Geno Smith, quarterback, New York Jets
Geno Smith, quarterback, New York Jets
Geno Smith and Four Other Jets Shining at Training Camp
Geno Smith, starting quarterback for the New York Jets, has been impressive thus far in training camp. His first season back in New Jersey in a decade, and he’s been laser-focused this summer. In the midst of a crossroads of his career, the 14-year veteran is trying to make the most of what could be his last chance at being a starter. After fielding the league’s worst passing game in 2025, the team hopes the 35-year-old veteran can unlock an aerial attack to maximize the Jets young weapons on offense.
However, Geno Smith isn’t the only player turning heads. Training camp is the perfect opportunity for the coaching staff & front office to key in and filter the key contributors on the roster heading into September. Thus far, Smith is among five players who have taken full advantage of practice since camp opened. Let’s examine five key standouts at training camp through the first full week.
Geno Smith, quarterback, New York Jets Jets Week One quarterback
Jun 10, 2026; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) participates in a drill during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Geno Smith, quarterback
During the offseason, the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a trade that would reunite the Jets with Geno Smith, their 2013 second-round draft pick. Since leaving New York, Smith changed his narrative after a successful tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. However, after leading the league in interceptions in his lone season in Las Vegas last year, he needs a big season to retain his standing as a starting quarterback in this league. While 17 regular-season games still await, Geno Smith has been doing what’s necessary to place himself in a position to succeed this season.
With a guaranteed starting spot heading into Week 1 vs. the Tennessee Titans, the two-time Pro Bowl quarterback has had great command of the offense thus far. Geno Smith has made it a focal point to establish a connection with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Entering his 14th season, Smith is the oldest player in the projected starting offense. With questions about his effort as a leader, thus far, Smith has shown some growth. It remains to be seen if it will lead to more victories this season, but if Geno Smith keeps this up, the offense will look much better with the veteran under center.
Nov 30, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (15) reacts after a touchdown catch against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Adonai Mitchell, wide receiver
While the reunion between Geno Smith’s return generated buzz, no one on the Jets has grabbed more attention this offseason than Adonai Mitchell. The young Jets wide receiver has been making waves in his first full offseason in New York. The former Indianapolis Colts second-round pick has been cruising through practice and was the talk of OTAs back in May. Along with playing with Smith, one benefit of the offseason appears to be working with veteran offensive coordinator Frank Reich.
Before becoming the Panthers head coach in 2023, Reich was both a former head coach and wide receiver coach with the Indianapolis Colts in two separate tenures. One player Reich worked closely with was longtime Colts wide receiver-turned-coach Reggie Wayne. During his time on the team and even after being traded away, Wayne has routinely spoken fondly of Mitchell’s potential. Perhaps Reich’s relationship with Wayne has given the Jets offensive coordinator the blueprint for helping Mitchell. Whether or not that’s the case, the results in practice have given fans hope that a breakout season awaits the former Texas Longhorn.
Jelani Woods, tight end
Heading into training camp, some fans were disappointed in the fact that 16th overall pick Kenyon Sadiq must wait a bit longer to make his debut. After undergoing hernia surgery in May, the Jets rookie tight end had a setback in his recovery. However, Sadiq is reportedly not in jeopardy of missing the season opener vs. the Tennessee Titans in September. While Sadiq recovers, the opportunity for valuable practice reps is there for the taking behind second-year tight end Mason Taylor.
Thus far, the biggest benefactor has been veteran Jelani Woods. The former Indianapolis Colt played three seasons before signing with New York last year. Coincidentally, the Colts drafted Woods in the third round during Frank Reich’s final season as head coach. Now reunited in New York, the offensive coordinator has relied on that familiarity with Woods to help collaborate with the team to teach the team how Reich operates the offense. The veteran tight end has even begun to develop some good chemistry on the field with Geno Smith and rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik.
David Bailey, edge rusher, New York Jets, Jets training camp dates
Jun 10, 2026; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets edge David Bailey (31) warms up during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
David Bailey, edge rusher
While Kenyon Sadiq’s debut has to wait, fans were getting a promising look to the future watching second overall pick David Bailey during practice. The Texas Tech Red Raider set college football ablaze with an incredible senior season, both leading the NCAA in sacks and leading the Big 12 conference champions to their first College Football Playoff berth in school history. Now, wearing his new head coach’s old number, Jets training camp sees David Bailey begin his journey in what should hopefully be a fruitful career in the NFL, learning from Aaron Glenn and respected defensive line coach Karl Dunbar.
Thus far, Bailey has been as good as advertised in padded practices. Going up against two promising offensive tackles, Armand Membou and Olu Fashanu, Bailey has more than held his own against the Jets duo of offensive linemen. The trio of Jets first-round picks from 2024 to 2026 have been working off each other, sharpening their skills when on the field to get an advantage in the trenches. Bailey has managed to get after Geno Smith a few times for what would be sacks. In addition, despite pre-draft concerns, Bailey has even taken strides in playing against the run more effectively as well.
Dec 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Isaiah Williams (18) celebrates with teammates after returning a punt for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Isaiah Williams, wide receiver/punt returner
Finally, our final player was one of the few positive carryovers from last year’s disastrous season. Despite going 3-14, the New York Jets special teams unit was the team’s biggest strength. Special teams coordinator Chris Banjo benefited from a unit led by veteran kicker Nick Folk, promising punter Austin McNamara, and two explosive returners in Kene Nwangwu and Isaiah Williams. Williams finished 2025 with 1,480 all-purpose yards and two punt return touchdowns.
While Williams will remain a focal point as a returner, training camp has allowed him to earn more opportunities on offense. With a desire to evolve their deep passing game, Williams’ speed will come in handy as the Jets push the ball down the field. Along with Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and rookie Omar Cooper Jr, wide receiver depth will be key for Geno Smith to have a bounce-back season. After losing for 10 games last season due to a knee injury, the Jets have to be prepared for their other receivers to step up. Any strides Williams can take as a wide receiver will be a crucial asset.
Main Photo: [John Jones] – Imagn Images