creative and yelled out, "Lo-lo! Lo-lo!" That was a reference to U.S. hurdler Lolo Jones, who recently told HBO's "Real Sports" that she doesn't believe in premarital sex. Tebow, a devout Christian, shares that sentiment.

That the players razz Tebow shows they like him. As Tebow said, "If they didn't, then it means they didn't care. It is awesome, because they give me a hard time about it and that is great. If they didn't, that is when you have to worry."

Said CB Darrelle Revis: "Guys like to have fun. I hope Tim can handle it." Revis said he tweaked Tebow during practice, telling him after one of his interceptions, "Hey, thanks for throwing a turnover to us."

THINKING OF JIM: Rex Ryan insisted the team hasn't ruled out the possibility of re-signing safety Jim Leonhard, who is recovering from major knee surgery.

"I'm never going to say that," Ryan said.

Ryan's words notwithstanding, Leonhard's return appears to be a long shot, especially since they signed veteran S Yeremiah Bell. Leonhard's best chance might hinge on the health of LaRon Landry (Achilles tendon), who isn't a lock to be ready for training camp.

REX LOVES BART: Ryan offered unsolicited praise of LB Bart Scott, who only two months ago seemed like a goner. Scott has dropped 12 pounds and appears to be re-focused after a disappointing 2011 season. That they drafted his heir apparent, Demario Davis, might have a little something to do with it.

"Bart is ready to be Bart Scott, the guy we brought in here," Ryan said. "Bart would tell you that he had kind of a disappointing year last year, just like I'll tell you I had a disappointing year last year. This whole football team, definitely Bart and I, we want to have a great year this year. I think you see that."

Scott slowed down last season and struggled in pass coverage, and he was eventually removed from sub packages. Ryan noted that, with David Harris (calf) nursing an injury, Scott is working as the "Mike" LB in the sub package.

Wait, weren't they ready to trade this guy?

TAKE THIS PAD AND ...: RG Brandon Moore, a member of the NFLPA executive committee, doesn't think much of the league's new rule to mandate thigh and knee pads in 2013.

"I guess they're worried about thigh bruises and knee contusions ... but I don't know how that's helping player safety -- a thigh bruise," he said, alluding to bigger issues -- i.e. head trauma.

Asked if he thinks it was a PR move by the league, Moore said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't know how it falls in with player safety."

THIS AND THAT: As expected, DE Quinton Coples and WR Stephen Hill, both named rookie starters after the draft, worked with the first team. ... In addition to Scott, Ryan also singled out DE Muhammad Wilkerson as a player "jumping out at me." ... Ryan likes the tempo under new O.C. Tony Sparano. The offense is trying to work at a fast pace.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Second-year NT Kenrick Ellis, scheduled for trial next Tuesday in Hampton, Va., on a felony charge of malicious wounding, declined Wednesday to say whether the trial will cause him to miss any voluntary workouts.

In fact, Ellis refused to answer any questions about the trial or his case, repeatedly saying "it's a pending legal matter." After a few questions, a Jets PR official stepped in, asking that questions be limited to football only.

Ellis was arrested in April 2010 for an alleged incident that occurred while he was a student at Hampton. The trial was originally scheduled for last July, but was postponed twice. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Because he's a non-U.S. citizen, born in Jamaica, Ellis is deportable if convicted of a felony, according to immigration law.

B.T. BACK: OLB Bryan Thomas, who tore his Achilles' tendon last October, said he's close to running full speed. His goal is to be 100 percent by the starting of training camp, which gives him two months. Thomas, who turns 33 on June 7, was an unrestricted free agent, but he re-signed for one year.

The Jets didn't add any experienced outside linebackers, so they're counting on him to return. After Calvin Pace and Thomas, they have Aaron Maybin, Garrett McIntyre and Ricky Sapp.

MOUTH THAT BORED: LB Bart Scott refused to talk with reporters, saying: "This is voluntary (workouts). I don't speak voluntary."

HAIRY PREDICAMENT: C Nick Mangold received some razzing from teammates for what he did Tuesday night. He got his chest waxed on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon." Hmm, wonder if Vince Wilfork will bring that up next time they butt heads in the trenches.

Mangold said he didn't expect it. He said the producer asked him a couple of hours before the show.

"They said, 'Hey, want to do a little skit?'" Mangold said. "Like an idiot, I said yes."

To check out the video, click here.

Over a three-day period, the Jets drafted eight players -- four offense, four defense. Quick thoughts on their biggest draft haul since 2006:

1. Rex Ryan shouldn't have anointed DE Quinton Coples and WR Stephen Hill as starters -- not yet, anyway. Coples, their first-round pick, arrives with the reputation of being and hot-and-cold player, lacking intensity at times. What good does it do to reward a player like that before he steps on the field? Make him earn it. Plus, it wasn't a good way to treat incumbent LDE Mike DeVito, a solid starter and respected veteran.

2. This was a boom-or-bust draft for the Jets. Ultimately, it'll be defined by Coples and Hill, a couple of extraordinary athletes who, for different reasons, didn't produce in their final college years. If the Jets' scouts are right, if these two players reach their ceilings, they will have two blue-chip talents. If not, the draft will be a bust. Mike Tannenbaum, Ryan & Co. went for broke, all or nothing, in this critical draft.

3. I will say this: They definitely improved their team speed at wide receiver (Hill), defensive end (Coples), inside linebacker (Demario Davis) and safety (Josh Bush). That was a must because, let's face it, the Jets were a slow team last season. They still have speed issues in the backfield and at outside linebacker.

4. You got the feeling that special teams coach Mike Westhoff had a lot of say in the draft. Davis, Bush, Allen and perhaps WR Jordan White should be core special teamers. This draft was like a retirement gift to Westhoff, who is planning to leave for the sunset after the 2012 season.

5. Two needs that didn't get addressed -- right tackle and outside linebacker. TannyRex did their best to sell the current personnel, claiming RT Wayne Hunter and OLB Bryan Thomas (coming off Achilles-tendon surgery) are capable of holding down their respective forts. Ryan actually said he expects Hunter "will have a big year for us," hinting that Tony Sparano's system will suit him better than the Brian Schottenheimer system. He'd better be right because there's no way they can endure another season with sub-par play at right tackle.

6. Sparano must have been one happy dude. The Jets drafted a 241-pound running back in the sixth round (Terrence Ganaway) and a 340-pound guard (Robert T. Griffin) on the very next pick. Ground and Pound, baby. By the way, Ganaway and Griffin were teammates at Baylor.

7. ESPN analyst Bill Polian, the former Colts GM, made an interesting comment on the air Saturday. He noted that Hill, Ganaway and Griffin all came from option offenses in college, suggesting the Jets did that to suit running QB Tim Tebow. Not surprisingly, TannyRex wouldn't admit to that. Tannenbaum said it was "a coincidence."

8. Realistically, how many of these picks will have roles this season on offense and defense? Obviously, Coples and Hill will see significant action. Beyond them, though, there are no guarantees. Maybe Davis, because he can run, can work his way into a sub package on passing downs. If Bush can cover, he could be a dime back. Maybe Allen can be used as a situational blitzer, a la Drew Coleman, 2010.

9. Here's a positive: The Jets didn't draft anyone with major, off-the-field issues -- at least none that we know of.

10. With Hill targeted for a significant role, there's really no need to re-sign Braylon Edwards. With two new safeties, the Jets seem willing to move on from Jim Leonhard.

11. Ryan said Coples reminds him of Shaun Ellis and Trevor Pryce. Hill was compared, athletically, to Calvin Johnson. And Ryan said Davis reminds him of a young Bart Scott. Ellis/Pryce, MegaTron and Scott -- that's a hell of a draft.

This is the eighth part in a nine-part, position-by-position analysis, breaking down the Jets' needs and draft possibilities.

Position: Linebacker

Depth chart: David Harris, Bart Scott, Calvin Pace, Bryan Thomas, Aaron Maybin, Josh Mauga, Nick Bellore, Garrett McIntyre, Eddie Jones, Ricky Sapp, Matt Berning.

Not under contract: N/A

Scouting Report: Stay tuned, folks, because there could be some significant news at linebacker. Even though they re-signed the venerable Thomas to a one-year contract -- he's coming back from Achilles' tendon surgery -- the Jets want to add another outside linebacker in the draft, possibly in the first round. This unit slowed down and got old last season, and it needs an influx of fresh blood.

The only edge rusher among the group is Maybin, a specialist not big enough to play every down in the base defense. Like Thomas, Pace ($3.1 million base) and Scott ($4.2 million) are on the wrong side of 30, but they're probably locked in because their '12 salaries are guaranteed. But the Jets have to take a long-term view of the position, knowing that Thomas, Scott and Pace all could be gone in 2013. It would be an upset they don't draft at least two linebackers -- one inside, one outside. The only building block is Harris, who's entering the second year of a four-year deal. Bellore and Mauga have some upside, but not enough to stop them from drafting an ILB.

The Last Time: The Jets haven't drafted a linebacker since Vernon Gholston in 2008. He was the sixth overall pick and failed to record a sack in three seasons, when the Jets finally sent him packing.

Potential Targets: The player atop their OLB wish list is Melvin Ingram (South Carolina), according to sources. He doesn't have prototypical size (6-foot-1 1/2, 264 pounds), but he plays with leverage and moves exceptionally well. Position versatility makes him an attractive prospect; he can play OLB, DE and ILB. He recorded 10 sacks, 15 knockdowns and 10.5 hurries, according to STATS. One personnel executive told me most of Ingram's pass-rush production came when he was used inside, stunting against a guard or center.

Other options are Courtney Upshaw (Alabama), Chandler Jones (Syracuse), Whitney Mercilus (Illinois) and Andre Branch (Clemson). Upshaw played 3-4 OLB in Nick Saban's pro-style defense, so he'd be less of a projection than Jones and Branch, both of whom were DEs in college. Upshaw (9.5 sacks), a power rusher, might be the safest pick among the three, but his ceiling is lower. Jones (4.5 sacks), Mercilus (16) and Branch (9.5) are better athletes with the potential to develop into very good edge rushers. In the second round, the Jets could consider the talented, but troubled Bruce Irvin (West Virginia).

Need Rating (scale of 1 to 10): 10.

Next: Secondary

Now Bart Scott can't wait to get back to work with the Jets.

Confirming what Rex Ryan indicated last week at the NFL meetings, the veteran linebacker said Tuesday night his issues with the coaching staff have been resolved and he expects to be with the team in the coming season.

"Of course I'm excited," he told Bruce Beck of 4 NBC New York at an event in Manhattan. "I came here (in 2009) and I bought the lakefront property. I was all in. I'm still all in."

This marked Scott's first comments to the news media this offseason. Previously, he was last seen leaving the locker room the day after the season ended, flipping off a photographer -- a gesture that resulted in a $10,000 fine from the team.

Scott confirmed he was frustrated last season in a reduced role. He said there was a "communication" problem with the coaches, adding he and Ryan "had a great talk and we ironed some things out ... I'm comfortable with my place and my role on the team. I look forward to having a great, bounce-back year as an organization and as a team."

Scott said he'll be go back to his old role, which he described this way: "I made a career of jumping on grenades for other guys and I plan to continue to do that because that's what I do best."

He was so disenchanted with his role that his agent met with the Jets at the scouting combine in February, and the two sides discussed a possible trade. Privately, Scott told friends he didn't expect to return. But he was hard to trade because he has three years remaining on his contract and is due a guaranteed $4.2 million in 2012.

At the league meetings, Ryan told reporters he expected Scott to be back. He also revealed that Scott had dropped weight, which should help his chances of becoming an every-down linebacker again. Scott he's "back to my fighting weight. It's the first time I've met abs five and six, and I'm excited."

Scott also said the Jets' locker room "wasn't that fractured," blaming the media for blowing the problems out of proportion. He also blamed the media for trying to poison the Mark Sanchez-Tim Tebow dynamic.

"I know it's going to work, I'm 100 percent confident," he said. "All the experts, they don't understand. They assume what our locker room was like, but they don't know. It's the same locker room that had success the year before and the year before."

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Rex Ryan expressed supreme confidence Tuesday that the Jets' chemistry issues are history. He said the team will use last season's adversity as a rallying point.

"I truly believe this football team is going to be just like this," Ryan said at the league meetings, clasping his hands. "In a way, I feel like we’ve been pushed into a corner, which is a good thing for us because I know how we’re coming out. We’re coming out swinging."

Slight pause.

"I hope we don’t hit each other like we did a little last year," he cracked. "But we’re coming out."

Ryan feels the locker-room discord was overblown, but there's no denying that turmoil existed. Most of it centered around the Mark Sanchez-Santonio Holmes relationship. Funny, but that story has shifted to the backburner, with everyone focused on Tim Tebow's arrival.

Hmm, you wonder if that was a small part of the team's motivation for making the trade. Team officials say no.

Ryan has talked to players throughout the offseason, and he likes what he hears.

"They’re sick and tired" of hearing about last season, Ryan said. "It’s not that we’ve been disrespected -- we brought it on ourselves -- but we weren’t the type of team we know we’re capable of being. I think that’s going to drive us.

"I talked to (Darrelle) Revis and you can almost feel the passion coming through the phone. David Harris, Bart Scott, they’re so ready to get last year behind them."

Per CBA rules, the off-season program will begin April 16.

A few leftovers from Mike Tannenbaum's Q & A with reporters Tuesday:

BART UPDATE: LB Bart Scott, disgruntled with his role last season, continues to float in limbo. The team has shopped Scott, but his $4.2 million salary is a deal breaker. Said Tannenbaum: "He's going to be here for the off-season program (April 16). He's under contract. That's where it's at." Scott has a $250,000 workout bonus for completing the off-season program. It makes no sense to pay him that if they're planning to unload him.

NO J-CO: The team has no interest in re-signing WR Jerricho Cotchery -- at least not now. "Nothing is on the horizon," Tannenbaum said. The Jets did have internal discussions at the start of the offseason about the possibility of adding the well-respected Cotchery to aid their locker-room issues, but that notion has waned. A source said the Jets remain interested in WR Donnie Avery, who visited Monday.

CHILLIN WITH SCHILENS: Tannenbaum on the possible role of recently-signed WR Chaz Schilens: "The pen is in his hands. He could start for us, he could catch 100 balls or he could be a special-teams player." Translation: They still don't have a No. 2 wide receiver.

FEEL THE DRAFT: Tannenbaum suggested they're finished with the main phase of free agency, saying the team is "shifting our attention to draft preparation."

REX ON THE ROAD: Rex Ryan traveled to Chapel Hill to attend the North Carolina pro day on Tuesday. The main reason was to check out highly-regarded DE Quinton Coples, projected as a top-10 pick. Ryan stood near Coples during drills and asked him to perform OLB drills as well as DL drills, according to the Charlotte Observer. The Jets are looking to draft a pass rusher with their first pick (16th overall).

BACK TO PACK: DB Jarrett Bush, who visited with the Jets over the weekend, re-signed with the Packers.

Notes, thoughts and observations on the Jets and the NFL:

1. If the Jets sign a veteran safety in free agency -- Reggie Nelson? -- it will give them more flexibility in the draft. The No. 1 item on their wish list is pass rusher. Rex Ryan has told friends he absolutely wants to add a blue-chip rusher to his defense, sources said. They really like Courtney Upshaw (Alabama), Melvin Ingram (South Carolina) and Andre Branch (Clemson). This is a must-get for the Jets, who have ignored the pass rush for too long.

2. The Jets have seven draft picks, one in each round, according to the team. There's also a chance they could receive a compensatory pick for free-agent losses in 2011.

3. The team continues to shop LB Bart Scott in trade talks, source said, but his $4.2 million guaranteed salary is a deal breaker. Scott's days with the team appear numbered. If they dump Scott, you have to wonder if ILB Luke Kuechly (Boston College) becomes a consideration with the 16th pick.

4. Drew Stanton, the Jets' new backup QB, already has won a game for the Jets. In Week 9 of the 2010 season, he replaced an injured Matthew Stafford with about six minutes to go, with the Lions leading, 20-10. Coming out of the two-minute warning, Stanton ran a third-down bootleg, but instead of simply falling down and taking the sack, he threw an ill-advised incompletion to stop the clock. His brain cramp saved the Jets, who had no timeouts remaining, from certain defeat -- and they rallied to win in OT. Maybe the Jets felt like they owed him one.

5. Loved Ralph Wilson's comments to the Buffalo News the other day on the signing of stud DE Mario Williams. "I'd like to see us make the playoffs and possibly the Super Bowl while I'm around," Wilson, 93, told the newspaper. "I don't expect to be around that many years ... I don't give a darn about the money. I can't take it with me." It reminded me of Leon Hess's famous news conference in 1995, when he pronounced, "I'm 80 years old and I want results now." For the Bills' sake, they'd better hope it works out better than the Hess declaration. That news conference was to introduced Rich Kotite and ... well, you know the rest.

6. Speaking of Williams, the Bills said they will use him at left end. That could be a problem for the Jets, considering their issues at right tackle. Wayne Hunter remains on the roster, but I'm told Vladimir Ducasse will get every opportunity to win the starting job.

7. Woody Johnson took some grief (at least in the twitter-sphere) for saying in a TV interview that the Jets "passed on" Peyton Manning. It probably wasn't the best choice of words, but he was right. As I wrote at the start of the Peyton sweepstakes, the Jets formulated their entire off-season blueprint around Mark Sanchez and would've tossed it only if Manning threw himself at the Jets -- and that was NEVER going to happen.

8. The Jets must feel confident in Bryan Thomas's Achilles-tendon rehab because they guaranteed about $600,000 on his one-year contract. He's only five months removed from surgery, but he still has four months to training camp. This signing sends a positive message to the locker room, a departure from last year when they dumped elder statesman-type leaders -- i.e. Shaun Ellis, Damien Woody, et al.

9. Hey, Peyton, decide already. This is getting old.

10. Nice signing by the Patriots, picking up WR Brandon Lloyd. He's the outside threat that Tom Brady has lacked. Adios, Ochocinco.

Sunday notes, thoughts and observations on the Jets and the rest of the NFL:

1. Now that the Jets have some cap room to be serious players in free agency, I expect them to show interest in S LaRon Landry. They need a safety and Landry probably is the best one in a market watered down by three franchise tags. The Redskins' former first-round pick (sixth overall in 2007) is coming off two injury-plagued seasons, so maybe his asking price won't be crazy. He's a beast as an in-the-box safety, but there are questions about his coverage ability -- and that's where the Jets need help.

2. Quarterback-turned-analyst Chad Pennington is worth a listen because he makes a lot of sense. The other day, I asked him if the Jets should chase Peyton Manning. His response:

"I don’t think so. I don't think he's the right fit for New York. Both New York teams have their quarterback. For crying out loud, over the next three years, if you knew (Mark Sanchez) would take you to two AFC championship games and an 8-8 record ... come on, now. You'd take that. He's been one or two plays away from the big dance. He's right where he needs to be.

"The key is stability at quarterback, and stability around the quarterback. Look at (Tom) Brady and (Eli) Manning, (Drew) Brees and (Aaron) Rodgers. What's the key? Stability, that's the key."

3. Peyton Manning now has blown off the Jets twice. The first time occurred in 1997, when the Jets owned the No. 1 pick in the draft. He could've been the first Manning in New York, seven years ahead of his brother, but he wanted no part of the Jets and opted to stay in school. I'd say it worked out for him.

4. The folks in the Florham Park bunker are Bronco and Cardinal fans this week. They do not want Manning with the Dolphins in the AFC East. My prediction: He chooses 'Zona.

5. Now that Sanchez has his contract extension, what other players are coming up soon? Players with one year remaining on their current deal: TE Dustin Keller, RB Shonn Greene, RG Brandon Moore, LG Matt Slauson and DT Mike DeVito. Players with two years remaining: CB Darrelle Revis, LB Calvin Pace, RB/KR Joe McKnight and FB John Conner.

6. When Rex Ryan shows up on a college campus for a pro day, it's news. Reporters seek him out, prospects seek him out. The other day at Clemson, former Clemson QB Willy Korn made sure to tap Ryan on the shoulder and introduce himself. "Of course he didn't know who I was, but maybe he'll remember my face," Korn told the Charlotte Observer. For the record, he's a draft-eligible QB from Division II North Greenville (S.C.).

7. Nothing new on the Bart Scott situation. He's had several conversations with Ryan, according to a source, but they've yet to come to any sort of resolution. I can imagine the conversation. Bart: I want to play more. Rex: No, and we want you to take a pay cut. Bart: No way. End of conversation. I still think there's a good chance he's not back with the team.

8. The Redskins gave up three No. 1 picks and a No. 2 pick to move up four spots to draft their new quarterback, presumably Robert Griffin III. Mike Shanahan is a desperate man, having won only one playoff game since John Elway retired after the 1998 season. And now we know why Jeff Fisher picked the Rams over the Dolphins.

9. Peyton's classy farewell press conference in Indianapolis was a rarity in professional sports. How many guys show up to talk about their own firing? Got me to thinking about firings in Jets history. Of all the coaches I've covered, Joe Walton is the only one who agreed to a press conference after his ouster. Rich Kotite also had a presser, but it came before his final game. Of the quarterback firings, the classiest came from Pennington, who spoke via conference call the day after getting unceremoniously dumped in favor of Brett Favre.

10. Hearing positive reports on WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame). Maybe the Jets should consider him at 16, because their passing game needs a jolt. Consider: Sanchez averaged only 6.5 yards per attempt last season to his wideouts, which ranked 32nd in the league, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Sunday notes, thoughts and observations on the Jets and the NFL:

1. BountyGate has conjured up memories of the "Bounty Bowl" from 1989, when Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson accused Eagles coach Buddy Ryan of putting a bounty on QB Troy Aikman and PK Luis Zendejas before a 27-0 Eagles win. Because that involved his father, Rex Ryan's name has come up in this latest scandal involving the Saints. "This is something that is being handled by the NFL office," Ryan said in a statement Saturday through the team. "I’ve never condoned it and I’ve never coached it."

2. BountyGate is worse than SpyGate, and the principles should be punished accordingly. Former Saints D.C. Gregg Williams, the ring leader, should be suspended for the season; the Saints should be docked a third-round draft pick in 2012 (they don't have a first-rounder) and their 2013 first-round pick; Saints coach Sean Payton, GM Mickey Loomis and the Saints should be fined $500,000 apiece. Just one man's opinion. By the way, Williams got his start in the NFL with Buddy Ryan, back with the Oilers in the 1990s.

3. The sinning Saints make Sal Alosi seem like just an unruly kid at recess.

4. There is, of course, a hypocritical aspect to the entire notion of paying players to injure opponents. Let's face it, the league glorifies violence. Commissioner Roger Goodell has done a lot to improve player safety, but the "kill shot" element remains. Don't think so? Check out any official game summary and stats. Under the defensive stats, there's a category for "QB hits."

5. Early draft prediction: If Alabama RB Trent Richardson slips to 16, the Jets will take him. Bet on it.

6. The Jets are hoping LB Bart Scott restructures his contract to facilitate a trade. Why would a player with a $4.2 million guarantee agree to re-work his deal? Well, it wouldn't be unprecedented. Randy Moss left money on the table when he was traded to the Patriots in 2007, restructuring the deal he had with the Raiders. The Jets want to resolve the matter before April 16, the start of the off-season program. That's because Scott has a $250,000 workout bonus.

7. In a radio interview the other day, GM Mike Tannenbaum mentioned in passing that assistant GM Scott Cohen "stood on the table" last season for pass rusher Aaron Maybin, lobbying the team to sign the former Bills bust. It turned out to be a terrific move. Guys like Cohen, who work behind the scenes and don't garner any headlines, deserve their share of the props. More often than not, they do the grunt work.

8. The Jets have discussed the possibility of pursuing free-agent QB Jason Campbell (Raiders). He led the Raiders to a 4-2 start last season before suffering a season-ending collarbone injury. One of Ryan's new coaches is very familiar with Campbell -- former Raiders WRs coach Sanjay Lal. New O.C. Tony Sparano is planning to incorporate some Raiders concepts into his playbook. One potential issue: The feeling is that Campbell needs practice reps to be effective, and there's concern he wouldn't do well in a No. 2 role because of the paucity of reps.

9. So now a You Tube video of Peyton Manning has surfaced, showing him throwing to receivers during a workout at Duke. Sorry, but four passes doesn't convince me his arm/neck is as good as new.

10. As you may have read Friday night, Mark Sanchez recently spent time in South Florida with ex-Jets QB Chad Pennington, trying to learn the Sparano offense before the start of the off-season program. It's too bad Pennington appears done with football because he'd be the ideal backup. The Jets should invite him to training camp to help out the QBs; he'd be a great -- assuming he's over any hard feelings from his unceremonious release in '08.

Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, addressing the Bart Scott situation for the first time, made it clear Tuesday that the veteran linebacker's future with the team is very much up in the air.

Tannenbaum, commenting on his recent meeting with Scott's agent at the NFL scouting combine, said they "cleared the air on a lot of things." But he wouldn't guarantee that Scott will return in 2012, saying that discussions will continue.

"We'll see what happens over the next couple of weeks," Tannenbaum said on "The Michael Kay Show" on ESPN New York 1050, adding, "All options are on the table."

The Jets haven't given Scott permission to seek a trade, but they are shopping him, according to a league source. They're in a tough spot because Scott's $4.2 million salary is guaranteed, making it tough to deal the 31-year-old linebacker, but they're still looking for a taker, hoping Scott restructures his contract to facilitate a trade.

Scott was "extremely frustrated" by his diminished role last season, his agent, Harold Lewis, told ESPNNewYork.com Monday. Lewis said Scott's "ultimate goal" is to remain with the Jets, but he admitted the two sides discussed the possibility of a trade at the combine meeting.

The trading period begins March 13.

Tannenbaum addressed other subjects, including:

• Peyton Manning. Reiterating what he said last week at the combine, Tannenbaum did nothing to dispel potential interest in Manning.

"It's really important that we always try to improve the team," he said. "With that said, I expect Mark Sanchez to be our quarterback next year. But when we have opportunities to improve our team, that's what we're going to do."

• Plaxico Burress. On Tuesday, the free-agent WR told a Philadelphia radio station that he wants to sign with the Eagles. Tannenbaum all but said, "Go right ahead."

"He's exploring his options; that's what we want our players to do this time of year, like we're doing for ourselves," he said.

• Greg McElroy. Tannenbaum said "we weren't happy with those comments," referring to the QB's description of the "corrupt mindset" in the locker room, but the GM said McElroy will be on the team.

• A backup for Sanchez. Tannenbaum continued to talk out of both sides of his mouth on this subject. He said they don't need to bring in a No. 2 to push Sanchez -- "Mark wants to be great because that's who he is" -- but he also said he expects the QB depth chart to have a different look by September.

A few quick thoughts:

1. Even though Bart Scott's agent insisted Monday he hasn't received permission from the Jets to seek a trade, it sure seems like the two sides are heading to divorce court. The agent, Harold Lewis, said Scott was frustrated last season by his diminished role. It doesn't sound like they're talking reconciliation. Teams usually don't bend over backward to appease aging linebackers with bloated contracts.

2. Even with a $4.2 million guaranteed salary for 2012 (not Mike Tannenbaum's finest renegotiation), I still can't envision Scott returning to the Jets. His play has slipped and the Jets, trying to rebuild locker-room harmony after last season's debacle, can't afford any potential headaches. They will try their hardest to trade him, hoping to salvage the situation by getting a late-round conditional pick.

3. Scott's position -- weak-inside linebacker -- is becoming obsolete. With the proliferation of spread offenses, inside 'backers are being replaced by nickel corners. Late in the season, I asked Scott about his diminished playing time and he said, "It's an adjustment. Football is changing. They're going with more three and four wides, and you want to get another cover guy out there."

4. Scott, 31, slowed down last season and was exposed in pass coverage. The coaches scaled back his role, pulling him on passing downs. He appeared in only 677 snaps after topping the 1,000 mark in each of his first two seasons with the Jets, according to the website Pro Football Focus. Against the run, he's still a solid in-the-box player, but a liability in space.

5. How does this play out? Here are the possibilities: Scott will either a.) Remain with the Jets under his current contract, b.) Take a pay cut to stay in a limited role, c.) Re-work his contract to facilitate a trade, d.) Get cut and walk away with $4.2 million. My money is on d.

6. Until a resolution is reached, I wouldn't be surprised if it gets ugly, Scott trying to shoot his way out of town and the Jets playing hardball. Conceivably, they could wait until July before letting him go, making it harder to find a new team -- the team's only leverage. But I find it hard to believe that Rex Ryan, who is close with Scott, would let it get that far.

7. It seems like Scott is trying to pull a Jerricho Cotchery. A year ago, Cotchery was frustrated with his role on offense and let his feelings be known right around the time of the scouting combine. For five months, he begged the Jets to trade or release him, and they finally did at the start of training camp. But be careful what you wish for, Bart, as Cotchery ended up signing a minimum contract and playing sparingly.

8. What about a trade? Seems highly unlikely ... unless he agrees to restructure his contract to make it more palatable for a new team. Why would Scott do that? After seeing what happened to Cotchery, he might be willing to leave some money on the table to ensure a soft landing in a hand-picked destination -- i.e. the Giants or the Ravens, his former team.

9. Tannenbaum hates to eat guaranteed money, whether it's a player contract or a coach's contract, but he has little choice here. It wouldn't be unprecedented. In 2010, the Jets did it with LG Alan Faneca, swallowing $5.25 million -- which probably didn't make owner Woody Johnson too happy.

The Thursday/Friday headlines were dominated by the Peyton Manning buzz and Rex Ryan's mea culpa on his now-infamous Super Bowl guarantee, but Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum addressed other topics as well Thursday at the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Some tidbits:

• Ryan, in an interview on the NFL Network, hinted the Jets aren't planning to make any blockbuster moves in free agency. He said they might "add a couple of guys here and there," noting "it might not be a splash free agent." The Jets have at least $8 million in cap room, but factoring in the draft and restricted free agents, there won't be much left. As I wrote last Sunday, they won't be in the Mario Williams chase. Ryan suggested their approach will resemble the one they had in 2009, when they signed Bart Scott, Jim Leonhard and Marques Douglas. The trouble with that comparison is that Scott (six years, $48 million) was a big-ticket free agent; Leonhard and Douglas were more of the "value" type. Keep an eye on Ravens OLB Jarret Johnson; he's a second-tier free agent that would fit perfectly for the Jets. Ryan, who coached him in Baltimore, loves the guy.

• The Jets are expected to put a first-round tender on OLB Aaron Maybin (restricted free agent), according to the Star-Ledger of Newark. The tender cost is estimated at $2.7 million. It's fairly pricey for a part-time player, but he has an important job -- sacking the QB.

UPDATE: There were conflicting reports on the type and amount of the tender. Turns out the Jets will place an "original-round" tender on Maybin for about $1.3 million, not a "first-round level" tender for about $2.7 million. Because Maybin was a first-round pick of the Bills, the Jets still are entitled to a first-round pick as compensation if they decline to exercise their right of first refusal on an offer sheet. This makes more fiscal sense, as $2.7 million was relatively high for a part-time player. Bottom line: Maybin isn't going anywhere because no team in its right mind would give up a first-rounder for him.

• Tannenbaum said embattled S Eric Smith will "certainly be back." As Ryan noted, Smith and Tracy Wilson are the only safeties under contract. Ryan said Smith played with a knee injury for a "majority of the season" (he had a scope after the season) and still considers him a starter. It looks like they will add at least two safeties, one via free agency and another in the draft.

• Tannenbaum reiterated his philosophy on trading up in the draft. In other words, he's all for it. "Our track record is pretty clear: We will do that, but you better be right," he said. He mentioned the past trade-ups that produced Darrelle Revis and David Harris (no Mark Sanchez reference -- hmm), saying the organization has "very specific criteria" when determining which prospects are worth the gamble. He said character is weighed heavily in the evaluation process.

• Speaking of Revis, Ryan made a passing remark about his star cornerback, calling him and Deion Sanders the best cornerbacks in "the history of football." You think that remark might be brought up by Revis' agents the next time they sit down at the bargaining table?

• Tannenbaum said of Sanchez, "I feel we're really fortunate that he's our guy and will continue to be our guy, and we'll do a lot of great things with him." In his next breath, Tannenbaum said he has a "fiduciary duty" to perform due diligence on Manning.

I wonder: How would Tannenbaum and Ryan have answered these Sanchez questions if the Manning issue developed a year ago, when Sanchez was riding high after his playoff run? Just wondering.

The Jets own the 16th pick in the draft and they have a lot of areas to address -- namely, outside linebacker, safety, right tackle and wide receiver.

On Wednesday, the next step in the evaluation process begins -- the scouting combine in Indianapolis, where 300-plus prospects will gather to be timed, tested, measured, examined and interviewed. Here are 10 players on the Jets' first-round watch list:

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama -- It'll be an upset if he lasts until 16, but he's the best runner in the draft and could be worth a trade-up. The Jets could use a guy who averaged 5.9 yards per carry.

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State -- The Jets need a No. 2 WR to replace Plaxico Burress, and Blackmon (6-1, 208) has star potential. Like Richardson, he's probably a top-10 pick.

Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina -- He's an outstanding pass rusher as a 4-3 DE, but the question is whether he can transition to a 3-4 OLB. He's a shade under 6-foot-2 and, at 276, might be too heavy for the position. The Jets will be curious to see his agility and ability to drop into coverage.

Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama -- He's probably the best 3-4 OLB in the draft, and that has to excite the Jets, who need one in the worst way to replace Bryan Thomas. The Jets are linked to Upshaw in many mock drafts.

David DeCastro, G, Stanford -- It's unusual for a guard to get picked as high as 16th, but DeCastro (6-5, 310) has special talent and the Jets may have a need, depending on Matt Slauson's recovery from shoulder surgery.

Cordy Glenn, G/T, Georgia -- He's intriguing because of his size (6-5, 348) and versatility. The Jets want to upgrade at right tackle, but they could always kick him inside if it doesn't work out.

Michael Brockers, DT, LSU -- At 6-6, 306, he's a Muhammad Wilkerson clone in terms of size. Why would they draft another defensive end? DE Mike DeVito is entering the final year of his contract.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame -- He has an off-the-field issue that needs to be checked out, so the interview process will be vital for him. At 6-3, he's just what the Jets need to pair with Santonio Holmes and Jeremy Kerley.

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State -- At 6-foot-7, 323 pounds, he has "right tackle" written all over him.

Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College -- The Jets could be looking for someone to replace Bart Scott, who has slowed down and could be released.

Note: Alabama S Mark Barron is recovering from double hernia surgery and will skip the combine. He reportedly will need two months to recover, which means he probably won't be ready for his March 7 pro day. When healthy, he's the best safety in the draft, seemingly an ideal fit for the Jets.