Three Things We Learned from Twitter as Jets Opened Off-season Program
The New York Jets are back in action at the team facility, but there's still plenty of time before the pads start popping again.
The National Football League's regulated off-season program officially kicked off for Gang Green on April 17 as 26 total teams were permitted to begin activities.
The nine-week schedule consists of three phases during which different levels of player activity are permitted.
Only "meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation" can occur during the program's first two weeks (Phase 1). OTAs, or organized team practice activity, cannot happen until the final four weeks of the program (Phase 3).
Keep in mind, live contact is prohibited during OTAs with only 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills allowed.
The Jets will wrap up the nine-week schedule by hosting a three-day minicamp (June 13-15).
Although no earth-shattering news broke, there were a few notable Day 1 developments reported on Twitter.
Quinnen Williams Absent
In an expected occurrence, All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was a Day 1 no-show.
ESPN's Rich Cimini initially predicted that Williams would not be present without a new deal. Slated to play on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, the former No. 3 overall draft pick is seeking long-term security at market value.
Williams, an All-Pro First Team selection, recorded 12.0 sacks and 28 quarterback hits over 16 starts in 2022.
There is no penalty for non-attendees as the off-season program is voluntary per NFL CBA guidelines. The first mandated commitment comes on June 13 when the Jets’ three-day mini camp begins.
Zach to Work
Former No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson has been spotted in attendance.
Wilson lost his starting job during the 2022 campaign and head coach Robert Saleh referred to the 23-year old quarterback as "No. 2" while speaking at the NFL Owners Meetings last month.
NFL Network reporter Judy Battista recently analyzed Wilson's current standing with the team during an on-air network appearance.
Owning an 8-14 record over 22 career starts, Wilson has accounted for a below-average 55.2 completion percentage while throwing 15 touchdown passes to 18 interceptions. The former BYU Cougar started nine games in 2022, passing for 121 yards or fewer four times in (44.4 percent of starts).
On multiple occasions, Saleh has noted that the Jets are not giving up on the once-heralded prospect.
“I’ve been in contact with Zach since the end of the season. I think he’s in a great mental state. I know he’s been working his butt off back home,” said Saleh during a late-March press conference. “I really still think Zach has a future in this league to be a really good quarterback. He has the work ethic. He has the mindset. We’re counting on him to be a fixture for a while.”
Breece is Back
The Jets' social media team shared a video clip of running back Breece Hall arriving at the facility for Day 1 of the off-season program.
The second-year pro saw his rookie season end early due to a torn ACL injury, but there have been optimistic reports about his progress in the recovery process.
“Breece (Hall) looks fantastic,” said Saleh at the league meetings.
Saleh’s report was consistent with the update that general manager Joe Douglas delivered one month earlier at the NFL Combine.
“Yeah, Breece is doing great in his recovery. I know he had a visit with Dr. Cooper in Dallas, and he’s progressing great,” said Douglas.
Possibly back to full strength for the 2023 opener, Hall adds another game-breaking element to the Jets' offense. The Iowa State product totaled 681 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns over his first seven NFL games. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry.
READ MORE:
Jets Country's 2023 Offseason Personnel Tracker
No Quinnen Williams for Voluntary Workouts, No Problem
Gang Green Boss Takes Last Spot in Top Half of NFL GM Rankings
