3 standouts and 2 duds from NY Jets first two training camp practices

The NY Jets have officially completed the first two practices of their 2023 training camp. While it's never wise to put too much stock into training camp performances, the summer does offer an opportunity for certain players to carve out roles.

Training camp is all about establishing position battles and fleshing out competitions at the bottom of the roster. It's a chance for players to make impressions — whether good or bad.

We'll be discussing both for the sake of this article.

The addition of Aaron Rodgers has made the Jets perhaps the most discussed team this offseason, and with "Hard Knocks" cameras following the team, there is certainly no shortage of attention coming their way.

Let's take a look at a few standouts and duds from the Jets' first two training camp practices of the summer.

Standout: Tony Adams, S, NY Jets

There has been no bigger standout for the Jets through the first two practices than Tony Adams. Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Adams surprisingly made the 53-man roster and carved out a regular role on special teams.

The Jets are very high on Adams, and it's easy to see why. The Illinois product has been splitting reps at free safety with veteran Adrian Amos, and Adams made quite the impact on Friday.

The highlight of his day was an impressive leaping deflection on a deep ball from Aaron Rodgers to Mecole Hardman. Adams stuck with Hardman stride for stride and knocked the pass away just in time. If he doesn't make that play, Hardman likely walks in for an easy touchdown.

Adams has been very active in both run defense and pass coverage over the first two days of training camp. He has a real chance to win the starting free safety job.

Dud: Zach Wilson, QB, NY Jets

Accuracy remains a significant problem for Zach Wilson, and the first two days of training camp have been proof of that. Wilson completed 6-of-11 passes on both Thursday and Friday, including a number of errant throws.

The former second-overall pick missed rookie Xavier Gipson badly on Thursday and bounced a pass to tight end Kenny Yeboah on Friday. There haven't been any turnovers, but Wilson's ball placement has been all over the place.

He's had a few positive moments as well. Wilson was the only Jets quarterback to throw a touchdown on Thursday — a short red-zone throw to Mecole Hardman, who quickly juked into the end zone for the score.

Still, Wilson's inconsistency continues to hold him back. He will hope to string together accurate days as the summer goes on.

Standout: The NY Jets defensive line

The Jets' defense has definitely gotten the better of the offense through two practices, and a large reason for that has been the play of the team's defensive line.

The Jets' defensive line has been the star of the show, tallying three sacks on Thursday and another five on Friday. Of course, since quarterbacks can't actually be touched in training camp, these are "sacks" in name only. They still count the same, though.

John Franklin-Myers has three sacks in two practices. Bryce Huff and Carl Lawson have a sack in each practice. Jermaine Johnson, Quinton Jefferson, and cornerback Craig James all have one sack.

It's been a dominant display by the Jets' defensive line through two practices. What was already a strength in 2022 might be even stronger in 2023.

Dud: Tim Boyle, QB, NY Jets

The Jets signed veteran Tim Boyle to serve as veteran depth behind Aaron Rodgers with the expectation that he could push Zach Wilson for the primary backup quarterback job.

While Wilson has been inconsistent at best so far, Boyle has arguably been even worse. Working with the third-team offense, Boyle's accuracy has been a mess, specifically when it comes to his deep balls.

The lowlight was probably a badly underthrown pass to wide receiver Malik Taylor on what was a free play since the defense jumped offside. Boyle had a long gain if he was able to hit him in stride.

The competition for the backup QB job isn't exactly off to a hot start. The Jets are praying to the football gods that Aaron Rodgers stays healthy.

Standout: Nick Bawden, FB, NY Jets

Nick Bawden missed all of last season due to injury, but there's a chance he might be able to carve out a role in the Jets' offense in 2023. As the only true fullback on the roster, Bawden has received a lot of work this summer.

The Jets have frequently deployed offensive packages with Bawden in them, and he's made a few plays through two practices. Bawden has caught a pass from Rodgers during each practice.

It isn't uncommon for teams to use basic packages when installing a new offense, but new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett does have a history of using fullbacks.

Don't be surprised if Bawden sneaks onto the Jets' 53-man roster and becomes a regular contributor on offense this season. The Jets clearly like him.