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Surprising Jets Wide Receiver Is Impressive This Off Season
Main Photo: [Kevin R. Wexler] USA Today Sports

Surprising Jets Wide Receiver Is Impressive This Off Season

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Michael Zimmelman  |  Last updated 5/24/24

After all that transpired last season, the New York Jets want to do everything to be prepared. To capitalize on their limited time frame with Aaron Rodgers, the offense looks vastly different from who was there last season. Especially with key additions along the offensive line and wide receiver room.

To emerge as contenders, they must capitalize in the red zone. New additions Mike Williams and Malachi Corley will be featured, one player is earning a closer look this preseason. Jason Brownlee had an uphill battle to earn a roster spot last summer. The rookie made the most of his time, achieving his first career touchdown in a victory over Washington on Christmas Eve. However, he’s not done yet. Brownlee has been turning heads in off-season workouts. The second-year player is looking for a larger role among the New York Jets wide receivers.

Surprising Jets Wide Receiver Is Impressive This Off-Season

Last summer was a stressful experience for Jason Brownlee. The standout wide receiver out of Southern Mississippi was navigating the undefined waters of undrafted rookie free agency. Unheralded by most draft experts, Brownlee worked hard during his three seasons playing in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The former Golden Eagle became a reliable target in Will Hall’s offense. Despite uncertainty within the program, Brownlee took to the change in competition well. He accumulated 16 touchdowns within the final 25 games of his career, in addition to a career-high 891 receiving yards his senior year. That includes five games with over 100 receiving yards despite a revolving situation at quarterback. Brownlee ended his career with back-to-back seasons of all-conference honors.

Brownlee’s rookie season

Uncertain he’d have a roster spot, Jason Brownlee needed a strong performance to earn a contract in 2023. He acclimated quite well in limited action. He became more involved as the preseason progressed, none more significant than his 50-yard performance against the Buccaneers. Along with productive practices, the 6’2″ 200 lbs playmaker did enough to earn a roster spot.

His involvement in the offense was non-existent for the majority of the season. Injuries within the wide receiver room would create opportunity, as Brownlee played his first regular season game in the Jets Black Friday loss to Miami. Despite the infamous performance by Tim Boyle, Brownlee was able to make the most of it recording his first catch of his NFL career. A woeful Black Friday turned into an unforgettable Christmas for Brownlee though. The 25-year-old West Point, Mississippi native achieved a lifelong dream by catching his first NFL touchdown in a Christmas Eve win against the Commanders.

How Brownlee can involve himself more this year

The talk of the offseason has been the many additions made to the roster. Haason Reddick joined the formidable pass rush unit. Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses protecting Aaron Rodgers. Mike Williams joined on a one-year deal after being released by the Chargers. While there are new faces he’s competing with, Brownlee has been holding his own in offseason workouts. The return of Rodgers has led to some impressive performances from Brownlee in OTAs and could allow him to become an x-factor.

Mike Williams is still recovering from a torn ACL. Allen Lazard has been unable to replicate his Green Bay production in his first season in New York. Malachi Corley was a big investment after trading up in the third round. But the team will take things slow to acclimate the rookie into their schemes. These scenarios can be promising for Brownlee to be more involved. Brownlee’s size and adequate catch radius make him a good contrast to Garrett Wilson as an outside receiver. His 50/50 ball ability can allow him to be a threat deep down the field. This will enable Wilson to use his route running to attack short routes & the middle of the field. A lot has to go right for guaranteed targets. But Brownlee is doing everything needed to prove he’s ready for more.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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