3 priorities for Jets in preseason opener against the Buccaneers

The joint practice week between the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will culminate in Thursday night's preseason matchup, a game that carries more weight than usual at this time of year for the Jets.

New York is in the second year of its rebuild, but it still doesn't know who its long-term quarterback will be. To make this season worthwhile, its unproven players at other positions must ascend.

Here are three developments to keep track of during Thursday's matchup:

New York Jets Rookie performances

New York will have a slew of rookies play on Friday, headlined by No. 2 overall pick David Bailey. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt said the 22-year-old pass rusher was in a "flow state" throughout joint practice with the Buccaneers.

A productive showing on Thursday would be a continuation of Bailey's hot start after earning Unanimous All-American and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors at Texas Tech last season. If the California native shows signs of being a franchise defensive end, then Jets fans will have reason to be excited.

No. 16 overall pick Kenyon Sadiq (hernia) is out, but No. 30 pick Omar Cooper Jr. could use a strong outing, as he could get leapfrogged on the depth chart by former Detroit Lions wideout Isaiah Williams, per ESPN's Rich Cimini. The 22-year-old logged 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns in a championship season for Indiana last year, but he has work to do to secure New York's third wide receiver spot.

Plus, fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik has had a hot start in camp, highlighted by a 50-yard touchdown pass to Arian Smith in team drills, per Rosenblatt. The 6-foot-2, 207-pounder could lock down the backup quarterback job with strong performances in preseason games.

Adonai Mitchell watch

Mitchell has also had positive reviews in camp, with Cimini saying the Jets think they got a "steal" from the Indianapolis Colts. New York dealt cornerback Sauce Gardner to Indianapolis for a 2026 first-round pick (later used on Sadiq), a 2027 first-round pick, and Mitchell in November.

Mitchell tallied 24 catches for 301 yards and two touchdowns after the trade last season, but he still must prove that he can complement Garrett Wilson as an outside receiver. If the 23-year-old shows chemistry with Geno Smith and Klubnik in game action, it'll be a step in the right direction.

Backup running back

Unlike Mitchell, New York's secondary tailback options have been on the team for multiple seasons. Both Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis were Day 3 picks in 2024, and it's time for them to show that they're long-term options behind Breece Hall.

Allen played just four games last year due to a knee injury, while Davis has logged 103 touches over 33 contests. If either of them show out on Friday, it would help build their case.

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