The former NFL offensive lineman took to NFL Total Access to discuss the New York Jets, Garrett Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers
With Aaron Rodgers now a member of the New York Jets, there is plenty of optimism for the numbers Garrett Wilson could potentially earn while playing with the future first-ballot Hall of Famer. While comparisons to Davante Adams are certainly big shoes to fill, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year has many convinced he can reach that level sooner than later.
Count NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger amongst the believers.
Speaking on NFL Total Access, the former NFL offensive lineman spoke about Rodgers, the Jets’ 22-year-old wide receiver, and the expectations going forward. Baldinger predicted an excellent touchdown total for the Ohio State product.
“Garrett Wilson was the Offensive Rookie of the Year. He caught four touchdown passes. I think Garrett Wilson has 12 (touchdown receptions) in him this year,” stated Baldinger. “It might be more. But he’s going to have multiple, multiple touchdown games – I believe. I just believe he’s going to be that type of player, that productive, in this offense.
When asked how quickly Rodgers is getting Wilson up to speed (in terms of preparedness in the offense overall), Baldinger drew the comparison to another Packers great.
“He (Aaron) was there when Davante Adams broke in out of Fresno State,” said Baldinger. “It was a slow build for Davante. It took him two full years before he really became Davante Adams. Now, Davante is bigger than Garrett Wilson – Garrett Wilson will never have the size of Davante. Size does matter outside. But, how your release is, how you stack the corner, how you attack the sidelines, how you catch a fade route to the back shoulder. He’s very good at a lot of those.
“But you have to see it the way Aaron’s seeing it. And so you watch him in these drills, and he’s (Rodgers) drilling Garrett – in a good way. Like, he wants him to be Davante, now. It might not happen right away, but he wants him to be Davante Adams.”
Baldinger later mentioned that he witnessed Rodgers and Wilson working on routes throughout OTAs to get the timing – and understanding – down at a fundamental level.
In the end, the former Cowboys offensive lineman believes the Jets’ duo will have a successful 2023 season.