Many players have flashed throughout training camp, but here are three players/themes that trended up in the last week, which included a joint practice and game against the Panthers.
WR Garrett Wilson
You could make the case that Wilson's stock rises every practice. The former No. 10 overall pick took his impressive training camp on the road to Carolina and didn't miss a beat during Thursday's joint practice with the Panthers.
"It's always fun to watch because he makes everything look the same," former Jets WR Quincy Enunwa said on The Official Jets Podcast. "His stride length doesn't change no matter what the route is, so as you're watching him, you can't tell what he's about to get into.
"You can watch as much film as you want to, but if he doesn't give you a tell as a DB, you're going to have to trust your technique and hope you're in the right spot at the right time. But with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, there is no right place at the right time because he can put it in the perfect spot, and we've seen that time and time again."
CB Brandon Codrington
Rookie undrafted free agents typically need to earn their way on the 53-man roster through special teams. Xavier Gipson is a prime example of that. This time last year, Gipson was an undrafted free agent trying to make the team and was named the team's starting returner. Irvin Charles, another former UDFA, has emerged as a starting gunner.
Codrington, through two preseason games, is proving he can make a difference on teams. Last week, the NC Central product deftly cut back on a punt return where he nearly broke free but was brought down by Commanders P Tress Way.
Born in Raleigh, NC, Codrington jumpstarted the Jets with a 63-yard kick return to open the second half against the Panthers. He also had 31-yard punt return that set up a Austin Seibert field goal.
"Definitely seized his opportunities," HC Robert Saleh said. "I think, for both teams, he was the most productive [player]. He set up a couple of scoring drives, but that's what he's here for. That's why we brought him in. His punt-return and kick-return ability, and I thought he did a really nice job [Saturday].
DT Leonard Taylor III
A former five-star recruit, Taylor, who signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Miami (FL), began to flash last week. He had a goal-line run stuff in practice leading up to the preseason opener against the Commanders where he was responsible for the Green & White's only sack to go with another a tackle for loss. His 35 snaps tied for the third most among defensive linemen.
Taylor had 2 tackles Saturday against the Panthers including 1 TFL.
"He's starting to really figure out what attack means in our front," DC Jeff Ulbrich said Thursday. "He's had all this ability in his body forever since he started playing ball, I imagine. This front, in my opinion, really unlocks guys like that. It really allows their athleticism, their explosiveness, their speed, their movement to be showcased, so I think he's really starting to realize, 'Man, this front is perfect for my skill set. I can just rip it and let it loose.' You're just starting to see the byproduct of that mindset with some really cool production. Now, he has got a long way to go and he knows that, but it's really exciting to see some flashes early on here."
Fellow DT Javon Kinlaw said of Taylor: "He's a baller. He's a young guy, but he's a baller. He has to stop thinking so much. When he doesn't think, you can see he's a ballplayer. I expect a lot out of him."
