Garrett Wilson was one of the New York Jets’ three electrifying first-round picks in 2022. The rookie wide receiver brings a tantalizing set of skills to the Jets’ offense. Wilson will turn 22 years old later this month. He is set to give the Jets hefty contributions in his first year.
Wilson pre-draft:
Wilson spent his three years of college at Ohio State. Over his last two years, Wilson was highly successful. He averaged over 90 yards per game and over 15 yards per catch in both seasons. In 2020, Wilson played in eight games and recorded 723 yards (90.4 per game). Last year, he had 1,058 yards in 11 games (96.2 per game). In 2021, Wilson also posted career-bests in terms of catches with 70 and touchdowns with 12. He totaled 23 receiving touchdowns in 32 games played at Ohio State.
During the pre-draft athletic testing, Wilson graded well above average with a 7.78 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). His main athletic trait is his blazing speed. Wilson ran a 1.53 10-yard split and a 4.38 40-yard dash (90th percentile). His explosiveness grades were good. He had a 123″ broad jump (65th percentile) and a 36″ vertical jump (57th percentile).
- Jets finally trade Zach Wilson to Broncos for late-round pick swap in 2024 NFL Draft
- Jets soar in 2024’s five-year NFL Draft team analysis rankings
- Zach Wilson skipping Jets voluntary offseason workouts while trade talks stall
Skill set:
Wilson offers a 6-foot, 183-pound frame. He has very big 9 7/8″ hands (82nd percentile). Pre-snap, Wilson offers versatility. He played in the slot at Ohio State in 2020 and on the outside last year. His top-end speed gives him effortless vertical-threat ability for the Jets’ offense. Wilson is very quick as a route runner. After the catch, he is elusive, working around pursuing defenders tackling attempts.
Wilson provides unique contested catch ability at his size. He can jump, stay in the air, and ultimately adjust his body to the football. His catch radius is incredible. The body control Wilson has is one of his top attributes. Lastly, in the red zone, Wilson is a dynamic threat who can make his presence felt. Overall, he offers a pretty complete skill set.
Projected role:
Even as a rookie, Wilson will be an integral part of the Jets’ passing attack each week. The Jets run a complex offense, and learning a playbook is hard on any rookie, but Wilson is well-known for his smarts and should learn the system relatively fast. Anticipate him being utilized in both the slot and on the outside. There should be games where Wilson is featured with nine to 10 targets. On average, at the end of his rookie year, Wilson should finish with right around seven. Anticipate Wilson getting opportunities to win both downfield and in the red zone.
2022 stat projection:
With the projected target average, Wilson should have right around 115-120 in total in year one if he plays every game. If so, he should record 65-70 catches. From there, Wilson could finish his first year with 800-850 receiving yards, roughly 50 per game. Knowing his vertical speed and red zone, contested-catch ability, even as a rookie, anticipate Wilson scoring anywhere from five to seven touchdowns.
Final preview thoughts:
Wilson will have his immense skills and playmaking ability on display right away as a rookie. His potential to grow and be one of the Jets’ best players over time is there. Wilson and Elijah Moore could eventually form one of the top wide receiver duos in football for years to come with the Jets knowing their youth. With Zach Wilson expected to make a leap in his second year, having Wilson will only help. By the end of the 2022 season, Wilson will have had a very good first year with the Jets.