Upon becoming a member of the Jets as an undrafted free agent final yr, Xavier Gipson managed to carve out a particular groups position. As his rookie season progressed, although, he additionally noticed elevated utilization as a receiver. That would have him in line for important snaps to start the 2024 marketing campaign.
Gipson served as New York’s main returner in 2023, and that position is prone to be his once more this season. The 23-year-old racked up 830 yards between his kick and punt returns, and his third-phase contributions had been after all highlighted by his game-winning landing in Week 1. Within the latter half of the marketing campaign, Gipson turned a daily on offense and that would stay the case within the fall.
Spring practices pointed to Gipson having a lead on the beginning slot receiver position over third-round rookie Malachi Corley, Brian Costello of the New York Put up writes. The latter established himself as a novel member of 2024’s extremely regarded receiver class particularly primarily based on his manufacturing after the catch. That ought to enable Corley to thrive within the slot, but when he takes time to acclimate to the professional recreation Gipson may keep a first-team position. The S.F. Austin alum posted 221 yards on 29 receptions final yr.
That manufacturing got here from a forty five% offensive snap proportion, and an uptick in utilization (coupled with, after all, a wholesome season for Aaron Rodgers) may result in a notable offensive output from Gipson. New York has Garrett Wilson atop the depth chart, and free agent signing Mike Williams will present the group with a vertical menace. Whereas Breece Corridor is about to shoulder a big workload within the backfield, a complementary position ought to await Gipson if he has a powerful coaching camp.
The competitors for a first-team slot position might be value watching because the summer time unfolds. Even when Corley manages to win it, nevertheless, Gipson ought to nonetheless be capable of make an affect within the return recreation. As his rookie season confirmed, a spot within the receiver pecking order can be cheap as properly.
