5 NY Jets players to watch in the 2023 Hall of Fame Game

3. Zach Wilson, QB, NY Jets

The Jets have made it clear that they no longer believe in Zach Wilson as a franchise quarterback. That's not to say the team isn't still trying to develop him, but it is to say that none of their future plans are dependent on Wilson reaching his ceiling.

In many ways, that's a good thing for the young QB. Expectations are low for Wilson entering the preseason. Sure, Jets fans would love to see Wilson show signs of progress, but his development is no longer the talking point of the quarterback room.

Wilson has done and said all the right things this offseason. He's learning under the guidance of one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, who also just so happens to be his childhood idol.

While Wilson's training camp hasn't been perfect, there have been noticeable signs of improvement. Now, it's up to him to translate his summer progress into on-field success. Thursday will be his first true test.

The Jets want to see a Zach Wilson who is more confident and composed than he was last year. By the end of last season, Wilson's confidence was shot — he was mentally broken in many ways.

A full offseason to reset and clear his mind could do wonders for Wilson's psyche entering year three. Jets fans should see plenty of him, too, with the former No. 2 overall pick set to start.

Expectations may be low, but all eyes will be on Wilson in the Hall of Fame Game.