Hidden Gems Headline Week 1 Winners from Jets' Camp

Taking a break on Friday and Saturday, the New York Jets have completed seven training camp practices, the last three of which were padded sessions. 

With roster spots and starting roles on the line, there have been a number of standouts, including a pair of under-the-radar prospects, who have strengthened their standing throughout the opening days of camp.

In particular, Jets Country has identified five performers worthy of High Honor Roll status for their opening week efforts.

The two biggest Week 1 winners are a pair of undrafted players — one rookie and one sophomore.

UDFA rookie Jason Brownlee is making an early case for a 53-man roster spot as the sixth receiver while second-year pro Tony Adams has become the favorite for the starting free safety job.

Brownlee, a Southern Miss product by way of Last Chance U, popped during springtime OTAs and earned Aaron Rodgers's attention with the quarterback specifically mentioning the young pass-catcher following the final offseason practice.

The 6-foot-2 Brownlee has had no trouble carrying that momentum into his first professional training camp. 

"Really like where he’s going," said head coach Robert Saleh after Practice No. 7. "We’re only a couple days in the pads. We’ve still got a lot of games to play. He still has a lot to prove, but he’s trending in that right direction."

The rising receiver has accounted for touchdowns during each of the past two practices. On Wednesday, Brownlee caught a pass from Zach Wilson in the end zone. Then, during Thursday's session, which was open to spectators, he beat All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner down the sideline for a 20-yard touchdown reception that came from Rodgers.

"He’s showing the ability to win on some of those go balls. Big boy routes, if you will, but he’s still got a long way to go with regards to developing his intermediate game," said Saleh.

During Sunday's open session, the last practice before the pads came on, Brownlee made an eye-popping contested catch on a deep pass from Wilson.

Brownlee, who led Southern Miss in receiving three years in a row, boosted his draft stock through a week-long performance at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Pasadena. The lesser-known prospect put in a productive practice week while going up against players from Power 5 conference programs. 

Helping the Jeff Fisher-coached American Team to victory in the senior all-star showcase, Brownlee gained 78 yards receiving on gameday.

"He’s doing a great job," said Saleh on Thursday. "We were actually, full disclaimer, not to get in Joe D’s {Douglas] business, but we were trying to draft him on Day 3. Opportunity just didn’t present, but he was in every discussion on all those Day 3 picks. When we were able to get him as a free agent, we’re really excited about it."

Last year, Adams was in a position similar to Brownlee's current situation. After being passed over in the draft, the Illinois product made the Jets' initial 53-man roster.

"I guess the cat is coming out of the bag a little bit. Tony has an unbelievable mental makeup," said Saleh on Wednesday. "Undrafted free agent, unseated, a bunch of guys who we all thought weren’t going to make the team last year, made it impossible for us to cut him."

Adams went on to make 11 appearances as a rookie and started the regular season finale in place of veteran Lamarcus Joyner at free safety.

When the Jets let Joyner walk in the offseason, a starting spot became available.

"Truthfully, you can say the next best person might be on the team already in Tony Adams — a guy who we all have confidence in. A guy who's played great football the little opportunity he's got. Showed up in camp every single day," said veteran defensive end John Franklin-Myers this past Sunday. 

Adams has seemingly made a notable play every day of the preseason thus far. 

In Practice No. 2, he showed enough speed to get over to the sideline and break up a deep ball intended for Mecole Hardman.

With the pads on for a second day on Wednesday (Practice No. 6), Adams intercepted Rodgers on a deep shot to Corey Davis.

"It was two-fold, one – I wanted to tell TA [Tony Adams] ‘Man, nice play on that interception,’ and two – I also want to remind him that was a free play because he jumped offsides," said Rodgers.

Adams continued to show well taking first-team reps on Thursday.

"Tony Does everything we ask of him and his efforts, strain, communication, football IQ, all of it is pretty damn good and he’s competing," said Saleh. "They’re in a competition with him Ashtyn [Davis], and [Adrian] Amos. They’re competing their tails off for that starting spot."

Other Week 1 Winners:

Greg Zuerlein

Leg-a-tron is the lone placekicker on the 90-man roster and he's given the Jets no reason to add another one.

Zuerlein was perfect on field goal attempts during open practices on July 22 and July 27. After going 5-for-5 last Saturday, the grizzled veteran made all seven attempts, while hitting from 50 and 55 yards out, on Thursday.

After a 30-of-37 clip, including a franchise-record 60-yard boot, Zuerlein re-signed to a one-year deal this past March.

Connor McGovern

The 30-year-old McGovern re-signed with the Jets four days before they drafted rookie center Joe Tippmann. 

Facing a battle to retain the starting job he's held for the last three seasons, McGovern appears to be earning the lion's share of first-team snaps thus far in camp. Versatile veteran Wes Schweitzer has been spotted with the second team while Tippmann seems to be starting out with the threes.

"I'm gonna treat it as it's my job and you gotta take it away from me. That's how it's been my last three years here," said McGovern after the first padded preseason practice.

The battle-tested McGovern, who has logged more offensive snaps than any Jet over the past three years, has an understanding of the new offensive scheme implemented by Nathaniel Hackett.

"It's a similar tree, that West Coast tree that we've had and that I feel like I fit well into. So, I'm excited," said McGovern.

Jermaine Johnson

The 2022 first-round draft pick has vowed to improve his performance and so far, Johnson's delivering. 

'Lack of explosion, lack of decisiveness, lack of confidence. It [last year's performance] didn't sit well with me. That's not me. I feel very confident that I'm going to put me on film this year," said Johnson after Practice No. 5 on Tuesday.

Tabbed a "breakout candidate" by Sports Illustrated, Johnson has shown explosion off the snap and has logged multiple "would be" sacks during preseason practices. He has received compliments from Saleh and All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.