Garrett Wilson, NY Jets Stats, Fantasy
Garrett Wilson, New York Jets, Getty Images

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Peter Buell
Peter Buell
1 year ago

Just want Garrett, at his size, to not get macho and either go down or out of bounds when prudent.
I don’t want to see this kid on the sidelines in street clothes….he’s too much fun to watch and more importantly too important to this offense.

Richard Hausig
Richard Hausig
1 year ago

I went back and watched his targets. He has incredible feet and runs great routes. That’s the whole key to getting open, making the right fakes and breaks on time. The seperation on the fade route was amazing, a little dance and then the break as the CB is on the wrong foot.

He is a very impressive player and person, smart and humble, I think he’s going to be great.