The Jets’ receiver unit behind Garrett Wilson was probably the most open place on the roster getting into coaching camp and the preseason.
However no person really grabbed the prospect to win a big function.
Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard and Tyler Johnson all had probabilities to take over the WR2 spot, however none confirmed a lot of something in both coaching camp or preseason video games.
Now, Lazard is battling a shoulder damage and will begin the season on short-term injured reserve.
Malachi Corley, a third-round choose from the earlier regime, was an extended shot to win the job given his brutal rookie season final yr adopted by a dud of a preseason.
Rookie Arian Smith, this yr’s third-round choose, was one of many few within the group who boosted his inventory and largely confirmed nicely for himself.
It’s in all probability an excessive amount of to ask for him to instantly slot in at WR2, however he confirmed that there ought to be a plan to make use of him as a speedy downfield risk.
That pace has been his calling card, although he’s proven progress in different areas as nicely.
“Clearly, I needed to be a extra bodily participant,” Smith stated after Friday evening’s loss to the Eagles of their preseason finale at MetLife Stadium. “I’m slightly skinnier than most receivers. [Receivers coach Shawn Jefferson] has given me props on being slightly extra bodily. [I’m] taking pleasure in that.
“I really feel like I’m open to doing something they need me to do. Simply maintaining that mindset, that mentality. I really feel prefer it’ll assist me get to the place I wish to be.”
Past WR2, how head coach Aaron Glenn and the Jets determine to fill out the depth on the place is difficult to foretell forward of ultimate roster cutdown.
Corley definitely might be reduce.
None of Lazard, Reynolds or Johnson play particular groups, which doesn’t assist their probabilities.
Xavier Gipson has been on the staff the final two years and has additionally largely served because the staff’s kick and punt returner.
Nevertheless, he’s been coping with a shoulder damage and didn’t play Friday.
He didn’t precisely make a robust case for himself earlier this summer season, both.
That might open the door to Jamaal Pritchett, an undrafted rookie, to make the staff as a returner and depth receiver.
He fumbled a punt on Friday but in addition had a 41-yard return and made an impression on offense, catching 4 passes for 54 yards.
“That’s what this league is about,” Glenn stated after the sport. “We might sit there and speak concerning the fumble that he had, however you have a look at the performs that he made after that: resilient. We’re not down on that participant; it occurs on this league. Now, you don’t need it to occur, and also you coach him on the error, however he’s the kind of participant that goes proper again on the market and goes and makes performs. That’s intriguing to see a participant function like that.
“There’s a ton of instances in that final preseason sport the place guys simply stand out. [Pritchett], he’s a kind of guys. I can’t say that he’s a lock, however I’ll inform you what, he put himself able for us to actually have a look at the place he suits.”
Brandon Smith is one other uncommon instance of a receiver who helped his trigger.
However these gamers are depth items moderately than guys who will likely be mainstays on offense reverse Wilson as a wanted goal for quarterback Justin Fields.
To enrich and elevate Wilson, and to assist Fields, the Jets’ WR2 outlook shouldn’t be ultimate.
