5 NY Jets whose stock is soaring following preseason win over Commanders

The NY Jets emerged victorious in their preseason opener against the Washington Commanders on Saturday. While preseason results aren't really what matters at this stage of the summer, it's always nice to win football games.

More importantly, however, the Jets have to be pleased with the performances of a number of players who helped lead the team to victory. From rookie standouts to fringe roster guys making a name for themselves, here are four Jets players whose stock is soaring following the Jets' 20-17 win over the Commanders.

Braelon Allen, RB, NY Jets

Braelon Allen was the most impressive player for the Jets on the offensive side of the ball in this game. The rookie running back received the start with Breece Hall not playing and he made the most of his opportunities.

Allen finished the game with 54 yards on six carries, leading the way for the Jets' only touchdown drive of the first half. He also impressed in pass protection and made a nice catch on a scramble drill to find open space and pick up a first down in the air, although the play was called back.

If Saturday was Allen's first test at the NFL level, he passed with flying colors. He looks the part and looks ready to play an important role as the Jets' RB2 this season.

Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB, NY Jets

Allen was the Jets' most impressive player on offense, but that title for the team's defense belongs to Jarrick Bernard-Converse. The Jets moved Bernard-Converse back to cornerback this summer, and he did his best to impress on Saturday.

The former LSU standout was tested multiple times by the Commanders in the first half and rarely put the wrong foot forward. The only catch he allowed came on Washington's first drive when Jayden Daniels found Dyami Brown over the top despite outstanding coverage by the second-year defensive back.

Bernard-Converse is trying to make the Jets' roster in a talented and competitive cornerback room. If he continues to play like this, he might have a shot at a starting job in 2025.

Adrian Martinez, QB, NY Jets

Adrian Martinez may be last on the Jets' quarterback depth chart right now, but following his performance on Saturday, that might not be the case for much longer. Andrew Peasley looked good — Martinez looked better.

The reigning UFL MVP led the Jets to victory with an outstanding fourth-quarter performance that included a touchdown drive and a game-winning field goal drive. Martinez completed 6-of-10 passes for 104 yards while adding 24 yards on the ground.

Martinez found fellow former UFL standout Brandon Smith for a pair of beautiful deep balls down the field, including one in which the former Nebraska star evaded pressure in the pocket, rolled out to his right, and found Smith on the run.

Martinez is competing with Peasley for the de facto QB3 job this summer, and he certainly helped himself out with his performance in this one.

Jason Brownlee, WR, NY Jets

No wide receiver on the Jets' roster is more in need of a standout preseason than Jason Brownlee. The second-year UDFA wideout is hoping to clinch one of the final roster spots at the bottom of the wide receiver depth chart, and his performance on Saturday certainly helped his case.

Brownlee hauled in a gorgeous ball in the back corner of the end zone from undrafted quarterback Andrew Peasley for a touchdown in the second quarter. That 12-yard grab was his only catch of the day, but he found other ways to impress.

He also helped spring open a long Braelon Allen run with an excellent block downfield in the first half. Brownlee isn't going to make the Jets' roster through his special-teams efforts. Instead, it's games like this one will help him secure a spot.

Leonard Taylor III, DT, NY Jets

Leonard Taylor III was the Jets' most impressive defensive lineman in Saturday's game. The former five-star recruit is hoping to push for a roster spot in a loaded defensive line room, and he certainly looked the part in this one.

Taylor burst into the backfield for a massive tackle for loss in the first quarter and later beat his man across his face for the Jets' only sack of the day in the fourth quarter.

The battle for the final few spots in the defensive line room is wide open this summer. Taylor has an excellent chance to push for one of those spots, especially given his pedigree. Saturday was a strong first impression.