The Facts: Wilson took home The Associated Press 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award Thursday night at NFL Honors.
Diehards Line:
Despite quarterback struggles in New York, Wilson shined, leading all rookies with 83 catches and 1,103 receiving yards (15th in NFL), the most by a Jets rookie in franchise history, while adding four touchdowns. The 6-foot wideout was the brightest spot in an otherwise struggling Gang Green offense -- particularly after fellow rookie Breece Hall went down with a season-ending injury. Wilson displayed stellar route-running for a rookie and explosive ability. Wilson led all rookies with 411 yards after the catch in 2022, 179 more than the next-closest receiver in his class, per Next Gen Stats. When Wilson was hit in stride, he made defenders miss through power or a quick juke step to gain extra yards. Wilson's 22 missed tackles forced after a reception finished second in the NFL behind only Deebo Samuel, per PFF, ahead of the likes of A.J. Brown, Brandon Aiyuk and Davante Adams. There are certainly areas for Wilson to grow in Year 2, most notably on contested catches, where he struggled at times, and building a rapport with whoever is under center for the Jets. But the foundation has been laid. In new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's scheme, Wilson owns the potential to spring Gang Green from middling to dangerous with a monster 2023.