'He's Special': Aaron Rodgers Gives High Praise To Ex Buckeyes Star Garrett Wilson

Garrett Wilson recieved a shoutout on "Hard Knocks" Tuesday night by the four-time MVP quarterback.

Author:
Cole Thompson
Aug 23, 2023 6:05 PM EDT

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Before he touched down in the Big Apple this offseason, Aaron Rodgers made a living on connecting with All-Pro receiver Davante Adams as a member of the Green Bay Packers.

Could former Ohio State Buckeyes star Garrett Wilson be Adams 2.0 for Rodgers with the New York Jets in 2023?

During Tuesday's episode of HBO's Hard Knocks, the four-time MVP quarterback praised Wilson for his maturation and skills in training camp. While he didn't compare the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year to Adams, Rodgers mentioned how dynamic Wilson could be in the league for years to come.

"He's special," Rodgers said following joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "He's so (expletive) quick, I'm like missing the wrong shoulder. He gets out of his breaks so quick.

"Yeah, he's special, though. [The] best part is, he's a good dude."

Drafted 10th overall in 2022, Wilson took over as Gang Green's top weapon as a rookie, recording a team-high 1,103 receiving yards on 83 receptions. The former Buckeye also finished with four touchdowns, mainly due to the ineptness at quarterback.

Rodgers, 39, is expected to be the missing link that ends New York's 13-year playoff drought. After spending 18 seasons with the NFC North franchise, Rodgers was traded during the offseason in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick (No. 42), a 2023 sixth-round pick (No. 207) and a conditional 2024 second-round pick that becomes a first if Rodgers plays 65 percent of the reps this season.

New York (No. 13) and Green Bay (No. 15) also swapped 2023 first-round picks to finalize the deal.

Adams, who now plays for the Las Vegas Raiders, became a two-time All-Pro as Rodgers' go-to target at Lambeau Field and five-time Pro Bowl selection. The duo was viewed as one of the league's more dangerous tandems, often resulting in deep postseason pushes under former coach Mike McCarthy and current coach Matt LaFleur.

Calling Wilson the next Adams would be far-fetched by anyone entering the season, but Rodgers has continued to trust him as the No. 1 option in the passing game at practice. Last season, Wilson averaged 13.3 yards per catch and 64.9 yards per game while working with quarterbacks like Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White.

Few receivers matched Wilson's cons during his time in Columbus. In three seasons with the Buckeyes, he totaled 2,213 receiving yards and 23 touchdown receptions on 143 catches. His best year came in 2021 when he finished with career-highs in catches (70), receiving yards (1,058) and touchdowns (13).

Fans of Ohio State and the Jets will get to see the connection of Rodgers and Wilson on display Saturday at MetLife Stadium when Rodgers makes his team debut in the final season game against the New York Giants. The Jets open the regular season on Sept. 11 against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.