The Jets have made some significant moves, parting ways with promising players like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, along with a reliable cornerback, Michael Carter II. In their place, they’ve put their faith in the front office and scouts to turn three first-round picks and one second-round pick into impactful players in the coming years.
However, there’s an interesting angle that’s not getting much attention. Some of the talent the Jets traded for hasn’t quite developed as expected with their former teams. The organization believes in their coaching staff’s ability to unlock potential in these previously promising players, giving them a fresh start.
In a relatively low-key manner, the Jets have added a trio of former high-profile draft picks. They’re hoping these players can perform better in New York than they did previously.
The trade involving Gardner also brought the Colts’ 2024 second-round pick along with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. For Carter, the Jets received another wide receiver, John Metchie III, who was drafted in the second round by the Texans in 2022.
Furthermore, Williams’ trade included defensive tackle Maji Smith, along with the Cowboys’ 2023 first-round draft pick.
Looking ahead, let’s talk about a new prospect for the Jets, who aims to prove himself worthy of this new opportunity.
Adonai Mitchell
There was a moment that should have marked his first career touchdown—but it turned into a major turning point instead.
Back in Week 4, Mitchell, a second-year receiver with the Colts, faced off against defenders in a one-on-one matchup and caught a deep ball from Daniel Jones. He showcased his agility, evading both defenders and sprinting towards the end zone. Unfortunately, while trying to secure his position, the ball slipped from his hands just before he crossed the goal line, costing him what would have been a 75-yard touchdown.
Even though the Colts lost the game by seven points, that could have changed things for Mitchell. In that match, he was targeted four times, but strangely, in the remaining four games following it, he only saw the same number of targets.
“It’s just a crowded room over there [with the Colts],” Mitchell commented after his first practice with the Jets. “I don’t have any hard feelings towards the Colts. They gave me my chance as a second-round pick. Disappointment aside, I’m really excited to be here.”
Over his 25 games with the Colts, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Mitchell managed to catch 32 passes for 464 yards, which, considering the offensive struggles with Anthony Richardson last year, is still pretty impressive.
Can he step up as a solid No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson? Well, head coach Aaron Glenn believes he offers true competition, saying, “He’s a true X receiver and can win in one-on-one scenarios.”
John Metchie
Metchie’s journey has taken him through quite a few places: Taiwan, Ghana, Canada, Maryland, New Jersey, and Alabama. So, moving from the Texans to the Eagles and now the Jets is something he’s used to.
“I don’t know anything else,” Metchie reflected on his experience. “It’s just something that I have adapted to.”
The 6-foot receiver made his mark as a speedy route runner at Alabama, earning a second-round draft position in 2022. Unfortunately, his rookie season was cut short by a diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia. After a hard-fought recovery, he returned in 2023 but struggled to find his place in the Texans’ offense before being traded to Philadelphia, where again he found it crowded.
His own evaluation? “I think I’m really versatile. I bring a good physical attitude to both the pass and run game. I’m not locked into just one role; I’ve always managed to do everything asked of me since college.”
Glenn described Metchie as a “master when it comes to slot route concepts,” mentioning that both Metchie and Mitchell are likely to play in the upcoming game against the Browns, not only to learn the system but also to contribute beyond this weekend.
Maji Smith
During his time coaching the Lions, Glenn encountered Maji Smith, who stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 337 pounds.
“He’s a massive guy,” Glenn commented, noting that Smith possesses the traits any coach looks for in a defensive tackle.
Smith’s time in Dallas was a bit rocky, with only two sacks to show over two-and-a-half seasons, and he struggled in the latest games this season. “Things didn’t quite pan out for him there, but just like with the other new guys, we hope he can come here and find success with us,” Glenn expressed.
