New York Jets rookie WR Garrett Wilson is showing signs of superstar potential
After only two games in the NFL, New York Jets rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson is already managing to surpass expectations. Wilson is quickly establishing himself as the Jets’ top receiver and is even comparing well across the league.
As of the completion of Week 2’s Sunday games (four teams have yet to play this week), here are Wilson’s current ranks among all NFL players:
- Tied-7th in targets (22)
- Tied-13th in receptions (12)
- 16th in receiving yards (154)
- Tied-6th in touchdowns (2)
After his impressive start, Jets cornerback D.J. Reed is already comparing Wilson to another star rookie wide receiver from the last few years.
DJ Reed on Garrett Wilson: “He has that Justin Jefferson vibe. Dudes don’t want to cover him man to man.” #Jets
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 18, 2022
While it’s safe to say the tenth overall pick has impressed, can he actually manage to live up to expectations set by rookie superstars like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson?
So far, the answer is a resounding yes. Here is how Wilson’s two-game start compares to those of Chase and Jefferson.
| Justin Jefferson | Ja’Marr Chase | Garrett Wilson | |
| Targets | 6 | 11 | 22 |
| Receptions | 5 | 7 | 12 |
| Yards | 70 | 155 | 154 |
| Touchdowns | 0 | 2 | 2 |
It’s safe to say, Wilson more than holds his own. If it wasn’t for a third down drop late in the game, Wilson would lead all three categories.
Wilson has been good, but has he really been that good?
To dig deeper, I also compared their target share, percentage of team passing yards, yards per snap, yards per route run, and Pro Football Focus grade.
| Justin Jefferson | Ja’Marr Chase | Garrett Wilson | |
| Target Share | 11.8% | 19.3% | 21.4% |
| Percent of Passing Yards | 18.8% | 33.1% | 25.0% |
| Yards/Snap | 1.08 | 1.37 | 1.83 |
| Yards/Route Run | 1.56 | 2.50 | 2.17 |
| PFF Grade | 60.3 | 71.5 | 77.8 |
Even when digging deeper, Wilson still holds his own.
In a small sample size, Wilson has already shown he has the ability to be one of the best in the NFL. And the praise is already starting to roll in.
Looked at all of Garrett Wilson's targets vs CLE. He had a HUGE game but it could've been even better. Flacco was a little off on 4 targets (including 2 would be TD's) and Wilson had the big drop late in the 4th Q. This dude is special.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) September 19, 2022
Garrett Wilson should break the rookie record for targets (167) this season
He’s that special
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) September 19, 2022
Wilson has looked virtually unguardable. Whether at the release, the breaks in his routes, or after making the catch, defenders have struggled to stay with him. His first career touchdown showed off the elite quickness we saw at Ohio State.
Garrett Wilson puts the moves on Martin Emerson to score his first NFL TD 👀 (via @nyjets) pic.twitter.com/DqgKAPG99m
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) September 18, 2022
Few players in the NFL can create at least two yards of separation with just their release.
While he didn’t show it as much against the Browns, Wilson also flashed his dominant ability after the catch against the Ravens.
still sick tho @GarrettWilson_V #BALvsNYJ on CBS pic.twitter.com/b0oe4yhtLa
— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 11, 2022
I was originally unsure if Wilson would be able to handle the physicality of the NFL. So far, it hasn’t slowed Wilson down. His elite quickness and speed have allowed him to routinely get open against NFL defenders.
As things currently stand, Wilson is on pace for 187 targets, 102 receptions, 1,309 yards, and 17 touchdowns. While it’s unrealistic he will maintain this pace, it is still a start for the ages.
