Jets' Training Camp Countdown: Potential Preseason Stock Risers

Who will make a name for themselves this summer in Florham Park?

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The Jets Country Training Camp Countdown, a series of nine questions, runs from July 10 through 18, counting down the days until rookies and veterans report to the New York Jets' facility on July 19.

Fans know what to expect from star players like Aaron Rodgers and Quinnen Williams, but the New York Jets' 2023 season could be defined by players who step up to make unexpected contributions.

Whether it's a former highly-touted draft pick who finally reaches his potential or a backup player primed to win a starting role, there could be some surprises that emerge during the NFL Preseason.

Looking to turn untapped potential into on-field results, these players are in position to boost their stock during training camp. 

Who are the potential pleasant surprises on the Jets' 90-man roster? Who will make a name for themselves this summer in Florham Park?

Here are four candidates (rookies not included).

Possible Breakout Players

Mekhi Becton, Offensive Tackle

Drafted as a foundational piece in 2020, the behemoth bookend has played only 15 regular season games since. Becton, who had success in 13 starts as a rookie left tackle, has been sidelined due to knee issues since the 2021 season opener. 

The 6-foot-7 slimmed-down Becton appears healthy heading into training camp where he'll have the chance to earn a starting tackle spot. 

"I think he’s probably in the best shape of his life. He’s got a smile on his face and he’s attacking it," said Saleh. "If he keeps approaching this offseason the way he has and he keeps attacking it the way he has, excited to see what he does with this fourth year."

The Jets declined to exercise the fifth-year option on Becton's rookie contract this spring, meaning the former No. 11 overall selection will be playing for his NFL future in 2023. 

Although he'll likely be a bit rusty out of the gate, a motivated Becton could potentially re-establish himself as a sufficient starter at a premium position.

OT Mekhi Becton / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Ruckert, Tight End

The second-year tight end built momentum during nine productive weeks of OTAs and it's now time to carry that over into training camp.

"He looks awesome. He’s hungry," said Saleh during the final week of the voluntary offseason program. "Last year, he had plantar fasciitis, as he was dealing with the foot injury all season, but he looks like a guy on a mission."

Ruckert's rookie season was plagued by a nagging foot injury before it even started. The 2022 third-round draft pick made only nine appearances last fall, almost exclusively on special teams. 

He earned only two targets as a pass-catcher in 2022, but the local product has a chance to seize the TE3 role behind Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah this summer. Ruckert, a Long Island native, was the No. 101 overall draft pick following a 44-game career at Ohio State.

Micheal Clemons, Defensive Line

The versatile defensive lineman displayed his athleticism during limited opportunities as a rookie in 2022. He appeared in 16 games, seeing snaps in the defensive line rotation and routinely contributing on special teams.

An expanded role could await Clemons depending upon his preseason performance. The ability to man multiple spots up front could bode well for the former fourth-round draft pick.

"He’s a guy that’s a good athlete outside, but he’s a great athlete inside, so it’ll be fun to see him get work at both," said defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich during OTAs.

The 6-foot-5 Clemons logged 311 defensive snaps last fall, accounting for 2.5 sacks and six quarterback hits. He was on the field for more than half of the special teams unit's plays and made game-changing punt block in a win over the Green Bay Packers.

"On first and second down, he can absolutely demolish the edge and be a great edge setter and do all that and still provide some rush out there," said Ulbrich about the bulked-up Clemons, who now weighs over 290 pounds. "But then on the passing downs, utilizing his athleticism and speed on the guards and centers."

DL Micheal Clemons hits QB Tyrod Taylor / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Jamien Sherwood, Linebacker

Kwon Alexander played 559 defensive snaps in 2022. The veteran weakside linebacker was not re-signed, setting up a competition for those reps.

Sherwood, a 2021 fifth-rounder, is the leading candidate heading into camp, but the special teamer has to prove he's suited for an expanded role. 

"[Sherwood] Wood’s doing a really nice job," said Saleh in early June. "He’s got it hard. He’s got to work between SAM and MIKE, so he’s got to do two positions at once and it’s year three for him. He looks really good though."

The third-year pro appeared in all 17 games last season, but he has recorded only 164 defensive snaps over 22 career outings. Sherwood has 31 tackles and one QB hit over his first two seasons out of Auburn.

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