The New York Jets are through two weeks of training camp, and all eyes are on the first preseason game coming up on Saturday night.
As is the case every week, some players stand out or struggle throughout each practice. As we get closer to actual game reps, those players do everything possible to earn a roster spot.
Today, we break down the players whose stock has been rising and falling during the first two weeks of camp.
Stock Up: Offensive Line
New York’s offensive line is figuring things out in pass protection. That much is clear.
However, what they have shown in the running game should make every Jets fan thrilled. New York has been moving defenders when running the ball and opening gaping holes for their running backs.
The more this line works together and stays healthy, the better they will be. They certainly look like they are a potential top-five group.
Stock Down: Azareye’h Thomas
The initial thought was that the third-round rookie out of Florida State would be able to excel once the pads came on. He was a physical corner who could use it to show his worth to the defense.
That hasn’t happened yet.
When a fourth-round receiver from the same draft class is burning a high-profile third-round pick like this, it usually means there needs to be more from the corner. In the case of Thomas, he needs to show he can handle playing at an NFL speed moving forward.
Stock Up: Arian Smith
Garrett Wilson is still a star, Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson have been inconsistent, and Allen Lazard hasn’t had much impact in the offense.
It’s not too outlandish to say the best receiver outside of Wilson through camp so far has been fourth-round rookie Arian Smith. The Georgia product has been excellent in team drills and even beat Sauce Gardner for a big play.
The more he continues to produce in practice, the more likely he’ll have a role in the offense once Week 1 arrives.
Stock Down: Joe Tippmann
It’s not the best look when a player fighting for his starting role gets pulled when he commits pre-snap penalties. That is what happened to Joe Tippmann throughout Saturday’s practice, though.
While he continues to battle Josh Myers for playing time at center, the Jets can’t be pleased with the mental missteps made by their third-year prospect along the offensive line.
He may be penciled in as the starter through the first unofficial depth chart, but the Jets need more from Tippmann.
Stock Up: Payton Page
The undrafted free agent has been a major surprise over the last few days of camp. Page has been unblockable against New York’s offense and has earned more playing time and opportunities to make an impact.
It’s hard to see if there’s a spot on the 53-man roster for him, but Page has earned more opportunities as of late.
Stock Down: Discipline
For all the talk of Glenn ending what has been an abysmal few seasons regarding penalties, this week felt like more of the same from the roster. New York was penalized a lot throughout the second week of camp, with pre-snap penalties and holding calls the main culprits. In Saturday’s scrimmage, the team committed 13 penalties altogether.
New York can preach being a disciplined team all they want, but if they cannot correct that on the field, it will look like much of the same from last year.
Stock Up: Justin Fields
It certainly feels like Fields has turned a corner halfway through Jets training camp. He has been far more accurate with his decisions and feels more “in command” of the offense.
That doesn’t mean he’s been perfect. During Saturday’s scrimmage, Fields completed two of his 10 passes. That number had fans concerned while leaving Florham Park.
Those numbers don’t tell the whole story, though. Fields improved over the last few practices and is on the right track for Week 1 as New York’s starting quarterback.