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The most celebrated player in Jets history is perhaps the most celebrated critic of the team. Joe Namath doesn't pull any punches, not since he started his radio spot two years on ESPN New York 98.7 -- and it has frayed his relationship with the Jets, especially owner Woody Johnson.

Namath admitted as much Tuesday night at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan, where he joined other former and current Jets and Giants at the United Way Gridiron Gala.

"It’s rough, you know," the legendary QB said of his relationship with the Jets. "None of us like to be critiqued, criticized in a negative way. It gets bent sometimes. I don’t like the feeling, the vibes I get back whenever I cross Woody's path. Rex (Ryan) and I have been getting along well when we bump into each other, but I know there’s some underlying sensitivity there the Jets have."

BRANDON AMONG HONOREES: Jets RG Brandon Moore was honored at the 19th annual gala. Moore and Giants RG Chris Snee received the Hometown Hero award to recognize their service to the community. Giants Hall-of-Fame LB Harry Carson was honored for his lifetime achievement.

ON THE BLOCK: TE Dustin Keller, who also attended the event, said Tony Sparano's system includes a larger variety of blocking calls than the previous system. That, he believes, will solve some pass-protection issues ... OT Vladimir Ducasse said he's been working exclusively at right tackle in early drills. Ducasse, a two-year disappointment, acknowledged "this is a big year for me." He didn't make any bold declarations about overtaking incumbent Wayne Hunter, saying only that his "ultimate goal" is to start.

It probably pained their management types to walk away, but the New York Jets made a smart move by saying no to HBO's "Hard Knocks."

Owner Woody Johnson wisely listened to Rex Ryan and his football people, deciding that no amount of free publicity was worth the distraction of having NFL Films cameras imbedded in their training camp for the second time in three summers.

The Jets need to be about football, about healing the locker-room fractures from last season, about doing everything possible for Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow to co-exist and about trying to master Tony Sparano's offense.

Sparano is from the Parcells school of clandestine operations, and you can bet he didn't want a TV camera inside his meeting room. This is a man who, in a conference call with reporters last week, refused to acknowledge they're planning to run the Wildcat with Tebow. You think he wanted his Tebow package on display in living rooms across America?

Yes, the Jets are reality show waiting to happen, but that doesn't mean Joe Coach Potato in Des Moines, Iowa, needs a front-row seat to their inner sanctum. Ryan and his staff deserve the chance to prepare for the 2012 season without having to be concerned with omnipresent TV cameras, and now they will have that opportunity.

Training camp will be a circus, of course, because the Jets signed up for the circus as soon as they traded for Tebow. But it will be in a controlled environment in Cortland, N.Y., their summer home. That wouldn't have been the case with "Hard Knocks."

More than anything, it would've sent a bad message. After last season's disappointment, the Jets must sell "re-dedication" to their fans, not show biz and glitz. When they did "Hard Knocks" in 2010, they were a feel-good story, coming off a successful first year under Ryan. The exposure actually helped the team raise its national profile.

But that was then. Johnson probably could've used the show to sell a few more PSLs and club seats, but he'll find them harder to move if his team sinks to the level of mediocrity. There's a time for "Hard Knocks," but this wasn't the right time.

But here's a guarantee: The Jets will be hard knocking in 2013.

If the Jets don't address their pass-rushing need in the first round, they could turn to Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd with the 16th pick.

Floyd has been linked to the Jets for several weeks, but the Floyd/Jets buzz has gained momentum in recent days. Everybody knows they need a wide receiver, and Floyd has impressive credentials. The primary concern with him is an off-the-field issue -- three alcohol-related arrests in college.

Floyd, speaking Wednesday at an NFL Play 60 Youth Football event in Manhattan, said he was grilled by the Jets during a recent visit to the team's facility. He met with owner Woody Johnson, GM Mike Tannenbaum and coach Rex Ryan.

"They basically said, 'Is it over? Did you learn your lesson?'" Floyd said. "It was stuff like that -- and I have (learned my lesson). I'm moving forward from that and trying to be excited for this time in my life."

A rundown on Floyd's transgressions:

• In May, 2009, he was cited for under-age drinking near his home in Minnesota. He pleaded guilty.

• In January, 2010, he was again cited for under-age drinking in Minnesota. He allegedly left the scene of a fight that involved six to 10 people, according to Pro Football Weekly. Floyd was a passenger in a car that was pulled over; he reportedly had blood on his hands and shirt.

• In March, 2011, he was arrested for DUI in South Bend, Ind. Floyd pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drunk driving. He was sentenced to a year probation, wasn't allowed to drive for 90 days, had an ignition/alcohol device installed in his car and was required to take a drunk-driving course.

The Jets did "a lot of off-the-field work on him," according VP of college scouting Joey Clinkscales. The Jets apparently are satisfied that Floyd won't have problems in the future because they "would be excited to have him ... Michael Floyd is a supremely talented wide receiver."

On the field, Floyd put up big numbers, catching 100 passes last season for 1,147 yards and nine TDs. He tested well, running in the 4.4s -- exceptional for a 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver. Mike Mayock of the NFL Network called him a "beast," the best blocking receiver in the draft.

The question is, will Floyd last to 16? His stock is rising, one personnel executive said Wednesday, and he could go as high as 10th to the Bills.

If they can't trade up for Alabama RB Trent Richardson, a long shot, the Jets will look at South Carolina OLB Melvin Ingram, Floyd and LSU DE Michael Brockers.

Floyd said he's aware of the Jets' need at receiver.

"That's a good possibility, to play there, and I would love it," he said.

Just when you thought the Jets were out of the "Hard Knocks" picture ...

The Falcons declined HBO's invitation to be the featured team on this summer's reality series, ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas reported Saturday, meaning the network (and NFL Films) could come knocking again on the Jets' door.

The Jets have sent out mixed signals on "Hard Knocks." Owner Woody Johnson said recently he'd consider it if a formal offer was made, but Rex Ryan appears to have no interest in reprising their starring role from 2010.

"If we're asked, we'll talk about it," Ryan said Monday on a conference call with reporters, dancing around the question.

Clearly, the Jets are divided. If there was unanimous interest, HBO probably never would've approached the Falcons. The Jaguars want to do it, and the 49ers and Ravens -- coached by the Harbaugh brothers -- also are being considered, ESPN.com reported.

ESPNNewYork.com first reported HBO's offer to the Falcons.

Neil Glat, who worked the last 15 years as an executive in the NFL league office, was hired Wednesday as the Jets' new team president, owner Woody Johnson announced.

Previously, no one in the organization held the title of president, but the Jets lost two executive vice presidents in recent months, Matt Higgins and Thad Sheely. Glat's job likely will incorporate both roles, heading the business operation.

The last team president was Jay Cross, who left after the 2007 season. Glat won't have a say in the football operation; GM Mike Tannenbaum still runs the show.

Johnson said Glat "distinguished himself with his extensive NFL experience, business acumen, and leadership skills. We have accomplished a great deal during my 12 years as owner of the New York Jets, and I am confident that Neil will continue the growth of our business and elevation of our brand."

Most recently, Glat, 44, served as the NFL's senior vice president of corporate development. His responsibilities included strategic initiatives, league and club business development and stadium development.

"Neil Glat is a talented executive who has contributed to a wide range of business accomplishments during his NFL career,” commissioner Roger Goodell said. "I have worked closely with Neil on many projects and he will undoubtedly continue to make his mark on the league in this important and exciting new role with the Jets."

With the NFL, Glat played a key role in stadium development included the advancement. He also an essential part of the successful expansion processes for the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans.

"The Jets have established a unique and innovative brand and are leaders in many areas," said Glat, who will start in May. "I look forward to building on this momentum and working with everyone in the organization."

Jets owner Woody Johnson claimed Tuesday that the addition of Tim Tebow last month hasn't put any additional money in the team's coiffers.

"Not really," Johnson said on the Fox Business Network. "Jerseys aren’t really our main line of business. Our main line of business is winning games. I expect if we do well, we will continue to sell. We’re pretty well sold out on PSLs despite what you read about."

One day after the Tebow news conference, the Jets sent an e-mail to potential customers, advertising the availability of PSLs.

Johnson, in a light moment, took credit for the Tebow trade. Asked if it was his decision, Johnson said with a smile, "If it’s a good decision, if he turns out to be a great player, I will take full accountability for that."

He added that Rex Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum "make those decisions."

Mixing politics and sports, Johnson said Tebow reminds him of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

"I think he’s a lot like Governor Christie," he said. "He is what he is. He’s true to his beliefs; he’s not afraid to tell you what he believes in. I think he will be a very positive influence in the locker room and I think he will help us win a lot of games."

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

1. Ticket master. The Jets are getting ripped for considering HBO’s “Hard Knocks” – and deservedly so. How will another appearance on “Hard Knocks” help them overtake the Patriots? That is the only question that matters. Every decision, from acquiring players to selecting the cafeteria menu, should be based on that question. If the Jets agree to it, it's a classic case of the tail wagging the dog, the business side running the football operation. Obviously, owner Woody Johnson wants the exposure to help sell PSLs. The Jets recently sent an e-mail to potential customers, advertising a “ticket opportunity” and detailing the positives of owning a PSL. The e-mail arrived one day after the Tim Tebow trade. Coincidence? I think not.

2. Sweet 16? Michael Floyd’s stock is rising to the point where he could sneak into the top 10. He’d receive strong consideration from the Jets if he somehow slips to 16. "His explosion off of the line of scrimmage is exceptional; I would compare it to (Justin) Blackmon’s," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said of the Notre Dame WR. "The interest should start at No. 7 with Jacksonville, Miami at 8, Carolina at 9 and Buffalo at 10. (Picks) 7 through 10, there has to be some interest, but in no event can I see him going past the Jets at 16." Ultimately, the Jets' decision could come down to Floyd vs. the best-available pass rusher.

3. Secret crush. The Jets also have the hots for South Carolina DE/OLB Melvin Ingram, a versatile pass rusher who can play almost anywhere in the front seven. There are some who can believe he can be a 4-3 MLB. He has serious wheels. Against Georgia, he took a direct snap on a fake punt and ran 68 yards for a TD. Hey, maybe the Jets can let him run the wildcat. (Kidding.) Ingram, projected as a top-10 pick, is someone the Jets might be willing to move up for.

4. Welcome mat. ‘Tis the week of pre-draft visits. Be careful not to read too much into the list of names that parade through your favorite team’s facility. A visit doesn’t always mean legitimate interest; sometimes, it’s a smokescreen. Other times, it could be an 11th-hour medical check. And, yes, sometimes they’re legit. A year ago, the Jets brought in DE Muhammad Wilkerson for a workout; they picked him in the first round.

5. Aussie speaks. On YouTube, you can check out a video of former rugby star Hayden Smith (6-foot-6, 265 pounds) performing various football drills. Based on my stopwatch, he runs the 40 in 4.9 seconds, not the advertised 4.75 -- but still not bad for a man his size. He's built like a tank but he's relatively fluid in his movements. Smith seems to have a solid perspective on his situation, saying he faces "a very long road and a very difficult road ... I'd be doing everybody who plays in the NFL a disservice to say I can come in and contribute straight away."

6. Say what? LB Bart Scott, claiming the media sensationalized the team’s internal unrest, insisted the locker “wasn’t fractured that much.” Isn’t that kind of like saying a woman can be half pregnant?

7. Gut feeling. The Jets are showing interest in South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery, according to a source. Jeffrey is a second-round prospect with almost Plaxico-like size – 6-foot-3. Problem is, he’s been known to have too much size. He ballooned to 240 pounds during the season, affecting his waistline. One scout told me he noticed a “gut” on Jeffery while studying him in a pre-game warmup. Jeffrey apparently loves to eat, the scout said. To his credit, he dropped some serious poundage and reported to the scouting combine at 216. The question is, could he stay away from Five Guys Burgers and Fries near the Jets' facility?

8. Gushing. One NFL scout on Tebow's mystique: “I’ve never seen anything like him in my life. Ever. Ever. Ever. He’s got magic. Whatever ‘it’ is, he’s got it.”

9. Head games. In the wake of BountyGate, and the chilling audio of Greg Williams instructing the Saints' defense to injure 49er players, I'm surprised the Giants haven't received more criticism for the Kyle Williams situation in the NFC Championship Game. I was there after the game when the Giants' Devin Thomas said they knew Williams had a history of concussions and that the plan was "to put a hit on him." He said their hope was to daze Williams, making him cough up the ball -- which is what happened, twice. Thomas certainly made it sound like a pre-conceived plot. The NFL said there were no suspicious hits by the Giants, but this still smelled fishy.

10. Head games, II. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, always respected as one of the best in the business, said his team now considers a prospect's concussion history when evaluating him for the draft. Their scouting reports now include a mention of the number of concussions sustained in college, the Baltimore Sun reported. It sounds like a positive move, but if other teams jump on board, you wonder if college players will be more apt to downplay symptoms, knowing a reported concussion could impact their NFL stock.

"Hard Knocks" 2.0?

Owner Woody Johnson told reporters Monday the Jets would consider another appearance on the HBO series "Hard Knocks" if they receive a formal offer from the network. Johnson, speaking at a launch for an NFL pop-up store in Manhattan, suggested informal talks already have taken place.

Obviously, HBO would love to have the Jets, who would set a ratings record with all their personalities and storylines. Advice to the Jets: Don't do it.

You could argue that their training camp, with Tim Tebow on board, already will be a circus, so what's a few extra cameras? That's certainly one way to look at it. Obviously, they're willing to live with Tebow-mania. It will bring them all the exposure they could desire, so what would be the benefit of "Hard Knocks"? It would simply show they're publicity mongers, not a franchise focused on winning.

In retrospect, the 2010 "Hard Knocks" series did wonders for the Jets. It increased their national profile, which probably led to more prime-time games. It was good for business. Once was enough. There will be plenty of headlines this summer; the Jets need to focus on the business of winning football games.

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Jets owner Woody Johnson, sounding for a moment like former president George H. Bush, delivered a "read-my-lips" statement Tuesday at the NFL meetings.

In a sitdown with two reporters on the patio of the Breakers Hotel, Johnson emphasized that Mark Sanchez is the No. 1 quarterback, adding that he doesn't expect that to change. After several questions about the issue, Johnson bristled.

“I’m not going to answer that,” said Johnson, responding to a question on whether they'd insert Tim Tebow if Sanchez struggles. “You’re very persistent going down that line, and I’m going to be very clear: Mark Sanchez is our starting quarterback. Period. That’s it. He’s our staring quarterback.”

This wasn't Johnson's first interview on the Tebow trade -- he spoke briefly Sunday at the league meetings -- but he elaborated on the controversial move. Johnson said he sees no downside to the trade, claiming the Sanchez-Tebow dynamic will be a success.

“There are really no negatives to Tim Tebow that I can think of,” Johnson said. “They’re all positives. He’s not going to be the starting quarterback. As a backup quarterback, he can do so more things than an average backup quarterback and actually add to the team in every game.”

Three weeks before the trade, the Jets gave Sanchez a contract extension. Now they seem to be sending a mixed message, bringing in Tebow. Johnson disagreed.

"The only message I think is important is that we selected this player because we think he can make an incredible contribution to the team," he said.

Both Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum, also present for the sitdown, said Sanchez has the mental toughness to handle whatever pressure he might sense from the Tebow situation.

"I don’t think it puts Mark in a bad situation at all," Johnson said. "Mark is a professional NFL starting quarterback. As a starting quarterback in the NFL, he has to learn how to deal with what all the NFL starters have to deal with. Even Tiger Woods misses a putts occasionally. He just goes with it.

"We have, obviously, a lot of confidence in Mark," he continued. "We wouldn't have signed him to an extension if we didn’t have great confidence in his ability, particularly in the New York market. I have a lot of confidence this isn’t going to be a factor at all."

Said Tannenbaum: "Whether it's Tebow or a four-pick game, there's going to be adversity as a starting NFL quarterback. Quite frankly, when you read his scouting report three years ago, you didn't know how he’d handle adversity, but over three years he's handled it very well. He’s been hurt, he’s been criticized and he's done good things."

Johnson was asked about Joe Namath's recent zinger, his claim that the Jets made the trade as a "publicity stunt."

"I don’t really rely on Joe for any advice," the owner said. "He is the most famous player we’ve had, and I love Joe, he’s great, but I don't really listen to him for advice."

Greetings from Florham Park, N.J., where the Jets will introduce Tim Tebow at a noon news conference. Let's paint an early picture for the most anticipated media event in franchise history:

• For the record, the Jets aren't calling this a "news conference." They're terming it a player "availability." In fact, the word "availability" appears on signs throughout the press area in the team's facility. Clearly, they want to downplay it as much as possible (right), lest they be accused of over-hyping a backup player.

• As we reported Sunday, the Jets' hierarchy -- owner Woody Johnson, GM Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan -- won't be present. They're in Palm Beach, Fla., at the NFL meetings. Essentially, Tebow will introduce himself, which is rather bizarre. Johnson & Co. likely will watch on TV from the meetings; they're expected to be on lunch break at Tebow time. Contrary to wild speculation on the radio, there are no plans for a surprise appearance by the hierarchy, according to PR director Bruce Speight, who also is in Palm Beach.

• The news conference ... er, availability will take place in the field house -- a franchise first. No one, not even Ryan or QB Mark Sanchez, has ever conducted a news conference in the field house, which is the length of a field and has a 100-foot ceiling.

• Tebow will stand behind a podium on a raised platform in one of the end zones. There is a green backdrop, featuring a corporate-sponsorship logo. There are 80 chairs set up for the media. Behind the chairs there is a TV platform. As of 10 a.m., a total of 12 TV-camera tripods populated the platform. When Tebow looks out in the distance he will see huge murals hanging from the ceiling -- images of those in the Jets' Ring of Honor. It includes legendary QB Joe Namath, who has publicly ripped the team for acquiring Tebow.

• There are 11 TV trucks outside the field house, 10 of them with satellite dishes on the roof. Nearby, there are four TV cameras set up for "stand-up" shots.

• The usual media room, where Ryan conducts his daily press briefings during the season, has been cleared out. It has been replaced with three long tables, working space for the media overflow.

This is what the New York Jets want you to believe about their trade for Tim Tebow:

It's not a publicity stunt, it's about football.

It's not about making money, it's about producing wins.

"Let me be really clear about this," owner Woody Johnson told reporters Sunday at the NFL meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., going on to explain that the trade was based entirely on upgrading the roster.

As Johnson made those remarks, his team -- 1,200 miles away in Florham Park, N.J. -- was busy preparing for what probably will be the most heavily attended and most-watched news conference in franchise history.

To introduce the new backup quarterback.

So, no, it's not just a football move. If that's what you believe, you probably believe Jennifer Lopez is an "American Idol" judge because of her insightful analysis.

Of course Johnson wants to win, probably more than most realize, but he's also a businessman, just like the 31 other gazillionaires who own teams in the NFL. And there's no doubt that having Tebow on the roster is good for business. He's a moneymaker.

Not that there's anything wrong with that, as Jerry Seinfeld might say.

Johnson won't say that publicly because he wants to keep the customers happy, wants them to think it's about them and not about his bottom line. But let's not be naive. The idea is to grow your product. Winning is the best way, but there are ancillary means that help, too.

Two years ago, the Jets were featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks," which increased their profile and made them a national team. People still talk about "Hard Knocks," including Tebow, who mentioned it last week during a conference call with reporters.

Now, instead of reality TV, the Jets get a cult figure. Tebow already has a commercial billboard at the Lincoln Tunnel and a sandwich in his name at the Carnegie Deli -- a "Jetbow," which is stacked higher than an end-zone pylon.

Sometimes the line between football and marketing gets blurred. Eric Mangini knows the deal. He was the Jets' coach when they imported Brett Favre -- perhaps not coincidentally, a few months after the New York Giants won a Super Bowl. (Hmm, does the Tebow timing seem familiar?)

"There are some positives organizationally from a business perspective with this decision," Mangini said. "As a head coach, it's not your primary focus, but you get it. You understand how all those things come together -- seats, loges, sponsorships. This is a way to make a splash in free agency without paying too high a price."

Think about it: The Jets get $100 million worth of buzz without having to pay a $100 million contract. Tebow will cost them $6 million over the next three years.

They get a backup quarterback, but he gets to play because of the Wildcat formation. What other backup gets guaranteed playing time?

The Jets see it as an ideal situation and, oh by the way, they really think Tebow can spark the running game with his ability to run the Wildcat. Coach Rex Ryan, also speaking at the league meetings, hinted he may use Tebow in other roles as well, not offering specifics.

It would be unfair to criticize the Jets for making this move simply to sell No. 15 jerseys and corporate sponsorships, but don't think for a second it wasn't a factor. You know they're excited about the off-the-field possibilities.

At noon Monday, when Tebow steps to a podium inside the Jets’ massive field house for his first news conference, the Jets will be the epicenter of the football world -- maybe the sports world.

Sensitive to the perception of overhyping a backup player, they will try to keep it in perspective. No elaborate introductions. No cheesy photo ops. No flowers for the family. Just a Q&A.

Good luck with that. As soon the doors open, it becomes huge.

The Jets have provided many priceless news conferences over the years -- from former owner Leon Hess’ rare appearance in 1995 to Bill Belichick’s stunning resignation in 2000 to Ryan’s White House prediction in 2009 -- but this is the most anticipated one of them all.

There’s a rock star in the house. Maybe Johnson will watch on TV from Florida.

“Our mission is to win games, pure and simple,” he was saying Sunday.

No one doubts the mission, but there’s nothing pure and simple about it.

The Jets know they can't downsize Tim Tebow's first news conference, but they hope to downplay it.

If that's possible.

Sensitive to the fact that Tebow is a backup quarterback and not a starter, the Jets don't want to go overboard Monday with pomp and circumstance. They want to keep it as simple as possible. Barring a last-minute change of plans, he won't even take the traditional holding-up-his-new-jersey photo.

Tebow won't pose for photos with Rex Ryan because Ryan won't be there. The coach is attending the NFL meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., along with owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum. So, too, is the Jets' senior director of media relations, Bruce Speight.

It will be just Tebow, a podium and a few hundred media types in the team's cavernous field house. The Jets declined to say how many credential requests they received for the noon presser; they anticipate the turnout to be what it normally would be for a playoff game -- approximately 100 to 200 media members.

But that might be on the conservative side.

The Jets have been criticized for lavishing so much attention on a backup. One Jets player, annoyed, told ESPNNewYork.com last week "it's unbelievable" that Tebow is receiving rock-star treatment from the team. This is a balancing act for the team. Johnson told reporters Sunday that they decided to have a news conference because of the number of media requests.

"While the demand may be different, our approach as an organization is the same," Speight said. "We gauge the level of interest from the media and provide accommodations that are respectful and appropriate and allow them to perform their jobs to the best of their ability."

Their goal is to make this as normal as possible, no different than any other player fielding questions during a routine, mid-week news conference in the media room.

Except this will be on a much larger scale. A typical Ryan presser draws about 50 people and a handful of TV cameras. This will have three TV networks with a live feed.

This will be held in the field house, which is the length of a football field and has a 100-foot ceiling. They've never used the field house for a news conference. It will take place near one end zone, with Tebow standing on the 20-yard line.

Well, they say they expect him to contribute in the red zone. This is his first shot.

Hot topic Sunday at the NFL meetings in Palm Beach, Fla.: Tim Tebow.

What, you expected something different?

Giants owner John Mara was asked by reporters if New York is big enough for the Super Bowl champions and Tebow.

"I don't know, but the David Carr press conference will be tomorrow, too," he cracked, according to reports.

Later, ESPN's Rachel Nichols caught up with Jets owner Woody Johnson, and she repeated Mara's remark.

"Well, that's pretty interesting," Johnson told her.

Nichols also tweeted, "(He) did not look pleased."

Johnson discussed the Tebow trade with a group of reporters, insisting it was all about football, not marketing. He also said the team will try "some different things" to help Tebow with his famously flawed passing mechanics, adding they wouldn't be opposed to bringing in outside experts to supplement their own coaches."

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.

This was a relatively quiet day for the Jets, who usually love the big splash on Day 1, but a few trends developed:

1. Despite being about $14 million under the salary cap at the start of the day, the Jets didn't get involved with any upper-tier free agents, at least none that we know of. This could indicate a more conservative approach than in the past. Remember, they spent major bucks last year, with Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie and David Harris. Maybe they're going to be more like the Giants, going slow and waiting for the market to settle. Or maybe owner Woody Johnson just told his football people to chill out until next year.

2. I was surprised they re-signed OLB Bryan Thomas so soon, considering he's only five months removed from Achilles-tendon surgery, but it was only a one-year deal and it sends a message -- character counts. A year ago, the Jets unloaded a bunch of good locker-room guys and we all saw the result. It's too early to say that retaining Thomas and NT Sione Pouha signal a shift in philosophy, but it's a positive sign. Maybe they learned their lesson.

3. It doesn't look like the Jets will get their top choice at backup quarterback, Chad Henne (Dolphins). They reached out to Henne, according to a source, but he set up visits with the Jaguars and Seahawks, according to multiple reports. He will be out of the Jets' price range, and they know it, which explains why they set up a visit with Drew Stanton (Lions). Big dropoff from Henne to Stanton.

4. They investigated the safety market, showing interest in LaRon Landry, Brandon Meriweather and Reggie Nelson. This isn't a great group -- they all have flaws, especially Meriweather -- but the Jets are desperate. Prediction: They sign a veteran and look for another safety in the draft.

5. Lots of big-name receivers on the market (well, there were), but the Jets flirted with ... Chaz Schilens. Who? He's a 6-foot-4, 225-pound receiver from the Raiders, and the Raiders' former WRs coach, Sanjay Lal, is now the Jets' receivers coach. So there you go. Schilens fits the profile of what the Jets need -- size and speed -- but he's battled injury problems and he has only 72 receptions and seven TDs in four years. The Cards are also interested.

6. Cause for concern: The Bills reportedly are showing significant interest in stud DE/OLB Mario Williams -- and that doesn't bode well for the Jets, who have a major issue at right tackle with Wayne Hunter/Vladimir Ducasse. In case you're wondering, Williams was used mostly over the right tackle last season by the Texans (65 percent of all rushes from the defensive left, according to Pro Football Focus). A lot of fans are asking about RT Eric Winston, released by the Texans. So far, there is no known interest by the Jets.

7. The Jets want to re-sign free agent PK Nick Folk, according to a source, but he would have competition in camp.