For the New York Jets and all 31 other NFL clubs, time is running out this preseason. Gang Green’s Friday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles is the last chance for unheralded players to make their statements for roster spots.
One of the most competitive positions on the entire team is wide receiver. Don’t misconstrue that for an abundance of elite-level talent, though. Garrett Wilson is a heck of an option to start, but the crop of players behind him on the depth chart is underwhelming.
Don’t tell that to quarterback Justin Fields.
Jets Rookies Arian Smith & Quentin Skinner Catch Praise From Justin Fields
Two players, in particular, are standing out to the Jets’ new QB1. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Fields singled out rookies Arian Smith and Quentin Skinner as potentially “special” players.
“You can kind of tell early that those guys were going to be special,” Fields said. “I think I brought up Arian like a few weeks ago and how his speed really helps stretch the defense vertically and how much of a deep threat he can be. And I think Q’s done a great job of course making plays, of course he’s a big body. He’s a smooth route runner, solid hands, and like I said, he can go up and get it. So, those guys have definitely made big plays for us, and I’m excited to see what they do this week.”
The former, Smith, has already been dubbed a draft-day steal this summer. He’s a flat-out speedster with respectable length, but a slight frame. The former Georgia standout is a big play waiting to happen, which the Jets could benefit from in a serious way. In two preseason games thus far, he’s recorded 4 catches on 9 targets for 57 yards. He’s one missed shot from that stat line being even better.
Smith’s roster spot seems secure with Week 1 on the horizon.
Skinner is an undrafted free agent out of Kansas. He’s a big-bodied threat, standing just under 6-foot-4 and weighing 203 pounds. In the Jets’ opener against the Green Bay Packers, he hauled in a 26-yard pass from quarterback Adrian Martinez. Versus the New York Giants, he converted on all four of his targets for 48 yards and a highlight-reel touchdown.
Despite that, Skinner still faces an uphill battle to make the final 53.
New York Eyeing Answers for Wide Receiver Room Prior to Week 1
As previously mentioned, Wilson is a foundational piece for the Jets. He’s the heart and soul of the wideout room and the offense as a whole. The former first-round pick knows nothing but 1,000-yard seasons and is locked up on a long-term contract extension. The new deal has him ready to lead the rest of New York’s receivers by example.
What combination of players that ends up consisting of remains to be seen. It’s expected that Wilson will be complemented by Smith and veterans Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard (who’s rehabbing an injury). Elsewhere, names like Tyler Johnson and 2024 draft pick Malachi Corley must be taken into account. That’s without even considering Skinner, Brandon Smith, Xavier Gipson or Jamaal Pritchett. That’s a lot of names.
The Jets appear to know they need some more help in order to achieve a high-flying offense. According to NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, New York is “among several teams monitoring the trade market” at wideout. Fields and running back Breece Hall should help set the floor for a fun rushing attack, but it’s a passing league at the end of the day.
Smith figures to be a part of that effort. Even if Skinner doesn’t end up making it through cutdowns, he’s made one heck of an impression on his quarterback.
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