NFL training camp tea leaves: Which sophomore QB will take the biggest leap?
USA TODAY Sports’ Andy Nesbitt and Mike Jones predict which second-year quarterback will break out during the 2022 NFL season.
USA TODAY
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Every moment at New York Jets training camp is a learning opportunity.
Wide receiver Corey Davis met with Garrett Wilson on the sidelines during the live period, pantomiming route-running techniques. Newly added tight end Tyler Conklin talked with third-round pick Jeremy Ruckert as the offense ran plays in the red zone. During special teams period, D.J. Reed brought Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and two coaches over to the corner of the end zone to work on shedding blocks and pursuing runners.
While these might seem typical for most NFL teams, it’s been a particular new point of emphasis for the Jets this offseason. At the center of these mentoring moments are the four rookies – Gardner, Wilson, defensive end Jermaine Johnson II and running back Breece Hall—all selected in the top 35 picks of this year’s NFL draft.
This isn’t the first major year the Jets have counted on rookies to make a major impact. In 2021, Jets rookies were second only to those of Detroit Lions in total number of snaps played. Most of these reps came from rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, running backs Michael Carter and Ty Johnson and an exceptionally young secondary built on Day 3 draft picks.
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The only difference? Several members of the 2021 class were thrust into starting roles, forced to fill spots on a rebuilding roster. This year’s top rookies, however, are competing for starting spots on a much stronger team. With head coach Robert Saleh and his staff entering their second year, this class also has the benefit of leaning on others.
“When you’re a rookie in a first-year system, it’s hard to lean on any of the other players because they are still learning the system too,” said Jets offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, comparing the rookie situations of Wilson and second-year receiver Elijah Moore. “You can obviously get some nuggets and stuff like that, and how it’s going to be on the field, but Elijah really didn’t have anyone to ask the nuances of questions last year.”
“Now, Garrett gets to pick off of Elijah and Corey, not just from a ‘how do I get stuff done on the field,’ but also from the schematic standpoint.”
Expectations—at least from outside—have been high for these rookies. The first-year players say they are ready to rise to the occasion.
“I know none of us have an issue with those expectations,” said rookie defensive end Jermaine Johnson II of the “big expectations” placed on the Jets’ three first-rounders. “We all have the same mindset, just being the best teammates we can. We’re rookies, so we’ve got to earn our keep, especially to have a voice on this team. That comes with doing things the right way, going 110%, and being a good teammate. We’re all on that track.”
This class has already managed to make some great first impressions. Take Johnson II, who flashed his hand speed and pass rush moves against veteran tackles in one-on-ones. Or Hall, who has dominated both as a rusher and a pass-catcher during team periods. Garrett Wilson has managed to create consistent separation from cornerbacks in seven-on-seven sessions off his exceptional route-running.
This is a far cry from last year’s rookies, who joined a barren roster off the heels of a 2-14 2020 season and were thrust into the opportunity out of necessity regardless of whether they were ready.
“I think all of us coming in last year, kind of being thrown into the fire was good,” cornerback Michael Carter II told USA TODAY Sports. “Because we all made our mistakes. We all had our ups and downs, too. Now, it’s only up from here for us. I think everybody is super hungry because everybody’s so young and ready to prove themselves.”
The growing pains were evident all throughout last season. Zach Wilson finished his rookie campaign with the lowest completion percentage (55.6%) and third-lowest yards per attempt (6.1) of any starting quarterback. Vera-Tucker had 24 blown blocks and allowed four of the Jets’ 53 sacks, according to Sports Info Solutions. The Jets’ secondary allowed the third-most passing yards per game (259.4), third-highest completion percentage (68.3%) and fourth-highest yards per pass attempt (7.5) last year, all of which contributed to New York’s 4-13 record in 2021.
Now, with a season under their belt, this group of second-year players is ready to step up to help this group of rookies rise to the occasion. For Carter, it’s part of establishing a new precedent and atmosphere within the Jets organization.
“[Hall] asks a lot of questions,” said Carter. “That’s something I could really appreciate. When I came in, I did the same thing. Man, [Tevin Coleman] probably was so tired of me, but he appreciated me and took me in.”
“So it’s only right I do that, because we’re just passing that on. That’s the culture we’re gonna build.”
The impact of that culture already seems evident, even in its early stages. The sidelines of training camp are littered with small, huddled circles where players talk intently about scheme and technique.
The results are visible, too. When Moore reeled in a one-handed catch along the sideline that later went viral, Carter II was the player a half-step behind in coverage. The next series, Moore was targeted on a route in the exact same place along the sideline, only to have Gardner break up the pass with tight coverage and great body positioning.
The first to run over and celebrate Gardner’s big play? Carter II.
While the sophomore players have taken leadership roles working with this rookie class, they aren’t the only ones to do so. One of the biggest points of emphasis for the Jets this offseason was to complement their young talent with veteran leadership, like Reed , the former Seattle Seahawks cornerback who has worked extensively with Gardner, along with the rest of the defensive backs, early in camp.
Despite Reed being just 25, his four years of NFL experience make him one of the most senior members of this Jets cornerback room. What can he bring to such a young group?
“Experience, grit, toughness, mindset,” Saleh said. “Obviously knowledge of just understanding formations and releases and how offenses are trying to attack. He’s a seasoned vet and does things the right way. He is a warrior mentally; he does everything the right way.”
None of these players exist in a vacuum. As a fully-realized, cohesive unit, the rookies and veterans all come together to make the group better. In a way, the rookies who were thrust into starting roles last year are now well-complemented by this year’s rookies.
While Carter was a valuable lead back for the Jets last year, he missed three games due to injury. At North Carolina, he was accustomed to sharing the load alongside Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams. Hall, on the other hand, managed over 200 more touches than Carter in his collegiate career despite playing only three years to Carter’s four. Sliding Carter back into a secondary role behind Hall could allow Carter to regain his optimal role from his college days.
Garrett Wilson’s skill set and versatility, meanwhile, give Moore the option to line up on the outside, where he spent most of his time last season, or in the slot, where he thrived during his time at Mississippi.
The Jets’ secondary obviously had its struggles last year, but one of the the unit’s biggest weaknesses was not having an elite corner to cover top-end receiving talent. Gardner looks to change that. His 6-foot-3, 200-pound build already makes him stand out among the Jets cornerbacks. Saleh touted his ability to play in both man and zone coverage. Gardner also boasts one impressive stat: throughout his three years at Cincinnati, he never allowed a single touchdown.
“Last year, I’d say we were very almost there,” said second-year cornerback Brandin Echols. “But this year, I feel like with the addition of D.J. Reed, Sauce Gardner, and some of the safeties that we brought in, now we’re gonna be a problem for a lot of teams this year. … All of us on the field together, we’re going to be a wrecking ball.”
Echols also had some advice for Gardner, which could easily be applied to any rookie on the roster.
“Just don’t get complacent, and ball. Do what you was born to do.”
