Top Players to Watch in Jets Preseason Opener

For the first time in the 2024 season, the New York Jets are about to play a football game.

New York opens their preseason schedule with a home contest against the Washington Commanders - a contest that will provide the Jets plenty of opportunities to see some of their top players perform in preparation for the start of the season.

As with any game, there are some key players to watch for throughout the contest. Let's take a look at the biggest names to watch today for Gang Green.

Will McDonald

McDonald, as a second-year player, will be making an appearance today - or at least is expected to. The former first-round pick dominated in drills during joint practice so he shouldn't be out too long at this point.

Malachi Corley

Corley has looked good at times this camp, but a game setting is where the Jets should get a good look at his physical skillset overall. His speed and power are something that enamored the team in the draft process which could lead to a big day today.

Joe Tippmann

Tippmann is the lone projected starter along the offensive line to be playing Saturday, and for good reason. While the second-year center has shown moments of brilliance, his inconsistent snaps have forced the Jets to drill home even harder the basics for the Wisconsin product. A good day today should quell those concerns.

Zaire Barnes

Barnes is a special teams ace for New York, so seeing how he operates on the new kickoff rules will be interesting to watch. Outside of that, the fact that Jamien Sherwood, C.J. Mosley, and Quincy Williams are all expected to be out today means there will be a lot of playing time for Barnes.

Related: How To Watch: Jets Open Preseason Slate Against Commanders

Jarrick Bernard-Converse

New York's young secondary will be tested against second overall pick Jayden Daniels and Bernard-Converse has the opportunity to step up in a major way. He's been an early winner and training camp and he could help himself even more today.