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Yahoo Sports’ senior NFL reporter Charles Robinson is on the road covering training camp. Today’s stop: the New York Jets.
About the QB
Those animated exchanges between Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Garrett Wilson a few weeks ago? The Jets took it as a positive. Elite quarterbacks and their best pass catchers attack each other sometimes to correct mistakes. (Rodgers and Davante Adams did, too.) As one staffer said, “[The fact that Rodgers and Wilson]can challenge each other builds confidence.”
Newbie to watch out for
It may take a season to sort out the deep running back depth, but the staff is excited about fourth-round pick Braelon Allen. His one-cut decision and explosiveness have caught the attention of some, allaying some agility concerns that caused a drop in the draft. The Jets believe they got a draft steal that will bring them a big future.
Keeping my eyes on
The offensive line finally has some real depth, to the point where I think the Jets will try to keep at least 11 players between the final roster and the practice squad. One interesting point to watch is the development of first-round pick Olu Fashanu, who the Jets are going to work hard to get reps at both backup offensive tackle spots.
Fantasy thought
We’ve been through this before, but let’s not rule out Jason Brownlee as a late-draft fantasy option. He went through his best preseason practices before the game against the Washington Commanders, and then he showed up in that matchup. Mike Williams is noticeably injured, and Brownlee has the size and tools to continue to keep this team engaged.
What I saw that was interesting
It’s odd that general manager Joe Douglas would trade a player like edge rusher Haason Reddick without an agreed-upon contract. Something went wrong here and messed things up, and I think part of that (on the Jets’ part) was Reddick immediately opting out of the team in the offseason after being acquired. Douglas and Reddick really need a meeting to clear the air.
Wildcard
Weighing on Reddick’s situation is the size of 2023 first-round draft pick Will McDonald, who still has a developing 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame. McDonald needs to be a bigger, more physical player in all situations for the Jets to expand his role. That’s going to be an uphill task after he didn’t make a physical leap this offseason.
