5 NY Jets who are already turning heads at OTAs

2. Will McDonald, DE, NY Jets

One of the players the Jets are relying on to take a huge leap forward in 2024 is second-year pass rusher Will McDonald. While he hasn't necessarily been lighting it up this spring, he has shown flashes.

McDonald has consistently gotten the better of second-year tackle Carter Warren when matched up with him, and although he hasn't fared as well against Tyron Smith, that's probably to be expected.

With Haason Reddick not in attendance, McDonald has gotten a lot of work with the first-team defense, and he hasn't looked out of place. The Iowa State product has added some muscle to his previously thin frame and doesn't seem to have lost a step with his agility.

The Jets are counting on McDonald to help make up for the losses of Bryce Huff and John Franklin-Myers this offseason. He's already off to an encouraging start this spring.

1. Braelon Allen, RB, NY Jets

It's typically expected that rookies just entering the NFL will be working behind the incumbent veterans on the depth chart, at least during the offseason program. That hasn't been the case at running back.

With Breece Hall temporarily sidelined due to a minor injury, it's been rookie Braelon Allen who has received the majority of reps with the first-team offense, and he's made the most of the opportunity.

Allen has flashed his upside as a pass catcher while breaking off a couple of long runs in practice. He's notably working ahead of Israel Abanikanda, who is quickly plummeting down the depth chart.

Fellow rookie Isaiah Davis and new signing Tarik Cohen have received just as many, if not more reps than Abanikanda over the last few practices. Meanwhile, Allen remains the odds-on early favorite to be the Jets' primary RB2 behind Hall.