Jets laud Smith for improved communication

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith is winning his teammates over during the offseason.

Smith was seldom viewed as a vocal leader in the past, but that perception has changed this summer, as the 25-year-old is slated to start entering the 2016 season.

"He's always on time. He's always doing the right things. At first [in previous years], I saw that Geno really didn't talk to too many people. But now he speaks and he goes about things the right way," Jets safety Calvin Pryor said of Smith to Darryl Slater of NJ.com.

Smith was drawn into controversy when he was punched by teammate IK Enemkpali prior to the 2015 season, resulting in a broken jaw. Enemkpali was immediately released, but Smith was relegated to the sidelines while Ryan Fitzpatrick took his place.

Pryor said the team is confident in Smith's abilities and that it's his time to shine after being rendered inactive at the start of last year.

"He has to believe that as well. I think he's very confident. Before the [Enemkpali] incident happened last year, I think he was having a great camp. I think he was buying guys in. In this locker room, guys were believing in him. I'm pretty sure everything happens for a reason," Pryor said.

With Fitzpatrick refusing to sign the Jets' contract offer, there's never been a better time for Smith to prove his long-term worth.