'He Can Take That Mantle!' Mangold Picks Jets' Next Offensive Pro Bowler

Originally posted on FanNation Jets Country
By Anthony Liccardi | Last updated 2/10/24

In 2024, the New York Jets are banking on the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and – with his help – meaningful offensive production.

With playoff expectations coming back as quickly as their quarterback, the Jets will once again be tasked with taking on the spotlight that comes with Rodgers, along with the trials and tribulations of a marathon season.

Relevancy, though, is something New York’s offense hasn’t seen since 2015, when a 10-6 run nearly ended its playoff drought. In the eight years since the Jets’ only Pro Bowlers have come on defense and special teams.

Joining Paul Esden Jr., legendary New York center Nick Mangold gave his pick for the next Jets weapon, offensive lineman, or quarterback to make the Pro Bowl.

“I’m not biased because of my Ohio State connection I swear,” Mangold said. “But [Garrett Wilson] is a great receiver, a great person, I’m hoping he can take that mantle soon.”

Wilson, the 10th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is easily one of the Jets’ premier talents. Spurned by horrific quarterback play, the receiver has still managed back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career.

In 2023, he was targeted 168 times but only logged 95 catches, a testament to both his utilization and the ineffective nature of the offense. Even so, he found 1,042 yards and three scores.

Armed with competent quarterback play, Mangold is confident in what 2024 could hold for Wilson.

“If Aaron stays healthy and is slinging it around, I think Garrett Wilson is going to have a huge year,” he said.

A big year from that connection could land the Jets in the playoffs and end the Pro Bowl drought, a referendum on their success and the impact of quality quarterback play rather than the emergence of a star.

Wilson has already arrived as one of the league’s better receivers, it’s just a matter of earning the benefit of the doubt among the NFL’s best. The production Rodgers brings and the winning New York hopes will follow it may bridge that gap.

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