Five Young Jets Making Strides Early in Training Camp

Originally posted on JetNation.com | By Glenn Naughton | Last updated Aug 7, 2026 4:21 AM ET

The first week of Jets training camp is in the books and there have been a few standout performers worth noting among both starters and backups. We’ll know more once the Jets open up their preseason schedule on August 15th against the Bucs, but let’s take a look at a handful of players who are making waves now.

CB Azareye’h Thomas:

The second-year corner who flashed in twelve games (5 starts) last season has been mentioned multiple times in recent days for his sticky coverage on star receiver Garrett Wilson. The Jets cornerback group should be one of the most competitive position groups on the roster and Thomas will be given every chance to win a starting job. Also worth mentioning that Brandon Stephens has also been turning in several impressive reps early on.

S Dane Belton:

Belton has earned plenty of praise from head coach Aaron Glenn who has lauded Belton’s approach and the fact the he’s playing all over the place on defense. Expect Belton to be a core special teamer and to find a way to get plenty of reps on defense in a variety of roles.

I’ve been impressed with Chip Trayanum, who was an UDFA. He has broken off more than a few nice runs throughout training camp.

— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) August 4, 2026

RB Chip Trayanum:

Trayanum is the only undrafted free agent on the list and has only emerged in recent days with Isaiah Davis nursing a knee injury. The powerful back will have a very difficult time making this roster but if he gets enough run in the preseason, he may not give the Jets much of a choice.

TE Jelani Woods:

We mentioned Woods as a guy who could steal a roster spot prior to the start of camp and he was the first name quarterback Geno Smith mentioned yesterday when asked who has stood out to him up to this point. With Kenyon Sadiq due to miss a chunk of time after an injury setback, Woods has had his number called and performed well in recent days.

WR Arian Smith:

Outside of a drop he had in the first days of camp, we’ve now seen Smith mentioned on multiple occasions for having made contested catches down the field. This was obviously an issue for Smith both in college and in limited reps last season. If he can manage to clean up his drops, he could be an outstanding fourth or fifth receiver.

This article first appeared on JetNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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