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Five Players to Watch Out for at Jets Training Camp

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New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald

The last week of July brings excitement to the air for football fans. We are days away from the start of the 2024 NFL season with training camp officially underway. There is a lot of anticipation around the lead for certain teams. The New York Jets are one of them. The New York Jets training camp will feature exciting competition among the roster. The coaching staff is paying close attention to whom they can rely on in the 53-man roster. While stars like Quinnen Williams, Aaron Rodgers, Sauce Gardner, etc. generate a lot of buzz, there are more than a few diamonds in the rough. Let’s examine five unheralded New York Jets training camp players who can make a big impact this fall.

Five Players to Watch Out for at Jets Training Camp

As we walk further towards the dawn of a new NFL season, excitement is building within the New York Jets organization. Training Camp will be the first test in their quest for a playoff appearance for the first time in over a decade. General manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh feel the pressure starting to boil over, but they have an opportunity to flip the narrative. To achieve their joint goal, New York will must rely on more than their star players. With the opportunity in hand, these five players can have a bigger impact than most realize.

Jason Brownlee, wide receiver

With Aaron Rodgers set to return, New York made sure to add friends for star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The new wide receiver room features two potentially impactful additions between veteran Mike Williams and rookie Malachi Corley. Depth is vital to a team’s success and New York is fortunate to have Jason Brownlee join them. The former UDFA from Southern Miss saw limited action last year but caught his first NFL touchdown in a Christmas Eve win over the Commanders. Brownlee received high praise for his performance during OTAs. With Allen Lazard trying to find his rhythm again and Mike Williams still recovering from his torn ACL, the opportunity will be there for Brownlee to stand out.

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Takkarist McKinley, edge rusher

The Jets standout defense had a makeover within their front seven. Bryce Huff joined the Eagles in free agency. Jonathan Franklin-Myers is now a Denver Bronco. Fortunately, they will be replaced by former All-Pro outside linebacker Haason Reddick. Reddick will also be joined by former first-round pick Takkarist McKinley. McKinley is long removed from the standout edge rusher who once shined at UCLA. He spent the previous two seasons on the Cowboys practice squad; reuniting with former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn. However, his connection with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich makes him a valuable teacher for youngsters like Jermaine Johnosn and Will McDonald.

Javon Kinlaw, defensive tackle

Since Robert Saleh took over, the New York Jets have returned to their franchise standard of defensive excellence. Led by Quinnen Williams, their front seven has been among the league’s best the past two seasons. To sure up the depth chart, the Jets signed former first-round pick Javon Kinlaw. The former San Francisco 49er is a big defensive tackle but right knee issues have affected his upside. Nonetheless, Kinlaw reunites with Robert Saleh to hopefully get back to the rookie form that 49ers fans saw Robert Saleh achieve from Kinlaw this year. He will also be a disruptive presence at DT when Williams needs a breather.

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Kohl Levao, offensive guard

Week one of the 2023 season served an unfortunate reality for Joe Douglas; the offensive line needed to change. Opportunistically, he found some great depth for the unit all off-season. Two starters from the Ravens offensive line who protected two-time MVP Lamar Jackson have arrived. A new left tackle in future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith. In addition, they took a flier on guard Kohl Levao. Levao started 28 games for the University of Hawaii between 2018 to 2021. He couldn’t make it to the NFL initially. However, his play in the UFL made him one of the best interior pass protectors in the league as graded by Pro Football Focus. Especially considering he practiced against a defense coached by NFL legend Wade Phillips. Levao has a real opportunity to be a valuable piece to New York’s offense if given the chance.

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Will McDonald, defensive end

When the Aaron Rodgers trade was finalized, many expected New York to make a play at one of the top offensive tackles in the draft. However, once Broderick Jones was selected, Douglas opted for upside and selected Iowa State defensive end Will McDonald. Despite a lackluster senior season, Will McDonald was a force in the Big 12 conference amassing a total of 22 sacks between the 2020 and 2021 season. What he lacks in size he makes up for with great first-step speed and elusiveness. With more size to his frame and working with a veteran of Haason Reddick’s talent; he has a golden opportunity to take a massive leap if given the snaps.

Main Photo: [Bob Donnen] – USA Today Sports

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