Wilson is turning heads early at training camp for the Jets with his play.
Garrett Wilson has the look of an impact player the Jets have been searching for at wide receiver.
Yes, I know it’s early. It’s only the first week of training camp, there’s a still a long way to go before September.
But this is an early observation worthy of keeping nearby as the calendar turns to August.
Wilson’s skill set is as advertised. His pass-catching ability, versatility, and speed are making strong early impressions within Jets media.
It’s not just what Wilson brings to the field, however, which should have your attention.
The first-round draft pick spoke to reporters on Saturday after wrapping up another impressive showing at camp.
For a little over seven minutes, the 22-year-old Wilson spoke at the podium. He answered every question with a balance of confidence and poise to him which was impressive.
When asked about the chemistry between himself and second-year quarterback Zach Wilson, his response was measured.
“I feel like it’s good,” Garrett Wilson said. “We just have to keep building. It’s only four days into camp and I think we’re in a good place. I want to pick it up, but that comes with time and reps.”
Articulate in his responses, measured and thoughtful. Eye contact throughout the entire seven minutes with beat reporters. Impressive.
Wilson also spoke on his time with his quarterback and others at a three-day team-building retreat recently in Idaho. Wilson was the only non-veteran in attendance.
“That was an awesome experience to spend time with some veterans on the team and see how they train and spend their time off,” he said. “I had time to talk with [Joe] Flacco, he dropped some nuggets on me. I have to be a sponge and made sure that during the whole trip I was able to build chemistry with Zach and Joe. It was a good experience with me being out there.”
My early impression on Garrett Wilson is he’s an engaging young athlete who gets it. There’s an eagerness from him to learn the ins and out of what it takes to have a successful pro career.
Furthermore, he has a strong work ethic and competitiveness to him which the Jets fan base will appreciate.
Again, it’s still early in the game for Wilson. There’s still a great deal of work to put in over the next few weeks before it’s time to play for pay. However, first impressions go a long way, and, so far, Wilson is off to a fast start.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
