Rookie Development Focus in Tough Season for the New York Jets

The 2023 NFL season has been a challenging one for the New York Jets, with injuries to key players, inconsistent performances, and a playoff push that fell short of expectations. Yet amid the struggles, the team has maintained a clear priority: prioritizing rookie development. For the Jets, a season filled with losses hasn’t been a setback for long-term success—it’s been an opportunity to give young players valuable game reps, test their resilience, and integrate them into the team’s culture. From early-round draft picks to undrafted free agents, the Jets have leaned on rookies in critical roles, using the tough stretches as a classroom to prepare them for future contention. Rookie Development Focus in Tough Season for the New York Jets explores how the team has balanced short-term competition with long-term growth, the specific rookies making an impact, and why this focus on youth could define the Jets’ success in the years to come.

One of the most notable examples of the Jets’ rookie development focus is the playing time afforded to offensive tackle Carter Warren, a fourth-round draft pick out of Pittsburgh. Warren, who was projected to be a backup in his first season, was thrust into a starting role in Week 8 after starting left tackle Duane Brown suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Despite the sudden responsibility and the pressure of facing top-tier edge rushers (including the Bills’ Von Miller and the Dolphins’ Jaelan Phillips), Warren has shown steady improvement. In his first three starts, he allowed 4 sacks and 6 quarterback hits, but by Week 14, those numbers dropped to 1 sack and 0 hits against the Texans’ talented defensive line. The Jets’ coaching staff has been patient with Warren, working with him daily on technique—specifically hand placement and footwork—and giving him film sessions to review his mistakes. “Carter’s growth has been remarkable,” said Jets offensive line coach John Benton. “We knew he had the physical tools, but the mental part of playing tackle in the NFL takes time. This season’s challenges have forced him to learn fast, and he’s rising to the occasion.” Warren’s development isn’t just about individual growth; it’s about securing the Jets’ offensive line future, as Brown is set to become a free agent in 2024. Rookie Development Focus in Tough Season for the New York Jets emphasizes that Warren’s journey is a perfect example of how the Jets are using a tough season to turn rookies into future starters.

The Jets’ focus on rookie development extends beyond the offensive line to the defensive side of the ball, particularly with linebacker Zaire Barnes, an undrafted free agent from Western Michigan. Barnes, who wasn’t expected to make the active roster, earned a spot after a strong training camp and has since become a key special teams contributor and rotational linebacker. In Week 10, against the Bills, Barnes recorded his first career tackle for loss and forced a fumble on a kickoff return, helping the Jets secure a 20-17 win. What makes Barnes’ development stand out is the intentionality behind his reps: the Jets have given him specific roles in sub-packages (like covering tight ends in the flat) and paired him with veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley for one-on-one film sessions. Mosley, a Pro Bowler with eight years of NFL experience, has mentored Barnes on reading offensive formations and staying disciplined in run defense. “Zaire has a hunger to learn, and that’s the first step in development,” Mosley said. “The fact that the coaches trust him to play in key situations—even when we’re in close games—shows how much they believe in his potential.” Barnes has also embraced the tough moments, using a Week 12 loss to the Eagles (where he missed two tackles) as motivation to work extra on tackling drills. Rookie Development Focus in Tough Season for the New York Jets highlights that Barnes’ success as an undrafted rookie is a testament to the Jets’ ability to identify talent and nurture it, even in a season with few wins.

The New York Jets have also implemented structured development programs to support their rookies, ensuring they have the resources to grow both on and off the field. One such program is the “Rookie Mentorship Initiative,” which pairs every first-year player with a veteran on the same position group. For example, rookie wide receiver Jason Brownlee (a seventh-round pick) is mentored by veteran Allen Lazard, who helps him with route running, pre-game preparation, and navigating the off-field demands of the NFL. The New York Jets also hold weekly “Rookie Workshops” focused on topics like film study, nutrition, and mental health—areas that are often overlooked but critical to long-term success. “We don’t just want our rookies to play well—we want them to thrive as professionals,” said Jets head coach Robert Saleh. “These programs give them the tools to handle the ups and downs of an NFL season, especially when the wins are hard to come by.” The team’s investment in development has paid off in player retention: all 10 of the Jets’ 2023 draft picks made the initial 53-man roster or practice squad, a rare feat for an NFL team. This level of commitment has also boosted team morale, as rookies feel valued even when the team is struggling. Rookie Development Focus in Tough Season for the New York Jets shows that the New York Jets are building a sustainable development culture—one that doesn’t just rely on game reps but on intentional support systems to help rookies reach their potential.

Another key part of the New York Jets’ rookie development focus is their willingness to let rookies make mistakes and learn from them, rather than benching them at the first sign of struggle. This approach is evident with rookie quarterback Jordan Travis, a fifth-round pick who was called upon to start in Week 15 after starter Aaron Rodgers suffered a recurrence of his Achilles injury. Travis threw two interceptions in his first start (a loss to the Chiefs) but was given the start again in Week 16 against the Falcons. In that game, he improved, completing 62% of his passes for 210 yards and 1 touchdown, even in a narrow loss. The New York Jets’ coaching staff didn’t shy away from addressing Travis’ mistakes—they reviewed the interceptions with him in detail—but they also emphasized the progress he made. “Quarterback development is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. “Jordan made mistakes, but he also showed poise in the pocket and made some great throws. Giving him another start let him build confidence and apply what he learned from the first game.” Travis has also benefited from working with Rodgers during the week, as the veteran quarterback has shared insights on reading defenses and managing game tempo. Rookie Development Focus in Tough Season for the New York Jets underscores that the New York Jets’ patience with Travis is a long-term play—they’re not just looking for a fill-in quarterback, but for someone who could eventually compete for the starting job.

As the season comes to an end, the New York Jets are already evaluating the success of their rookie development focus, using data and coach feedback to identify areas for improvement. For example, they’ve noted that rookies like Warren and Barnes have shown the most growth when given consistent reps and clear feedback, so they plan to double down on those elements in 2024. The New York Jets also plan to use the off-season to build on the rookies’ progress, with specialized training camps for position groups and additional mentorship opportunities. For the rookies themselves, the tough season has been a valuable learning experience—one that has taught them resilience, work ethic, and what it takes to compete in the NFL. “This season was hard, but it made me better,” Warren said. “The coaches trusted me, the veterans helped me, and I feel ready to compete for a starting spot next year.” For the New York Jets, the focus on rookie development isn’t just about preparing for next season—it’s about building a foundation for sustained success. Rookie Development Focus in Tough Season for the New York Jets concludes that while the 2023 season may not have brought the wins the Jets hoped for, it has laid the groundwork for a brighter future. By investing in their rookies during a tough stretch, the New York Jets have turned adversity into opportunity—proving that even in loss, there’s room for growth.