The New York Jets’ first training camp session of 2023 took place on Thursday, in what’s also the first Jets training camp for Aaron Rodgers.
The four-time NFL MVP spoke with the media after Thursday’s practice and had glowing praise for a second-year Jets player.
Rodgers said Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson reminds him of former Packers teammate Davante Adams, now with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Look, I love Davante and I saw him this summer. He is in a category all by himself still. But, that 17 [Adams] reminds me of the other 17 [Wilson] as far as his ability to get in and out of breaks and his quick twitch at the line of scrimmage,” Rodgers told the media.
Wide receiver Allen Lazard was also a teammate with Rodgers in Green Bay for the past four seasons before signing with the Jets this offseason, and he also sees the similarities between Wilson and Adams.
According to NYJets.Com, Lazard said, “Garrett is incredible. I see a lot of resemblance to Davante. To me, Davante is the best in the league, hands down. But there are a lot of things they do as far as mannerisms, personality, abilities that resemble each other.”
Lazard added, “I was really able to join the [Packers] when Davante was really taking that next step in his career and solidifying himself as a top receiver. But I am seeing a lot of those same attributes in Year 2 of Garrett.”
Rodgers and Adams formed one of the NFL’s best duos, connecting for a Packers franchise record 68 touchdowns. With Rodgers in Green Bay, Adams was a Pro Bowl selection five times and was named first-team All-Pro in 2020 and 2021 (he received each honor in 2022 with Las Vegas as well).
After being selected 10th overall by the Jets in the 2022 NFL Draft, Wilson had a sensational rookie season, with 83 receptions, 1,103 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. The Ohio State product was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. That’s while catching passes from Zach Wilson, Mike White, Joe Flacco, and Chris Streveler. So, he may be able to take his game to a whole new level with Rodgers at quarterback.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.