New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (0) runs for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024.
While nobody would blame you for tempering expectations for the New York Jets as a team in 2025, they are no different from any other club in that they could see some breakout performances from individual players this season.
With training camp opening up, here are are five players to keep an eye on.
S Andre Cisco: It feels like the last time the Jets had a true ball hawking safety in their secondary was back in the late 2000s when Kerry Rhodes was back there on defense. With the addition of Cisco
via free agency, we think a Jets safety picking off five or more passes could be a thing again this season. Cisco was a ball hawk in college and has shown flashes as a pro. With Aaron Glenn running the show, we think Cisco has a chance to be Glenn’s next breakout safety.LB Quincy Williams: How can a proven all-pro possibly have a breakout season, you ask? By putting up career numbers in getting to the quarterback to disrupt the passing game. Quincy Williams is explosive enough to rack up double-digit sacks if given the chance to rush the quarterback. With Aaron Glenn and Steve Wilks running the defense, expect him to get that chance this season. The fact that Williams is also playing for a new contract won’t hurt either.
RB Braelon Allen: Expect plenty of ground and pound this season as the Jets look to control the clock and dominate the line of scrimmage. With that being the case, Allen should see a significant uptick in carries which we think will lead to big things.
DT Leonard Taylor III: The top UDFA on the Jets roster last season, Taylor was a post-draft “head scratcher” as many draftniks wondered aloud as to why he didn’t get picked. Taylor showed in limited reps last season that he has the tools to be an effective pro. With his rookie season behind him and some experience under his belt, look for Taylor to make a big jump in year two.
TE Jeremy Ruckert: Full disclosure…this is more wishful thinking than anything. Ruckert is the only guy on this list who hasn’t had some moments as a pro that make him look as if he can be a much better player than he has up to this point. This selection is based on two simple facts. First, of course, is that Justin Fields is his quarterback once again. Second? Ron Middleton is gone. The much-loved former TE coach was a likeable personality, but in his time here we didn’t see a single tight end show notable improvement at any point. More familiar QB and coaching that (we think!) can’t get any worse, this is Ruckert’s shot to shine. If he flops, he’s gone.