NY Jets Week 8 Rookie Stock Report: Garrett Wilson comes alive

Approaching WR1 Territory: Garrett Wilson, WR, NY Jets ($GDUB)

• Stats: 7 targets, 6 receptions for 115 yards, 88% snap count

Since Zach Wilson has come back, Garrett Wilson has made a couple of plays showing his potential but had been underutilized.

With the absence of Corey Davis, the Wilson-to-Wilson connection was the bright spot in an otherwise forgettable day for the offense.

The rookie out of Ohio State flashed his big play potential early on in the game with a 54-yard catch to spark the offense.

Even with a couple of weeks of quieter games for Garrett Wilson, he is still tied for most receptions in franchise history by a rookie through eight games (with Wayne Chrebet).

Ideally, this is the start of Wilson becoming even more involved in the offense. Although the team should do what it takes to win no matter what, giving the ball to their electric receiver should be a recipe for success.

Corey Davis has been Zach Wilson's go-to guy but having the rookie receiver have a more prominent goal will raise the ceiling for the offense and be smart for building toward the future.

Approaching All-Pro Territory: Sauce Gardner, CB, NY Jets ($SAUCE)

• Stats: 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 100% snap count

The past few weeks, Sauce Gardner had been one of, if not the best, defensive player for the team by making key stops and forcing turnovers.

This week, he played the role of a more traditional shutdown corner by not getting his name called much considering he didn't get tested all that often.

He even got into a bit of an (internet) scuffle with PFF after the game as they tried to attach a touchdown given up to the rookie — it was later changed.

During the press conference with general manager Joe Douglas, he praised Gardener's competitiveness and confidence in describing him as a key long-term building block.

The best part about Gardner's game is that he has that flair but is able to consistently back things up on the field.

Back on the Market?: Jermaine Johnson, DE, NY Jets ($JJ), Max Mitchell, OT, NY Jets ($MM)

This rookie class has been slowed down by injuries, both long-term and short-term. Luckily the Jets are likely to be getting a couple of their rookies who were playing well back soon. Jermaine Johnson should be good to go this week after an encouraging few games.

Johnson will also benefit from a bit less competition after the Jets moved Jacob Martin at the trade deadline. This move was a nod to both Bryce Huff and the rookie out of Florida State to get more work in a crowded position group.

Rookie tackle Max Mitchell should be returning soon as well, with the team hinting he could be ready after the bye week. It will be interesting to see who will return first between Mitchell and Fant as well as what the plan will be to see who gets on the field.

Fant showed how good he could be last year, but might not be in the future plans in the same way as Mitchell is for this organization. Additionally, Mitchell was outplaying Fant early on in the season (factoring in a small sample size and injuries).

Reinforcements should be coming soon in order to get a bit more of a spark out of a rookie class that the team has become somewhat dependent on for success.