Even on a roster filled with veteran talent, there are players poised to take their games to the next level
It is no secret that the New York Jets’ 2024 roster heavily relies on veterans.
Whether it is Aaron Rodgers at the quarterback position, Tyron Smith at left tackle, or Haason Reddick at edge rusher, New York’s success will largely be determined by the production of its oldest and most experienced players.
However, there is still a good amount of young talent on the roster that is poised to break out in 2024. These players are either ready to burst onto the national scene as superstars or could step up to help the team’s depth. Either way, these players will have an impact on the Jets’ 2024 season.
Will McDonald, Edge
With Bryce Huff in Philadelphia, the Jets’ 2023 first-round selection is in a great position to break out in 2024.
Surrounded by the likes of Haason Reddick, Jermaine Johnson, and Quinnen Williams, edge rusher Will McDonald has the surrounding pieces to help him succeed. These star defenders will draw attention away from McDonald, allowing him to take advantage of one-on-one matchups.
In his rookie year, the Iowa State product showed the ability to win as a pass rusher during his short spurts on the field, notching four sacks (two half, two full) and 12 pressures on just 99 total pass rush snaps. McDonald is explosive and powerful, allowing him to cause havoc.
Due to the recent departures on their defensive line, the Jets need their younger depth options to step up and continue to produce on a talented defense. If McDonald can capitalize on his potential, he will likely help the unit reach new heights.
Tony Adams, Safety
He’ll have to defend his starting role, as Robert Saleh recently announced a competition at the safety position. If he can prove himself, though, safety Tony Adams is in a position to become a mainstay in 2024.
Arriving in New York as a UDFA in 2022, Adams worked his way onto the field for limited snaps as a rookie. In 2023, he won the starting safety spot alongside Jordan Whitehead after Chuck Clark’s season-ending injury. While there were shaky moments in coverage, the Illinois product finished with three interceptions and two pass breakups, 60 tackles, and six quarterback pressures.
Having a full year of starting experience, Adams is set up to build upon his solid rookie season. He has had an entire offseason to develop as a player and understand the team’s playbook even further. Adams is also in a very player-friendly defensive scheme that should get the most out of his talents.
As a result, Adams could be more explosive and impactful on the back end of the Jets’ defense. His emergence would help solidify the team’s strong unit even further in 2024.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, Guard
Alijah Vera-Tucker‘s “breakout” is more health-related than any other player on this list.
When on the field, the former USC Trojan is a versatile weapon along the offensive line. Whether at tackle or guard, Vera-Tucker has shown an ability to quickly get into space to create holes or hold up against the best pass-rushers the sport has to offer.
However, those opportunities have been few and far between. In his last two seasons, Vera-Tucker has torn his pectoral and Achilles. These injuries have sidelined the offensive lineman for 22 games, leaving the Jets scrambling to replace him.
With a healthy 2024, Vera-Tucker should be able to squarely cement himself as one of the best offensive linemen in football. He has all of the talent and production necessary, but the offensive guard simply needs to stay on the field to have a breakout season in 2024.
Xavier Gipson, Wide receiver
Of all the players on the list, Xavier Gipson is the most interesting when looking at possible “breakouts.”
Gipson is currently projected to be one of the team’s primary backup receivers behind Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, and Malachi Corley. He also is the projected starter as a kick returner and punt returner.
As a result, it is entirely feasible that Gipson bursts onto the scene as a contributor in multiple spots. The second-year wideout has already begun to build a connection with Aaron Rodgers, who should be able to utilize his skills better than any of the Jets’ 2023 quarterbacks. Additionally, the new kickoff rules will likely allow a shifty, explosive player like Giposn to shine.
If the Stephen F. Austin product can provide a litany of splash plays as a receiver and break off some explosive returns, Gipson will prove invaluable to the team’s efforts in 2024.
Breece Hall, Running back
Regarding Breece Hall, one might ask what he is doing on a 2024 breakouts list.
He has already proven himself to be one of the most explosive and talented running backs in football. Whether looking at all-purpose yardage, touchdowns, or a combination of other metrics, one thing stays the same: Breece Hall is a star.
Yet, Hall’s placement on a breakout list is due to his potential to solidify himself as the best running back in the league.
With Aaron Rodgers under center and the upgrades made to the offensive line, Hall should have countless opportunities to rip off big plays in the passing and running games. He finally has the support to thrive as a player, which did not exist in previous seasons.
Hall has already had a season in which he eclipsed 1,500 all-purpose yards. Now in a much better position, the star running back could shatter that number and reach the elusive 2,000-yard season in 2024.
