We all remember at draft time Garrett Wilson was largely considered the top WR in the draft. One term that was almost always mentioned as the most impressive thing about him was his "catch radius". It was often mentioned more prominently than the basic athletic tools - "speed", "agility", "hands", etc. - that are commonplace when discussing elite receivers, to the point that I don't know that I've ever seen another case where a fairly specific or niche term was used as much as the defining characteristic of an elite college football talent. You'd usually see the specific terms thrown on as a cherry on top at the end, but in Garrett's case "catch radius" was one of the main things many analysts pointed to. Nine games into his rookie year, and holy hell was that an accurate depiction of what makes him special. He's definitely fast, incredibly elusive, and all the other stuff you'd want. But, while he's had his share of drops, ball placement is as irrelevant to him as any wide receiver I've ever seen - if you get it near him there's a very real opportunity for him to not just pluck the ball out of the air, but continue on with the play. Behind him, above him, down low, with a defender on him, he always seems to have a real chance to make the catch. It's to the point where my main concern for him right now is injury based on him being able to contort to make catches most can't, and leaving himself open to punishment. Here are some GIFs of examples - many of his catches that illustrate his skill didn't even have an alternate angle replay because they just looked so mundane at the time, so it's tough to clip them. I hope to keep adding examples to this thread as the season goes on, and feel free to chip in to highlight this kid's amazing ability to get to the ball wherever it's thrown. What a joy it's been to watch this kid play for the Jets so far.
The kid's been a very pleasant surprise.... especially at a position that often has one of the longer "development periods" at the NFL level
Episode 10 of One Jets Drive had two new angles of Garrett's catches. I had been looking for this one in particular because catching the ball after it was pretty much by him looked so crazy in real time, but they never showed a replay on the broadcast. The live broadcast: 1JD angle:
I hope before the season is over he has a really breakout game. Like 11/195 yards range. This isn't a Zach shot or anything so no one take it personally, but imagine if he had a Joe Burrow, or at worst an experience guy like Kirk Cousins throwing him the ball. His numbers would be off the charts. Maybe not Justin Jefferson, or Ja'marr Chase but Jaylen Waddle at least in their rookie years.
Garrett Wilson is going to be an f’n star in this league. I’m not sure he was the best prospect in the draft, it was kind of pick your flavor, but he is perfect for us and this is going for be amazing to watch.
I I've watched a lot of his former teammate Chris Olave and he is certainly having a good season in NO. They have a more sufficient passing attack yet their numbers are incredibly similar. Wilson however is the more polished overall receiver and has great quickness in short areas. I could see why Wilson was considered the top overall prospect at his position. If Zach is the guy we hope he can be then G Wilson is gonna hopefully be a Justin Jefferson like star for us. I think he's that good.
It is but for maybe the first time in my lifetime we might be able to look for a QB to bring here with an OL and playmakers already here and not the other way around (OL needs a little work but not this bad when healthy)
It's crazy because it's not all hands and arms creating his catch radius. Today White put the ball on a rope over second level's leaping outstretched try, and instead of going up and picking the ball out of the air to leave himself exposed and create a difficult catch with the ball slightly behind him, Garrett throws like a 40" vertical into the equation so he can make a difficult catch into a much more simple and protected one. Oh, and then he shook everyone on the field and scored a touchdown. Kid's crazy.
G. Wilson wins his 3rd rookie of the week award and the Jets 8th time winning the award this year. There have been 4 total non Jet winners this year. https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/je...-nfl-s-pepsi-zero-sugar-rookie-of-the-week-12
That's how special he is, that leap in the air was an anticipated change of direction because he saw the other safety on the ground. You can see him shifting the direction of his hips and feet in mid air so he could land the plant. He was already planning on shaking that corner. Love this dude.
This kid may one day be a 2000 yard receiver, he is insanely good as a rookie imagine when he gets some experience? If Mike White is his Qb all year he easily hits 1500 yards this year. No wonder he was so upset with Zack!!! This kid is a stud!! This is really the 1st time the Jets hit on a high pick on a wide receiver, even Keyshawn didn't really live up to the hype. This kid is special!!! Makes up for drafting bust Zack Wilson!!!
