Garrett Wilson's Remarkable Rookie Season Earns Praise from Two-time Super Bowl Champ

Receiver Mecole Hardman said Wilson's presence was a factor in his decision to sign with the Jets

In only one season, New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson has made quite an impression around the National Football League.

The 2022 first-round draft pick gained 1,103 yards receiving, despite the Jets’ unstable quarterback situation, en-route to capturing the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

In addition to the postseason accolades, Wilson has caught the attention of his peers, including newly-signed free agent receiver Mecole Hardman.

“They got a great second-year player in Garrett Wilson who had an absolutely unbelievable year. Guys of those names, just to play alongside them is attractive,” said Hardman, who also mentioned receiver Allen Lazard during his Jets’ introductory media session on March 23.

Hardman, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, brings more proven speed into the Jets’ receivers’ room. The Chiefs’ former second-round draft pick ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33s at the 2019 NFL Combine.

Meanwhile, Wilson, who is about two inches taller than Hardman, registered a 4.38s 40 time in 2022 (anything under 4.40s is considered ideal for an NFL receiver).

After being selected 10th overall by the Jets last year, Wilson quickly lived up to his first-round draft status. The Ohio State product enjoyed his first professional 100-yard receiving game in a Week 2 win over Cleveland.

Garrett Wilson scored two touchdowns in a road win over the Browns / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Wilson, who made at least one reception in all 17 games, led the 2022 Jets in every major receiving category while doubling the amount of yardage gained by the team’s next-best pass-catcher.

The 6-foot Wilson, who played 79 percent of Gang Green’s offensive snaps, recorded first downs on 56 of his 83 receptions. He gained 384 yards after the catch.

Jets’ fans are understandably excited about Wilson potentially teaming up with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP. Wilson made for a remarkable rookie season while playing with four different signal callers.

Gang Green quarterbacks combined for 14 touchdown passes, 14 interceptions and a 56.98 completion percentage during the 2022 campaign. In what was considered a “down” year for him statistically speaking, Rodgers completed 64.6 percent of passes for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns to 12 interceptions.

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