NY Jets news: 4 notable standouts from 2021 OTAs so far

The NY Jets are more than halfway through the voluntary portion of their offseason workout program. With six days of OTAs officially in the books, there have been a number of notable storylines to follow.

Both good and bad storylines.

From Mekhi Becton's injury to contract situations surrounding both Marcus Maye and Jamison Crowder, it's been an interesting few days for Gang Green.

But in regard to the players actually on the field, there have been various standouts over the last two or so weeks.

Given the absence of OTAs last season, some players are taking full advantage of the opportunity to put together a full offseason of workouts.

That goes for both returning veterans and first-year players who are receiving their first chance to make an impact.

Who are the most notable standouts to this point? We take a look at four.

4. Michael Carter, RB, NY Jets

The Jets opted not to use any major assets on the running back position this offseason, instead opting for what's expected to be a committee approach.

And the early indications are that one player could become the lead back in that committee before long.

Fourth-round pick Michael Carter has shined during OTAs so far and looks primed to take over the lion's share of the touches in the backfield.

Veteran Tevin Coleman began the spring as the de facto lead back, a role that he still holds to an extent. But it hasn't taken long for Carter to start receiving plenty of first-team reps.

Coleman remains the top back on the depth chart during team drills, but Carter has been receiving first-team looks during the individual portion of practice.

It's clear that Coleman and Carter are the Jets' top two backs right now, with Ty Johnson not too far behind them. Carter has wowed coaches with his elusiveness and natural pass-catching ability.

Expect the rookie fourth-rounder to be an important part of the Jets' offense in 2021.

3. C.J. Mosley, LB, NY Jets

OTAs are usually a great time for rookies and/or offseason acquisitions to make a strong first impression with their new team. But for C.J. Mosley, he's essentially looking to make what amounts to a third first impression.

After signing a massive five-year, $85 million contract with the Jets prior to the 2019 season, Mosley has gone on to miss pretty much all of the last two years — save for a pair of brief injury-riddled games two years ago.

The Jets are hoping that Mosley could return to his pre-2019 form this year after opting out of last season. The early signs from OTAs have been encouraging.

Mosley is flying all around the field and looks every part of the four-time Pro Bowler the Jets thought they had landed two seasons ago.

His highlight came on Friday when he nearly intercepted a pass from Zach Wilson during 7-on-7 red-zone drills on an undercut route. It was a veteran-savvy play that reminded everyone just how good Mosley could be.

Mosley appears to be in great shape and doesn't look to have lost a step, looking just as fast and athletic as the player he was with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Jets need a healthy and productive C.J. Mosley in 2021. They have to be pleased with what they've seen so far.

2. Isaiah Dunn, CB, NY Jets

The Jets are expected to have a wide-open competition at the cornerback position this offseason after doing very little to address one of their biggest roster holes.

At the moment, Bryce Hall and Blessuan Austin are penciled in as the starters on the outside, but that could easily change before the start of the season.

One player to keep an eye on is undrafted rookie Isaiah Dunn.

The Jets made a little noise when they handed Dunn the largest contract ever given to an undrafted cornerback. They clearly have high hopes for him, and he's done everything to prove them right thus far.

Dunn has been one of the stars of camp and has found himself shooting up the depth chart as a result. With Austin sitting out of Friday's practice, Dunn even received some first-team reps at cornerback.

He'll have to compete with fellow rookies Jason Pinnock and Brandin Echols for snaps at outside corner, but he seems to have the early edge.

Another rookie cornerback to watch is Michael Carter II who seems to have already taken over the majority of first-team reps in the slot from Javelin Guidry and Elijah Campbell.

1. Elijah Moore, WR, NY Jets

No player has shined more during OTAs than second-round pick Elijah Moore.

The Jets fell in love with Moore during the pre-draft process and even planned to take him at 23 if they didn't trade up for Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Safe to say, they were both stunned and thrilled when he fell right into their laps at pick No. 34.

Moore's explosiveness and speed are unlike anything the Jets' offense has had in quite some time, and everyone from his teammates to his coaches to the media has taken notice.

As Connor Hughes of The Athletic puts it, "there are some over at One Jets Drive who require the occasional pinch in realizing Moore is theirs."

His most impressive play came early on Friday when Wilson fired a pass to Moore who beat Bryce Hall on a 10-yard in-route.

Moore made the catch in stride and created enough separation that no one was able to catch him. A simple 10-yard in-route taken to the house.

That's explosiveness. And that's an element the Jets have lacked on offense for a long, long time.

Moore is electric with the ball in his hands and is a legitimate threat to break any play for a touchdown. If his teammates on defense weren't already aware of that, they certainly are now.

Just ask Bryce Hall. The Jets couldn't be more excited about Elijah Moore.