Biggest Takeaways From New York Jets OTA Practice
FLORHAM PARK -- The New York Jets have been on the practice field now for two days to start organized team activities, and they are off to a great start.
Whether it was head coach Aaron Glenn claiming the team saw 100% attendance from their roster, or the players speaking about the shifting culture, things seem different at 1 Jets Drive this year.
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With the media allowed at the facility in Florham Park on Wednesday, it's time to talk about the biggest takeaways from practice.
And there were plenty. ... featuring the 5 biggest here ...
Justin Fields' Uneven Day
Wednesday was an up-and-down day for New York's new franchise quarterback. On one hand, Fields showed off his athleticism on multiple scrambles throughout practice, and also showed the kind of arm strength that made him a first round pick in 2021.
While there was plenty of good, there was also some bad misses. Fields whiffed on a throw to a wide-open Smartt late in practice that could have gone for a huge gain. He also seemed hesitant to throw the football at times, and was late with his delivery on others.
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These are problems that have plagued Fields throughout his career both in Chicago and Pittsburgh. When he is decisive with his decision-making, you see why the Jets like him as much as they do.
He just wasn't consistent enough Wednesday to show that.
In fairness, though, this is only his second true practice in a new offense and scheme. This will take time and there were plenty of positives to move forward with.
Major Standouts
If there was a defensive player who excelled more than anyone else on Wednesday, it was former first round pick Will McDonald. The Iowa State product and 10-sack edge rusher has put on 15 pounds as told by Glenn, and was unblockable throughout practice. If he's able to improve his run defense, along with his edge speed, the Jets are looking at a Pro Bowl player here.
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Outside of McDonald, Wednesday was a strong day for the likes of Allen Lazard, Rashad Weaver, and Jeremy Ruckert. In the case of Lazard and Ruckert, both were used well in the passing game and did not drop a single pass. That consistency will go a long was as they try and carve a role for themselves.
Weaver, on the other hand, had a few nice rushes as well like McDonald. He could be a part of New York's edge rush depth.
Receiver Competition Intensifies
Who will be the WR2 for the team consistently this year opposite Garrett Wilson? That is the question that must be answered over the next few months.
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And plenty of receivers made some solid plays on Wednesday. Lazard, as mentioned, came away with a few nice catches, Arian Smith shrugged off an early drop to make a deep catch late in practice, and Malachi Corley's route-running also looked much improved from the year prior.
Add in veterans like Tyler Johnson and Josh Reynolds, and New York's receiver battle is just getting started.
Kicking Woes Turn Corner
There seems to be an early leader in the kicking battle for New York. Anders Carlson made 3/4 field goals and multiple from over 50 yards out in the pouring rain. On the other hand, Caden Davis nailed all his short kicks, but was short on one that went over 50 yards out.
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We have a long way to go before a winner is chosen, but it seems that Carlson would be an early winner from Day 2 of OTAs.
Underrated Addition
Don't sleep on Stone Smartt this offseason. Even when the former Los Angeles Charger tight end didn't get the ball, he was still open. He'll be competing with Ruckert and Mason Taylor at the position, but Smartt is someone who should be able to make an immediate impact. Do not be surprised if Smartt gets more playing time than originally thought.
I also really liked the work I saw undrafted wide receiver Quentin Skinner. He possessed raw speed and good route-running abilities that allowed him to get open numerous time in team drills. Skinner has an uphill battle ahead of him to make the team, but I thought he showed some promise on Wednesday.
Related: Jets Announce New Uniform Numbers
Related: Jets' Justin Fields Gets Horror Ranking Ahead Of Defining 2025 Season
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