Headed into the 2023 NFL season, no team has higher hopes than the New York Jets. One player who knows he has an opportunity to do something special is 23-year-old wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Just last season he was awarded the AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. Aaron Rodgers has an elite weapon on his hands, as Wilson tallied up over 1,103 receiving yards with three quarterbacks who aren't even starting this season.
His talent is unquestioned and it seems as if the young receiver is locked in for 2023. The new QB in town actually compared Wilson to All-Pro WR Davante Adams. That's some high praise from the 4X-MVP.
New York saw something in the Ohio State Product, which is why they used they selected him at 10th overall. Wilson has excellent footwork and speed, his pass-catching ability is elite, and he is an unselfish budding star.
Headed into his second season, many NFL fans are expecting big things. We are seeing receivers burst onto the scene at very young ages in today's NFL. Especially with an all-time great under center, Wilson might be able to assert himself as a top-5 WR this season.
3. Garrett Wilson has elite hands
In his rookie season the former Ohio State receiver had a drop rate of just 2.4%, which was good for 12th in the NFL. Keep in mind, his QB's were Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, and Mike White. Now he has a QB who won two MVP's in the last three seasons.
The expectations are high for the 23-year-old. Jets fans are already going wild about the Rodgers and Wilson connection. If the two can continue to build chemistry, then the numbers will pile up for the second year receiver.
Now we all know his 2022 QB's weren't great. He only snagged four touchdowns, but the Jets offense only had 29 total touchdowns...
Going into this season, many would probably bet on him reaching the endzone more than he did in his rookie season. However, the Jets receiver did lead his rookie class in receptions last season. He caught a total of 83 passes in 2022, and the second most was Chris Olave with 72.
Wilson has all the talent in the world to become a top 5 receiver, but his hands are certainly his best and most important attribute. With Super Bowl expectations, having an elite pass catcher is a must. Their is no denying that the Jets have one on their hands.
2. Garrett Wilson racks up yards
Only 13 players in NFL history racked up over 1,100 yards in their rookie season, and Wilson is on that list. Some names that are also on that list are Justin Jefferson, Randy Moss, Michael Thomas, and tons of other elite receivers. In 2022 the Jets receiver was 15th in receiving yards, with 1,103.
Wilson is quick on his feet, making it easy for QB's to find him. After he catches that pass, though, it doesn't stop there. During his first season in the NFL the 23-year-old was top 20 in yards after catch for receivers, with a total of 384.
His ability to fight off defenders quickly is unquestioned. In fact, Seattle Seahwks WR Tyler Lockett likes to study Wilson's tape, because he is fond of how elusive the young receiver is.
Breaking 1,000 yards for any receiver is hard enough. Wilson did it in his first season with the worst quarterback play in the league. Now with Rodgers throwing him the football, you can only imagine the amount of yards he could rack up in 2023.
If seems like the 4x MVP loves what he sees so far from the former Buckeye. And we all know that when Rodgers has a go-to guy, he will use him. The former Green Bay Packer only throws the ball your way if he trust you, and right now they're both on board.
1. Garrett Wilson knows the time is now
Sometimes it takes a bit for a younger player to mature, but in Wilson's case its the opposite. He is already showing unselfish traits in his second season. The pressure if certainly on, but the Jets receiver is embracing it.
Wilson isn't one to shy away from the big stage, as he was a former Ohio State Buckeye. Now that the Jets have Super Bowl expectations, the lights are back on Wilson's team. This time though, he is the guy everyone is expecting to be the top weapon on offense.
He put up big numbers in his rookie season, and as I mentioned earlier captured the AFC OROY. This season though, it's not about the awards for Wilson. It's about one thing -- winning the last game of the season.
Wilson isn't shying away from the pressure, because he knows how good of a roster New York has. He also is probably aware that quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers don't grow on trees, so even though he's young he has to be ready like a veteran.
It is for sure going to be an exciting 2023 season for the Jets, as all the eyes are on them right now. If they're going to go anywhere though, they need a big season from their prime time weapon.