"The Jets and representatives for their first-round pick, pass-rushing linebacker Vernon Gholston, are close to a deal that could put Gholston on the practice field as early as today or tomorrow.

Gholston, who is in New York, is said to be eager to report, especially after he missed nearly all of the offseason program because he had to wait until his class at Ohio State finished out the semester. He was the No. 6 pick in April's draft.

The stumbling block in contract talks is that Gholston's camp wants a five-year deal and the Jets want six, according to someone with knowledge of the negotiations. That person spoke on condition of anonymity because he's not authorized to speak publicly on behalf of the Jets or Gholston.

If Gholston doesn't report today, it'll be the second consecutive year the Jets opened training camp without their top pick. Last year, cornerback Darrelle Revis staged a 20-day holdout, also over the length of the contract. The Revis camp wanted four and the Jets six. Revis ended up with a six-year deal but has the option to buy back the final two years and get out of the contract.

Thus far, four of the top six first-round picks have signed: Miami's Jake Long at No. 1 (five years, $57 million), St. Louis' Chris Long at No. 2 (six years, $56.5 million), Atlanta's Matt Ryan at No. 3 (six years, $72 million) and Oakland's Darren McFadden at No. 4 (six years, $60 million).

Kansas City's Glenn Dorsey at No. 5 and New Orleans' Sedrick Ellis at No. 7 have yet to sign.

As the retooled Jets begin training camp today at Hofstra with a double session, they're almost giddy about the fact that coach Eric Mangini has promised to lighten up, having practice last no longer than two hours. He has also reduced the number of two-a-day sessions.

"No doubt," said wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery during a conference call. "Anytime you can do something to help the players save their legs, we definitely welcome that. ... It's just refreshing to know that the coaches are doing a lot to make sure your legs are in the shape they need to be in.""