The No. 1 sees a potential No. 2.
In time, the Jets may be transformed by the two first-round picks acquired in the trade for Sauce Gardner. But Garrett Wilson also envisions a quicker impact from former Colts receiver Adonai Mitchell.
“He’s a dog,” Wilson said Thursday. “He had a hell of a day at practice … I don’t think he can [help], I know he can. He’s a big body, he can go up and get the ball, make it hard to tackle. Then you watch him move and you’re like, ‘Oh, he doesn’t move like his size.’ He’s very in control of his body.
“We’re gonna use that boy. I’m excited to see what he does because he’s got it all.”
Mitchell, a 2024 second-round pick, has posted underwhelming numbers in his first two seasons, partly due to Colts QB Anthony Richardson’s inaccuracy last season, and a significantly decreased snap count since a costly fumble against the Rams this season.
But the talented receiver — “He’s probably got the most separation of anyone in this league,” Colts wide receiver coach Reggie Wayne said recently — demonstrated his potential to the Jets coaching staff long ago.
“Really like his size and his speed and his physical traits,” Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand said. “I remember evaluating him and looking at him when he came out. We were high on him. Really like his skill set.”
Jets wide receiver coach Shawn Jefferson said Mitchell — and fellow newly acquired receiver John Metchie III — would likely be used in limited packages if put in Sunday’s game against the Browns.
“Just keep it simple,” Jefferson said. “We’re in the process of still getting them ready so we can put them on the field.”
Steve Wilks didn’t want to spend much time reflecting on the departures of Gardner and Quinnen Williams.
The Jets defensive coordinator is too busy trying to figure out how his unit — which ranks 27th in the NFL in scoring defense — will make up for the losses of his most talented players.
“We can’t sit here and ponder about the past,” Wilks said. “Those are great players, great people, phenomenal individuals, but they’re not canceling the damn season. We gotta press and move forward and get ready to play a football game.
“I want to focus on the guys that are here,” said Wilks.
That includes defensive tackle Mazi Smith, the 2023 first-round pick who was acquired in the deal with Dallas, and cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor, who was traded by the Chargers for a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2028 draft.
“Great additions for us,” Wilks said. “I’m glad we got them. Taylor gives you that flexibility on the back end from the standpoint of just being able to play inside and outside. Mazi, high draft pick, high motor guy, can stop the run, so it’s just getting those guys up to speed with the playbook and just seeing how things go.”
Running back Khalil Herbert (groin) and offensive lineman Xavier Newman (ankle) were added to the injury report as limited participants in Thursday’s practice. Wilson (knee) and linebacker Kiko Mauigoa were also limited.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
