Players to Watch in Jets Preseason Opener vs Commanders

After some dominant performances in the team’s joint practice at 1 Jets Drive yesterday, the Jets and Commanders will suit up for their first preseason game of the season this Saturday.  We’re not expecting to see much from the starters who will spend most of the day watching from the sidelines.

So who will play that Jets fans should have their eye on?  Here are some names to look for.  And yes, the list is long, but it’s preseason game number one with a 90-man roster.  Plenty of guys will see action.

LT Olu Fashanu: Fashanu has earned plenty of praise early on.  Both his play and character have been highlighted over the past few weeks.  Those in attendance say he’s been very impressive, but there have been hiccups.  During the Jets Green and White practice he allowed sacks to Jermaine Johnson and Jalyn Holmes.  He was also noted as surrendering a sack yesterday against the Commanders.

WR Malachi Corley: It’s going to be interesting to see how much run Corley gets.  The rookie does some things well but needs plenty of work on his route running.  He may be the rookie who sees the most live reps.

CB Qwan’tez Stiggers: Without even stepping on the field, Stiggers may already be the best story in Jets camp.  A remarkable journey from fan controlled football league to the CFL to the NFL draft.  And right off the bat, Stiggers started making plays on defense and has continued to do so.

Edge Takk McKinnley: Reports out of camp suggest McKinnley has been flat out unblockable at times this pre-season.  Will he carry that on in game action?

WR Jason Brownlee: After a slow start to camp, the undrafted free agent receiver has come on of late and scored the only Jets touchdown of their Green and White practice the other day.  With Mike Williams working his way back from injury, Brownlee could earn some playing time early in the season with a strong showing.

QB Andrew Peasley: The undrafted free agent out of Wyoming has a shot to be the team’s third quarterback as the roster is currently constructed.  Peasley has enough arm strength, mobility and guts to give himself a shot and he should see lots of action.

QB Adrian Martinez: Martinez is Peasley’s main competition and has a bit more experience having played at Nebraska, Kansas State and in the UFL.  Between his final college season and the UFL, Martinez has thrown 21 touchdowns to just four interceptions.  This represents a marked improvement over his first three college seasons in which he threw 45 TD’s and a whopping 30 interceptions.  He’s got great mobility which makes him a bigger dual threat than Peasley.

OT Carter Warren: The second-year man out of Pitt is in the running to be the team’s top swing tackle and will likely see reps at both tackle spots tomorrow.

TE/FB Lincoln Sefcik: Another rookie UDFA, Sefcik may have a shot to stick if Nathaniel Hackett insists on carrying a fullback again this season.  With Nick Bawden gone, Sefcik is behind recent addition Anthony Firkser.  A very good blocker out of South Alabama with a wrestling background, Sefcik is also athletic enough to be a factor as a pass catcher.

RB Braelon Allen: The battering ram running back should get some run but don’t be shocked if he also sees an early exit.  Allen looks to be positioned for a big role on offense this year so while not a starter, he could see just a handful of reps to keep him upright. Once he exits, Isaiah Davis steps in to a spot where Jets fans should also take an interest.

CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse: The DB has made the switch from safety to corner where he has reportedly stood out at times.  If the Jets can turn the 2023 sixth-round pick into a viable cornerback, it would be a huge win.

OT Obinna Eze: Another offensive tackle that Keith Carter is tasked with developing.  Eze is raw but has great length and good enough footwork to become a quality pro.  Can Carter get that out of him?  Time will tell.

WR Tyler Harrell: Not a name we’ve heard much from this camp but his elite speed make him a player who should be a factor every time he steps on the field.  Harrell averaged a whopping 29 yards per catch for Louisville in 2021.  Since then, he’s been largely invisible but his physical attributes got him a camp invite.

Edge Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor: If the Jets are going to carry another edge rusher should the Haason Reddick holdout last in to the season, Watts and McGregor will be prime candidates.

DT Leonard Taylor: With some questions along the defensive interior, Taylor, who was being discussed as a premium pick prior to the 2023 season, has a chance to make his mark.  After surprisingly going undrafted, the quick twitch 305 pounder should be looking to prove the doubters wrong.

Glenn Naughton

Glenn was Born in the Bronx, New York and has followed the Jets religiously despite being stationed in several different countries and time zones around the world. He now resides in England and has been a JetNation member since 2005. Glenn will bleed green with the rest of us through the highs and lows.

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