The Jets have turned Garrett Wilson into the NFL's most underrated star

Even with what we know about assuming, one would reasonably think that a New York Jets receiver with three 1,000-yard seasons wouldn’t be underrated or even outright forgotten.

Perhaps Garrett Wilson is a unicorn in that regard.

The lead-up to training camp means the annual preseason rankings, whether it’s the NFL’s official Top 100 lists or national outlets getting in on the fun. 

And while no one expects the Jets’ roster to take up a significant portion of those lists, Wilson’s continued absence — even after an injury-plagued 2025 season — is especially telling.

How did Garrett Wilson unexpectedly become such an underrated player?

We’ve been critical of the national media’s Jets coverage throughout the offseason, with CBS Sports and ESPN especially earning our ire. 

CBS Sports recently omitted Wilson from a top-100 players list and put 13 receivers above him. They also suggested that Wilson, who signed an extension last year, could eventually become frustrated with the Jets and demand a trade.

There is no indication that Wilson, who turns 26 later this month, has even considered asking out of New York.

Wilson almost certainly won’t appear on the NFL’s Top 100 list, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson placed No. 69 this summer after being No. 2 last year.

Make it make sense. Please.

For so long, being a top player in the New York market allowed you to earn national recognition regardless of how bad your team was. 

Wilson lacks Odell Beckham Jr.’s penchant for viral catches, sure, but would you rather have had 2014-16 Beckham or 2022-24 Wilson? 

The football world’s Malik Nabers and Drake London obsessions continue to confound me. Nabers is still recovering from a torn ACL, yet frequently appears on these top-100 rankings and is apparently considered a borderline top-10 receiver.

Don’t even get me started on London. He’s only surpassed 1,000 yards once on a Falcons team that hasn’t reached the postseason in nearly a decade. 

And yes, Falcons fans, I’m aware that London has better counting statistics. Wilson missed 10 games last year, though. Let’s see where both are at in January if they stay healthy.

Does the Jets’ continued misery really impact Wilson’s standing and reputation that much? 

Offseason workouts have provided uncharacteristically good vibes around the Jets, and the core of Wilson, Geno Smith, Breece Hall, and Adonai Mitchell has fans excited.

If all goes to plan, Wilson will make it four 1,000-yard campaigns in five years. It’s too bad, though, that such a season likely still won’t land him the praise he’s earned. 

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