Aaron Rodgers says Garrett Wilson has 'potential to be really special'
Aaron Rodgers didn’t hold back when talking about young teammate and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
The second-year man out of Ohio State has a future Hall of Famer tossing him the football this season and could be Rodgers’ favorite target. Rodgers is noteworthy of his praise of former teammate Davante Adams when the two played together in Green Bay.
Perhaps Wilson is the next star No. 17 to catch passes from Rodgers.
“I think pretty quick,” Rodgers said during the Jets’ preseason opener regarding how fast Wilson can be great. “I think (the receiving group is a bunch of) smart guys. They’re talented guys. And that’s what we did a lot in the offseason, during the OTA time was just a lot of conversation around what we’re trying to do or what we’re trying to accomplish, what to be ready for.
“But Garrett, he’s a special talent. And obviously, you know, Joe has done a great job of drafting the offensive and defensive rookie of the year last year with you know, my new best friend Sauce and Garrett is just one amazing kid.”
Aaron Rodgers raves over Jets WR Garrett Wilson
Wilson finished his rookie season with 83 catches, 1,103 yards, four touchdowns and 13.3 yards per catch. It earned him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
“You know, I have so much love and respect for DaVante (Adams), I feel like he’s the best receiver in the league,” Rodgers said. “So I don’t say this lightly, but there are definitely traits that this 17 has, that that special 17 has as well. I’m not gonna put him in that category yet because, you know, DaVante is in a category by himself but Garrett has the potential to really be special because he’s got all the right things and he’s got incredible talent.”
Wilson starred at Ohio State before getting to the league. But despite playing just one season as a pro, Wilson carries himself like a 10-year veteran, according to Rodgers.
“He’s got a great work ethic,” Rodgers said. “And he’s a freaking great kid and he really is a good human being. He cares about it, carries himself the right way. Carries himself like a seasoned vet, but he’s got a humility that you’d love to see from a young player. So I’m just so excited to work with him. He’s unfortunately coming back from a little ankle thing he did in practice but an awesome kid.”