New York Jets training camp has delivered plenty of stories about the team’s headliners, from David Bailey’s flashes of dominance to Geno Smith’s high highs and low lows.

But training camp is just as important, if not more so, for the many under-the-radar players on the roster, ranging from lower-end starters with a chip on their shoulder to bubble players fighting for their careers.

Reporting from Florham Park, Jets X-Factor’s Robby Sabo shouted out six particular non-headliners who deserve shoutouts.

1. IDL Jack Heflin

“Has done a pretty damn good job of volunteering for the dirty work, yet he has flashed with some run-game penetration. If there’s any potential for a surprise roster spot, this could be the area (considering T’Vondre Sweat’s current absence). There will be five IDL on the 53-man (Sweat, Onyemata, Phillips, Briggs, Jackson), and six is damn near-impossible, but injuries are the key.” — Robby Sabo

Heflin, 28, is a sixth-year veteran on his fifth NFL stop. A 2021 undrafted free agent out of Iowa, he’s made only six regular season appearances, logging three tackles.

So far in camp, Heflin has maximized the absence of T’Vondre Sweat, who is on the NFI list with a hamstring injury. Sweat will make his impact as a dirty-worker in the run game, and Heflin has filled that void in Florham Park.

Heflin is listed at 304 pounds, so he is nowhere close to the same player as the 366-pound Sweat from a physical standpoint. But with Sweat’s health up in the air at the moment, the Jets will be looking for backups who can adequately replace his skill set, and Heflin is making a case so far.

2. WR Isaiah Williams

“Well, he’s arguably near-headline status now, which means everybody knows what he’s done this summer. The guy does everything pretty damn well, including his perimeter/stalk blocking on quick/designed passes.” — Robby Sabo

Williams won the Jets’ team MVP award in 2025 by virtue of his return skills, but he’s starting to make a name for himself on offense. The former mid-season cut has delivered a plethora of explosive plays downfield, while Sabo shouted out his blocking as well—not a strength you often hear mentioned for a 5-foot-10, 185-pound receiver.

We recently discussed how the Jets must drastically improve their outside run game. One of the most important factors in that equation is their blocking at the wide receiver position. Williams seems to be doing his part in that area.

3. C Josh Myers

“By and large, the first-team offensive line has played extremely well against the first-team defensive front in the run game (not enough is being made of this), so the leader of the OL deserves a tip of the cap.” — Robby Sabo

The Jets’ offensive line has consistently overwhelmed the defensive line in practice. As the communicative leader of the starting lineup, Myers deserves some credit for his role in the unit’s consistency.

In terms of individual production, Myers is the weak link of the Jets’ offensive line. Nonetheless, New York decided to run it back with him as the starting center, and the primary motivation seemed to be continuity. Myers’ return as the starter means New York will have four of the same five starters who appeared in all 17 games last year.

So far, it seems like the Jets’ decision to prioritize continuity is paying off. In fairness, though, the offensive line has a major chemistry advantage against the defensive line, which is dealing with some injuries and features a bunch of new faces.

The regular season will be an entirely different test for Myers. With that being said, it’s still promising to see New York’s prioritization of continuity and chemistry paying some dividends in the early goings of camp.

4. TE Chase Curtis

“It’s possible this guy has the most receptions at training camp. Very few drops, only one I can remember, as he’s done a great job for a guy in his current position.” — Robby Sabo

A 26-year-old undrafted rookie out of TCU, Curtis has essentially no chance of making the Jets’ roster, barring injuries. He is buried on the depth chart behind Mason Taylor, Kenyon Sadiq, Jeremy Ruckert, Jelani Woods, and even fullback/tight end Andrew Beck.

Still, the first-year man is making a strong case for a practice squad spot.

5. WR Jamaal Pritchett

“There’s still something there with this youngster.” — Robby Sabo

As Jets X-Factor’s Connor Long broke down earlier today, Pritchett is the type of player who could become a late-summer trade chip for New York.

Pritchett was one of the brightest stars of training camp and preseason for the Jets in 2025, showing impressive elusiveness on offense and as a punt returner. However, he spent the entire season on the practice squad despite multiple cuts at returner.

Returning to New York on a futures deal, Pritchett likely has no chance of making the roster due to the Jets’ returner spots being locked down by Isaiah Williams and Kene Nwangwu (again, barring injuries, of course). But as evidenced by New York’s Brandon Codrington trade with the Buffalo Bills two years ago, a promising young returner can indeed fetch trade compensation at the end of the summer.

If he isn’t traded, Pritchett could provide solid special teams depth from the practice squad.

6. SCB Samuel Womack III

“By no means has he been stellar, but there have been really solid moments that catch the eye. Stays attached in 1v1, using eyes at the right moment, playing the role of pest-slot.” — Robby Sabo

Womack, 27, is entering his fifth NFL season after being chosen by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2022 draft.

The Toledo product has logged 46 career games, including 11 starts. He started the Jets’ 2025 season finale in his lone appearance for New York, making seven tackles and recording a pass breakup.

New York’s cornerback position is crowded; Brandon Stephens, Nahshon Wright, Azareye’h Thomas, and D’Angelo Ponds are roster locks, while Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and Qwan’tez Stiggers seem like near-locks. But with Ponds’ injury and Brownlee’s penalty issues (eight in seven games with the Jets), perhaps there will be a surprising path to a roster spot in the slot.