Since he entered the league in 2022, the New York Jets have struggled to find a reliable running mate for Garrett Wilson.

Four years later, and perhaps the Jets have found that complement they’ve spent years searching for: Adonai Mitchell.

Eight weeks through the 2026 season, the Jets may be 2-6, but their pass-catching development has been encouraging. At wide receiver, with Wilson and Mitchell, the Jets have arguably established the best duo in one crucial area: getting open.

Your team. Your final drive.

Jet X Final Drive

Ten Jets eras. One defining finish.
Take the headset when the game is on the line.

Call the plays, manage the clock and chase a score—or make the stop. Choose your era and log in to post Coach Points.

Learn More

Explore Final Drive and choose your era. Fresh situations. Every time.

The separation success

Let’s start with ESPN’s Open Score, which measures a receiver’s ability to get open using Next Gen Stats’ tracking data. This season, here’s where Wilson and Mitchell rank among WRs:

  • Wilson: 82 Open Score (T-2nd)
  • Mitchell: 69 Open Score (9th)

Yes, the Jets have two WRs who rank in the top 10 of that metric, including Wilson, who ranks second. Combined, they have an open score of 151.

Among other WR duos, the closest is the Dallas Cowboys’ pairing of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Lamb is tied for 22nd with an Open Score of 62, while Pickens is tied for 18th at 63. That’s a combined score of 125, a whopping 26 points behind Mitchell and Wilson.

Open Score isn’t the only metric that indicates Mitchell and Wilson have been elite at creating separation this season. According to Pro Football Focus’ separation grades, they both rank above the 90th percentile among WRs with at least 100 routes run. Mitchell sits around the 97th percentile, while Wilson ranks around the 92nd.

Wilson has been one of the NFL’s best route runners and one of the most consistent players at his position entering this season, despite putting up with consistent low-level quarterback play.

Let’s focus on Mitchell, though. He flashed solid separation tools during his first two years in the league, but did not have the production to show for it. Now, everything is starting to come together for the 24-year-old pass-catcher, including his 142-yard game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, which set a career-high.

On the PFF chart, he ranks ahead of elite WRs like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Mike Evans, and Chris Olave in separation percentile. Ranking ahead of those guys in an area like separation is very promising for his outlook, especially as the No. 2 to Wilson.

Separation is arguably the most promising specific trait that this duo could thrive in. It matters because it shows both players haven’t just been beneficiaries of favorable matchups or benefited from a handful of explosive plays. Getting open is one of the most valuable skills a wide receiver can possess. Regardless of tools, if you can’t consistently create separation, it’s going to be difficult to produce.

Separation is also independent of quarterback play. Geno Smith has been excellent for the Jets this season, but looking at Wilson and Mitchell’s separation numbers shows that they are winning at a high level before the ball even comes their way.

For the first time in his career, the Jets may have actually found a strong running mate for Wilson.