4 standouts and 1 dud from NY Jets first padded training camp practice

The NY Jets participated in their first padded training camp practice of the summer on Tuesday. Following a day off on Monday, the Jets returned to the practice facility for a more intense summer session.

The Jets are a little over a week away from their first preseason game on Aug. 3, which means that the 2023 regular season will be here before you know it.

Every rep matters in training camp. That goes for bottom-of-the-roster players looking to carve out roles as well as star players hoping to continue their success this season.

Let's take a look at a few notable standouts and duds from the Jets' first padded practice of training camp.

Standout: Garrett Wilson, WR, NY Jets

If it wasn't already clear going into the summer, it's become abundantly clear now: the Jets have their WR1. Garrett Wilson is a true star wide receiver in every possible way.

Wilson had another impressive day on Tuesday, hauling in a pair of long completions from Aaron Rodgers. The highlight was a 35-yard touchdown down the right sidelined, which Wilson hauled in in stride for the would-be score.

The chemistry between Rodgers and Wilson continues to grow with each passing practice. It may only be July, but it seems pretty apparent that Rodgers has found a new favorite target in the Jets' 2022 first-round pick.

Wilson managed to finish with over 1,100 yards last season with the worst quarterback play in the NFL. Buy your Garrett Wilson stock now before it's too late.

Standout: Aaron Rodgers, QB, NY Jets

Aaron Rodgers did throw his first interception of the summer on Tuesday — a miscommunication that sailed right into the hands of Sauce Gardner — but aside from that momentary blip, it was another strong practice for the four-time MVP.

Rodgers' first throw of the day was probably his best. The 39-year-old rolled to his right and fired an unbalanced throw to tight end Jeremy Ruckert in a place where only he could catch it. C.J. Mosley was draped all over Ruckert in coverage, but it didn't matter.

Rodgers then continued to establish chemistry with Garrett Wilson, completing a pair of lengthy passes to his new star wideout. The Jets' defense ultimately got the better of the offense again on Tuesday, but Rodgers has wasted little time making a strong first impression in Florham Park.

Dud: Mekhi Becton, OT, NY Jets

Mekhi Becton struggled mightily in his first padded practice in almost a year. The former first-round pick was on a "pitch count," as described by head coach Robert Saleh, but he had his fair share of difficulties when on the field.

Becton allowed three would-be sacks to Carl Lawson, Will McDonald, and rookie linebacker Zaire Barnes and was "beaten bad" by Lawson on consecutive plays, per SNY's Connor Hughes.

Becton has worked exclusively with the second-team offense, even with Duane Brown sidelined. He hasn't been given the opportunity to block for Aaron Rodgers yet, instead working behind the likes of Billy Turner and Max Mitchell, who have been running with the starters.

Becton is clearly rusty and still working his way back from injury, so some leeway is necessary. That said, at this stage, it would be a surprise if he started Week 1.

Standout: Carl Lawson/Will McDonald, DE, NY Jets

While Becton struggled, the Jets' defensive line once again had a phenomenal day. Carl Lawson continues to show signs of the player he was when the Jets originally signed him, as he had another big day on Tuesday.

Lawson recorded another sack — his third/fourth of the summer — and nearly sacked Zach Wilson on another play. A fully-healthy Lawson could be a difference-maker for the Jets' defense this year.

Meanwhile, rookie Will McDonald practiced for the first time since the Jets' first training camp practice last Thursday, and he wasted little time making an impact.

McDonald got past Becton for a would-be sack of Wilson while working with the second-team defense. It remains to be seen how large of a role McDonald will play this season, but he's looked the part to this point.

Standout: Israel Abanikanda, RB, NY Jets

Another rookie who flashed on Tuesday was running back Israel Abanikanda. The Jets' fifth-round pick has worked almost exclusively with the third-team offense, but he showed exactly why the Jets are so high on him on Tuesday.

Abanikanda took a handoff from Tim Boyle and found a space in the defense, breaking free for a 50+ yard touchdown. The play displayed the game-breaking speed and explosiveness the Jets hope to see from the rookie this year.

While he's still firmly behind Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight in the battle for the Jets' RB2 job, more runs like this one will help him climb up the depth chart as the summer progresses.

Don't be surprised if Abanikanda starts to push Carter and Knight for playing time at some point this season.