Add The New York Post on Google The Jets wrapped up training camp this week and will close out the preseason with Friday night’s game against the crosstown Giants.
Then it will be on to Week 1 and their game against Robert Saleh’s Titans on Sept. 13. But before we get there, let’s take a look at some things we learned during camp.
Take flight with the Jets Text with Brian Costello all season as he brings Sports+ subscribers the latest Jets intel from on the field and off.
Roll out the red carpet. It’s time for The Campies — our Jets training camp awards.
Look, we know how good Wilson is and the Jets desperately missed him last season when he injured his knee.
If you watch Jets practice every day and ask yourself who is the one guy this team can’t lose, it’s Wilson. He made some dynamic catches and juked about six Buccaneers defenders on one catch in a joint practice. Wilson is in his prime and maybe Geno Smith can be the quarterback he’s been searching for.
The Jets look pretty solid at receiver but an injury to Wilson would torpedo that. Adonai MItchell is a nice No. 2 receiver. He’s not a No. 1.
Omar Cooper Jr. and Isaiah Williams can be third and fourth receivers. Neither is a No. 2.
You get the point. The Jets need to keep No. 5 on the field.
The hype around the No. 2 overall pick has gotten loud but he’s earned it. Bailey has been the star of training camp. He has been a constant in the offensive backfield.Yes, what are considered sacks in camp (when QBs can’t be touched) won’t all be real sacks in a game, but they will be pressures.
The guy has an unbelievable first step and has won with power more than I expected. It will be a surprise if Bailey does not have an immediate impact.
Williams was the feel good story of the Jets 2025 season (there were not many other candidates) when he rebounded from a bad performance to win Team MVP. But that was all about his return skills.
This summer, he has shown potential as a wide receiver and he is pushing rookie Omar Cooper Jr. for the No. 3 receiving job, creating a social media panic among Jets fans.
The truth is Williams has forced the issue by making plays early in camp. He faded a bit down the stretch and did have a fumble against the Steelers, but it still feels like he can have a big role on offense this season.
The Jets signed Onyemata to a one-year, $10.5 million contract this offseason to help solidify the defensive line and bring some veteran leadership.
I can’t speak on the leadership but Onyemata has had a very quiet camp.
Now, this could partially be because Onyemata’s specialty is stopping the run and it’s not always easy to judge that part of a non-contact practice. Still, others on the D line have popped up and made plays. I have not noticed Onyemata all summer.
Sadiq practiced for the first few days of camp and then was shut down as he dealt with a setback from hernia surgery.
Ponds never saw the field because of a calf strain.
It’s always bad when rookies miss time in camp, but this feels even worse because the Jets had plans of using these guys in multiple roles. Versatility was one of their strengths. It’s hard to prepare for one role, never mind multiple, if you don’t practice.
They are both supposed to be healthy by Week 1 but you have to expect them to be limited early in the season.
Jackson was a fourth-round pick of the Jets and it looked like he would have a hard time finding playing time at a crowded position.
But Jackson took advantage of extra reps while T’Vondre Sweat was not practicing and he has impressed.
Jackson is not going to have the impact of fellow rookie David Bailey, but he should be part of the D line rotation and you’ll notice him. He’s huge at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds.
The Jets ended their kicking competition by cutting Cade York this week.
That leaves Jason Sanders, but I’m not convinced he’ll be their Week 1 kicker.
I expect GM Darren Mougey to scour the waiver wire for kickers and see if he can bring someone else here. I don’t think there’s any doubt that Jets fans are going to be bemoaning losing Nick Folk at some point.
