Four Jets players to watch in Hall of Fame Game

The New York Jets take the field for the first time Thursday in what's arguably their most highly anticipated season in franchise history.

Though most stars won't suit up for Thursday night's Hall of Fame Game against the Cleveland Browns — namely four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers — others will be looking to make a name for themselves and solidify their spots on the roster.

Here's a look at four players to watch.

Zach Wilson | QB

It wasn't long ago that Jets fans clamored for the organization to select Wilson second overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Now entering his third season with New York, the newly turned 24-year-old is taking a back seat to Rodgers.

Wilson's abysmal season under center last year is perfectly encapsulated by his final game played: a 19-3 loss on "Thursday Night Football" in which he completed nine of 18 passes for 92 yards and threw an interception. Wilson was eventually benched for Chris Streveler, a journeyman quarterback.

Since hitting rock bottom, Wilson has begun to regain his confidence as he learns behind Rodgers. 

"I think definitely some maturity, for sure," Rodgers said when asked what Wilson has shown, per the New York Post. "As much as anything, I hope that this time for him is like a deep inhale and exhale. That he can really like take a breath and pause and sit with the disappointment of last year and the frustration and then channel it."

Thursday will be the first true test to see if Wilson has turned the corner.

Mekhi Becton | Left tackle

Becton's last taste of game action came in Week 1 of the 2021 season — exactly 691 days ago. Once viewed as the Jets' long-term answer at left tackle, the towering offensive lineman is now seen as a backup piece hoping to prove he still has something left in the tank. 

Becton has worked hard this offseason, slimming down to 350 pounds — nearly 50 pounds less than what he weighed last season. The 2020 first-round pick has battled back from two knee injuries and a plethora of hate online, which tested his mental fortitude.

He is slated to play 20-25 snaps at left tackle, most likely with the second team.

Jason Brownlee | Wide receiver

It's been hard to miss Brownlee, an undrafted rookie out of Southern Miss, in training camp.

Over three seasons at Southern Miss, Brownlee amassed 135 receptions, 2,144 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns. The Jets were clearly impressed by his play, hoping to draft him with a day three three pick, but later offered the undrafted free agent $216,000 in guaranteed money — the amount a "low fifth-round selection" tends to make, per ESPN's Rich Cimini. 

Brownlee is battling for a spot on a roster that includes wide receivers Garrett Wilson — a standout as a rookie last season -- and veterans Corey Davis, Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb. In camp, the 6-foot-2 wideout recently made the top 10 on "SportsCenter" for an incredible one-handed grab over a defender in practice.