Kyle Wilson has prepared for the biggest season of his career with his best offseason.
Coach Rex Ryan said the fourth-year cornerback, the Jets’ first-round pick in 2010, enjoyed his best spring as a pro this week, “and it’s not even close.”
“For me, this is my first opportunity [to start] and I try to take advantage of it every day,” the 5-foot-10 Wilson said.
He will certainly have his chance, with Darrelle Revis giving quarterbacks nightmares at Tampa Bay, though Wilson will be challenged by first-round pick Dee Milliner for the No. 2 spot behind Antonio Cromartie.
Wilson said he didn’t have a reaction when the Jets took the Alabama standout with the ninth overall pick, other than he figured Milliner could help the team.
A local product from Piscataway, N.J., Wilson said the Jets’ selection of Milliner didn’t change the way he approached the last few months.
“Right now, my focus is it doesn’t matter who’s here or who’s not here,” he said. “I don’t think anything is going to change the way I go out there and perform on the field. That’s really my focus, doing my best personally to help out the team.”
While Wilson took heat from Jets fans at times last year after being called for a handful of pass interference penalties, he performed well overall over the season’s final 14 weeks after Revis went down with a torn ACL.
Wilson had an interception, a forced fumble, 41 tackles and four passes defended for the second-ranked pass defense in the league.
New defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman told The Post earlier this month Wilson understands the Jets’ system better and has become more vocal, but he still wants to see more production.
“All those things are great, but in terms of his physical play it’s time to put it down,” Thurman said. “You’re more than talented enough. You’ve been in this system for going on your fourth year now. You’ve got to go out and if you want this job you’ve got to nail it down. He understands that. We’re happy with how he’s playing, but his overall ability to go out and make plays is going to be what he’s measured by this year. He’s got to go out and make plays.”
Wilson feels more comfortable now, he said, because of the experience he gained last season playing outside. It should be noted, however, he has been working mostly inside as the nickel corner during spring workouts — his position before Revis went down last year — a sign the team possibly sees him fitting better there and as its third corner.
When pressed, Wilson did admit the selection of Milliner, who hasn’t practiced this spring because of shoulder surgery, had an effect on him.
“It’s going to do something,” he said.
“He’s been challenged and he’s responded so far,” Thurman said.
Ryan said the two players will compete directly for the No. 2 spot, and said Milliner is “one of the top corners I’ve seen come through the draft in a long time.”
Ryan also praised Wilson’s versatility and performance this spring.
“I’m excited about where Kyle is,” Ryan said. “I’ve been proud of the way he’s come into these OTA’s and the way he’s competing.”