Jets Training Camp Report – Day One 07/23/25

Here are some observations of the first Jets training camp practice of the Aaron Glenn regime. I’m sure things will “morph” over time, but here’s what I saw on day one.

Jets Training Camp General Notes

– Practice times have changed to 8:30 am. Today it ran for 1:30.

– Players were in jerseys & shorts.

– After an initial exercise period, there seemed to be more individual/position technique work before team drills.

– Will McDonald has more muscle definition throughout his frame.  To the point where he’s rolling the sleeves of his jersey above his shoulders so he can show his “guns”.

– Overall, I would say the offense had more splash plays, so I would say they “won” the day.  Also, for a first practice, it was pretty clean in terms of penalties and communication.

Special Teams Notes

– With both Greg Zuerlein & Thomas Morstead gone, there are battles at the K and P spots.

– The kickers (Caden Davis & Harrison Mevis) got no reps.  So the punters were on display:
* Austin McNamara had four punts; two were “shanks”, two were good (50+ yds)
* Kai Kroger also had four punts three were good (50+ yds), while one was a “shank” with a 20 yd roll which made it look “good”

NY Jets Defense Notes

– During an 11 on 11 period, the difference between this defense (Steve Wilks DC) and the previous regime was seen as Brandon Stephens (CB) was sent on a blitz.  Coming clean to knock down a pass by Justin Fields.

– Other notable defensive plays:
* Sauce Gardner with a breakup of a Tyrod Taylor pass to Arian Smith
* Braiden McGregor with a “sack” of Taylor
* Jarrick Bernard-Converse with a breakup of an Adrian Martinez pass to Neal Johnson
* Leonard Taylor with a “strip sack” of Martinez

NY Jets Offense Notes

– The Ohio St. chemistry of Garrett Wilson and Justin Fields was evident from the first rep of 11 on 11. They produced the two “sexiest” plays of the day with:
* A 40+ yd TD on a corner route as Fields threw to the spot before Wilson got there
* A 25+ yd leaping sideline catch over Stephens

I think an easy prediction to make for the season is that Wilson will get a minimum of 10 targets a game from Wilson.

– With the focus that Wilson will command from defenses, someone from the WR or TE group is going to have to step up to be the #2 option.  Otherwise, Wilson will be doubled all year .

– It’s early and there are no pads on, but the run game looked sharp with a couple of “gash” runs:
* Breece Hall for 15+ yds
* Braelon Allen for 15+ yds
* Zach Evans for 10+ yds

– Can’t describe it in detail, but Tanner Engstrand flashed some creative screen passes, utilizing the movement skills of Fields in the pocket.

– Rocky start for Malachi Corley as he bobbled a pass from Brady Cook into an “almost INT”.  Not a good look after a disappointing rookie year.

QB Notes

– All QBs now wear cameras (GoPro) on their helmets.  This should lead to personalized improvement because Engstrand can review what the QB was watching when he called a play.

– Justin Fields is a physical specimen (size, speed, arm strength). How he processes info will determine how many games this team will win and if he can become a “franchise QB”.  He was pretty accurate, and from where the media was located (high on the patio), you could see him moving his head through his progressions.  Other than the plays he made to Wilson mentioned earlier, Fields spread the ball around to Josh Reynolds (15+ yd crosser) and Arian Smith (15+ yd slant).  As a fifth year QB who was handpicked by this coach, can he take the next step?

Jets Training Camp Standouts

– Garrett Wilson
– Justin Fields

Visit our forums to read more about NY Jets training camp and see fan reaction.