Jets OTA Observations
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that shorts and t-shirts mean low intensity during the Jets’ practices ahead of the Club Med holiday.
Even in springtime, there’s a palpable tension when the NFL limits padding and live contact. During Tuesday’s OTA, there were a couple of minor scuffles after the whistle, though thankfully they didn’t escalate into anything serious. At one point, Glenn paused practice.
“It started getting a bit— I don’t want to call it ‘physical’— but I was pushing it. You try to rein it in, but, well, we’re all just in our undergear. Let’s get back to practice and move on. It happens; that’s football. You adjust and keep going,” Glenn commented.
It’s not uncommon for tempers to flare during training camp. As the heat climbs into the 90s, fatigue sets in and the monotony can lead to increased physicality, often culminating in a punch or two being thrown. Receiver Josh Reynolds, who practiced against formidable defenses with the Lions from 2021 to 2023, understands the competitive spirit that drives players.
“We practice with a purpose. Winning is the goal, and improving is essential. We focus on techniques and finishing plays,” Reynolds explained. “When everyone’s trying to win, it can get a little chippy. But that competitive edge is just part of the mix.”
Notable absentees from the OTA included CB Sauce Gardner, DT Quinnen Williams, DE Will McDonald, and DE Micheal Clemons. All OTAs are voluntary, with mandatory minicamps kicking off next Tuesday.
After practice, Gardner took to X to rank himself as the top corner in the NFL, responding to a profile list he appeared on. “They can’t stop fakes and forced narratives. They were just one of those,” he added, finishing with a shy emoji.
As for Clemons, who was missing from an OTA covered by various media, Glenn took a moment to defend him. “He was here,” he said. “The other day we mentioned how we were 100% involved. We don’t want to spin a story about him not being here.”
Practice featured some impressive catches, notably when Garrett Wilson leaped to snag a pass from QB Justin Fields, right over Michael Carter II.
Rookie tight end Mason Taylor is clearly vying for a starting position. “It’s the blocking that motivates me,” Glenn stated. “He knows what he can achieve in the passing game, but his actions in the running game—his position, body language, and leverage—those are what I really admire.”
Amidst it all, owner Woody Johnson, vice-president Christopher Johnson, and general manager Darren Mowgie watched practice from the sidelines, indicating their active involvement in the team’s development. Additionally, the Jets have brought on a Senior Scout/Special Project and enhanced their scouting team with TJ McLight as a Pro Scout and Bird Sheryl as a College Scout.
