6) HOF Game plans for Jets, Browns come into focus. With Aaron Rodgers stealing the spotlight in Jets camp, it’s easy to forget that there’s another first-round quarterback there worth checking in on.
Zach Wilson has not lived up to expectations as the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but the Jets didn’t just dump him to the highest bidder in the offseason. They brought him back, and Wilson seemingly embraced the idea of having Rodgers as a mentor. If there’s a bright side to Wilson’s setback, it’s that he should get a chance to play quite a bit in August.
Rodgers, who hasn’t played in the preseason since a brief appearance in 2018, will not see the field during Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game against the Cleveland Browns. Jets head coach Robert Saleh also indicated that other starters such as wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who sustained a low-ankle sprain in Thursday’s practice, and cornerback Sauce Gardner will not play.
Instead, Wilson is expected to start against the Browns, but he’s not the only intriguing Jets player who will be watched closely in the game.
Former first-round offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, whose weight has become a subject of consternation the past few years, is expected to play. Becton reportedly showed up to camp in terrific shape, and he could play a big role this season for the Jets if he’s healthy. The offensive tackle spot is one that felt like a concern entering camp.
The Jets are also expected to play 2023 first-rounder Will McDonald, who got off to a slow start in camp with a leg contusion. The injury luckily wasn’t serious, and McDonald has since returned to practice. The pick felt like a surprise at the time, but the Jets believe McDonald can help add another layer of pass-rush talent.
Meanwhile, the Browns aren’t likely to give starting QB Deshaun Watson extensive time — if any — against the Jets. Head coach Kevin Stefanski hasn’t laid out the plan for Watson just yet, but he said another quarterback is expected to see “quite a bit” of time in the game.
Intriguing fifth-round QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, one of four signal-callers in Browns camp competing for jobs, is that guy. Thompson-Robinson is in a battle with Joshua Dobbs and Kellen Mond for the spots on the depth chart behind Watson.
“Yeah, I think (Thompson-Robinson has) had some good reps,” Stefanski said Sunday. “I’ve been really pleased with that entire group. DTR is going to get to play quite a bit in this game, so we’re just trying to get him ready to go as a rookie. So I think each one of his reps, he’s taken advantage of them.”
The Browns’ biggest goal this season is getting Watson back on track after six uneven games with Cleveland a year ago. But they also know they need to solidify the position on the whole after losing 11-game starter Jacoby Brissett to Washington in free agency.
It’s not clear whether the Browns will keep two or three quarterbacks on the initial 53-man roster, and they will have four preseason games to help make that decision.
Thompson-Robinson receiving extensive looks in the preseason opener isn’t an indication that he’s in the catbird seat for a roster spot. But it’s a great opportunity for DTR, who had a strong college career at UCLA, to display his running and throwing ability in the first live-game action of the preseason.