What has the Jets’ top rookies, Ahmad ‘Sauce” Gardner and Garrett Wilson made in their careers? – New York Jets blog

FLORHAM PARK N.J. — The drama took place in New York Jets‘ next-to-last practice. In a 7-on-7 period, rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson The quarterback made a catch from the passer and ran an intermediate crossing route. Zach Wilson That was his goal. Wilson didn't take a perfect route. He was slightly out-of-position, but he showed such concentration that he was able adjust to make a big play.

One play that could be a harbinger of the classy-hooed Class '22: The top four draftees might veer off script from time to time, but they have pure talent.

Joe Douglas, general manager of Draft Night, said “Playmakers baby.”

Douglas' comment was captured in Jets' in-house documentary “Flight 2022 New Heights,” which was released after Douglas made the decision to return home. Breece Hall In the second round. The Jets believe that Hall and Wilson are playmakers, while Wilson and cornerback are two dynamic defenders. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner Protective and defensive end Jermaine Johnson II. These four players are expected to be significant rookies and will combine with the draft class last year to form a foundation.

Each rookie has now made their first on-field impressions to coaches and teammates after four weeks of practice.

Gardner (Round 1, fourth overall)

With D.J. Reed And Brandin Echols Gardner was sidelined by injuries and received a lot more reps as the starting defense. The time is not far away for Gardner to receive a permanent promotion.

Gardner is more than just his physical characteristics. The coaches praise him for his intangibles. They admire his football skills and willingness to learn. He is quick to go to his position coach when he makes mistakes. As a way of improving his hand placement and preventing him from grabbing, he used puffy gloves in an open practice. That practice was started in college where he had nine penalties during his last two seasons.

Gardner said, “They call more stuff in league.” “I expected it to be the other direction, but it isn't.”

Safety Jordan Whitehead Gardner thinks back to former NFL stars. Richard Sherman Due to their similar build. Gardner stands 6'3″ tall with 33 1/2 inch arms. Gardner reached up and grabbed the ball from the air after he intercepted the pass of Zach Wilson in the end zone.

Gardner is a solid receiver in man-to person coverage, despite his inexperience. He will be confused by certain routes and formations like any rookie. However, he demonstrated an ingenious ability to adapt midplay to situations where the offensive tried to throw him off.

“He’s going to have his lumps and his rookie moments, which they all do, but at the same time there’s not going be a lot of them,” defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said. “Probably less than many.”

Garrett Wilson (Round 1 – 10th overall)

The Jets made an offer San Francisco 49ers Star Deebo Samuel A.J. BrownThe deal was made with, who was originally from the Tennessee Titans The Philadelphia EaglesWilson was, at the time, the best receiver on their draftboard. Wilson's long-term potential could be better than either, if he can reach his full potential.

His versatility is a plus for the Jets, as he can play outside and inside. This is a big plus in a scheme where receivers must master multiple positions. Wilson is fast and agile with sticky hands.

His attention to detail in meetings is something that coaches love. It is a lengthy pre-draft screening process. However, you will never know if a player is in your facility until then. Wilson has exceeded everyone's expectations in that regard. Wilson plans to stay in Florham park during the six week break to work with the conditioning team.

The big question now is how will he respond to physical contact? Offseason practice was not bump-and run, so there were no easy releases for receivers. It's different when you have a cornerback looking to make wideouts on your route. Wilson, at 6'1 and 183 lbs, is not the largest receiver.

“He’s going to have to continue to learn how much more physical this level is, and that’s going to be especially when we put on the pads, and you go through that daily ringer going against our secondary,” offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said.

Wilson, unless he is injured, will play a major role in the receiving corps.

Johnson (Round 1, 26th overall)

It was hard to gauge Johnson's performance because the offseason was a passing camp. There was no running game and no pass-rushing drills. We know this much:

As a deep defensive player, he was often with the second or third teams and as the wide-9 defense end. He is considered the Jets' key pass-rushing position. His size (6-foot-5 and 254 pounds) and explosiveness make him a great candidate for this spot.

The Jets are still baffled that Johnson was 26th, nearly two months after the draft. Douglas says that Johnson had told him, before the draft, to “Trade Up to Get Me.” They did.

“He’s got explosion, he’s got speed, he’s got bend — all the stuff that rushers need to have from a physical standpoint,” Ulbrich said. “Now it’s just learning his game, learning the intricacies of the position, learning how to strain on a daily basis, learning the grit that’s necessary to be successful on the line.”

Hall (Round 2, 36th overall).

Hall was not selected by the organization until the second round. Hall plays a position that's been undervalued in recent decades. They see him as a big-time talent. He is a three down back who can immediately make an impact as a receiver and runner.

Hall did not get the chance to demonstrate his rushing skills, but he was an excellent pass-catcher. He was comfortable running fast, sharp routes in the middle and swinging from the backfield. He was so prolific as a runner at Iowa State, that he was almost overshadowed by his receiving skills (36 receptions in the last season).

The Jets are proud of Hall's home-run potential. This is something that is severely lacking in their running game. Hall is 220-pounds, so his game has a power element. He is Michael Carter For an offensive that relies heavily upon the ground, figure will serve as the one-two punch.

“He’s a fluid mover,” LaFleur said. “He sneaks up more on defenders than I think you could say while watching tape. When you’re there in person, it’s just a different movement style that guys aren’t as used to, I guess you could say.”

Playmakers, baby.