Few teams have had their offense dissected and ridiculed like the New York Jets. The team has struggled with putting a team on the field with as much talent in that unit since 2015. In 2022, after selecting his “franchise quarterback” with the second overall pick, general manager Joe Douglas knew there was more work to be done. After selecting Sauce Gardner fourth overall, the Jets had another 1st round pick. The team was in desperate need of a wide receiver. Little did he know, that wide receiver would set NY Jets franchise records. Only two seasons in his career, and Garrett Wilson is blazing his trail of greatness. From stardom at Ohio State to becoming one of the most exciting players in the league. The Jets found their franchise receiver they’ve longed for since Keyshawn Johnson left.
This NY Jets’ Wide Receiver Blazing a Trail of Greatness
Before Roger Goodell announced Garrett Wilson’s name, the last wide receiver New York drafted in the first round was Santana Moss in 2001. A talented player during his tenure before becoming a fan favorite and star for Washington in 2005. At the time Moss was traded to the former Washington Redskins in exchange for Laveraneus Coles. Since then, the wide receiver room has had a hodge-podge of various free-agent signings and later draft picks. In fact, during the 2015 season, Brandon Marshall was the first Jets receiver to have more receiving yards in a year than Don Maynard. Just under 40 years to break that record after having 1,502 yards that year. Mind you, Brandon Marshall achieved this with Ryan Fitzpatrick as his quarterback.
Meanwhile, Garrett Wilson was one of the top recruits in the nation. He earned a scholarship to Ohio State, making up one of the most exciting wide receiver groups in the nation. Wilson joined fellow future first-round picks Chris Olave, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr as they caught passes between Justin Fields and CJ Stroud. Through three seasons, Wilson was productive. He ended his college career with 2,213 yards on 143 catches and 24 touchdown catches.
Pressure makes diamonds
Being a top-ten draft pick means there will be a lot of eyes on you, especially in one of the biggest media markets in the world. Garrett had the unique position of being one of three first-round picks in 2022. Garrett was selected six picks after Sauce Gardner and 16 picks before fellow Jets rookie Jermaine Johnson. This helped ease Garrett into the league as he was learning a whole new offense from then-offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.
One week after his NFL debut at MetLife, Garrett Wilson “arrived” during a week 2 game in Cleveland. During the second quarter, Wilson caught a 2-yard pass from former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco for his first career touchdown, but Wilson didn’t stop there. Wilson finished the game with 102 yards on eight receptions and two touchdowns; including the game-winning 15-yard TD catch.
JOE FLACCO. GARRETT WILSON.
JETS TAKE THE LEAD WITH 22 SECONDS LEFT.
🎥 @NFL pic.twitter.com/291pQfoaTo https://t.co/Yf5v7Bz08A
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 18, 2022
Between three different quarterbacks, Garrett Wilson had an incredible rookie season. Despite only four touchdowns, Wilson had 83 catches for 1,103 yards with an average of 13.4 yards per catch. No matter the record, a rookie receiver with over 800 yards in a season is nothing short of impressive. That production allowed Wilson to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, the same honor teammate Sauce Gardner earned as Defensive Rookie of the Year.
New Year, New Offense, Same Star Power
Garrett jumped into his sophomore season in the NFL looking to build off his rookie season. The arrival of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett meant learning a new offense. However, the opportunity was worth it getting to have four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers leading the offense. Many expected this to be the launching point for Garrett Wilson being one of the best in the league.
Touchdown! Rodgers to Garrett Wilson, what a throw!pic.twitter.com/NAGQWZQamX
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 26, 2023
Well despite the torn Achilles injury to Rodgers, that hasn’t stopped Garrett Wilson from making an impact. Garrett Wilson has six games this season with over 80 receiving yards in a game, including two 100-yard games against the Giants and the Texans. Wilson’s 76 receptions this season ranks 14th in the league and 21st in receiving yards at 853. He’s already surpassed team legend Wayne Cherbet for most receptions within the first two seasons to begin a career in franchise history. With four games remaining this season, Garrett Wilson needs only 147 more yards to surpass the 1,000-yard mark for consecutive years.
Look at this play by Jets QB Zach Wilson. Scrambles left, avoiding pressure, and throws across his body to Garrett Wilson.
Ultimately set up the touchdown by Randall Cobb. pic.twitter.com/igkTIF2oFm
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) December 10, 2023
Garrett Wilson has gone above and beyond since arriving in New York. From quarterback changes, new offensive play callers, and multiple injuries across the offense, he’s been a model of consistency. Alongside Breece Hall, Wilson represents a major building block for the future. The enticing thing about him is that he’s yet to scratch the surface. With a healthy Aaron Rodgers and a revamped offensive line, we can witness the true zenith of Garrett Wilson’s potential.
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – USA Today Sports
