Jets rookie minicamp notes: Jaylen Key embracing ‘Mr. Irrelevant’

The second day of New York Jets’ rookie minicamp is in the books

The New York Jets‘ rookie minicamp continues to plunge forward in early May.

The team’s new rookie class continued to work with the team today in varying capacities. The players in attendance, which included the drafted players and tryout players, took a picture before the start of the Saturday session:

The Jets rookie minicamp classroom-like picture pic.twitter.com/S0vH4Z4F5w

— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) May 4, 2024

Jordan Travis, who New York selected in the fifth round, was seen riding the bike off to the side at practice. Recovering from a severe injury sustained at Florida State, Travis is expected to possibly be ready once training camp begins in late July.

Former Florida State QB Jordan Travis, coming back from a severe ankle injury, could be ready by training camp, per Robert Saleh. #Jets pic.twitter.com/vQDjttM0kB

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 4, 2024

Additionally, first-round pick Olu Fashanu did not practice on Saturday. He is dealing with a quad strain sustained at the NFL Combine in February.

Some of the team’s draft picks were predictably getting their work in while on the Florham Park, NJ, practice field.

Wide receiver Malachi Corley was seen doing drill work off to the side of practice, whereas running back Braelon Allen and cornerback Quan’tez Stiggers were getting their work done on the opposite field.

WR Malachi Corley — aka YAC King — at rookie camp. #Jets pic.twitter.com/iWxtGWle8R

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 4, 2024

Braelon Allen, Jaylen Key and Quan’tez Stiggers all working on the opposite field #Jets pic.twitter.com/Fi6fImpQIX

— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) May 4, 2024

Safety Jaylen Key, the last pick of the 2024 NFL draft, was getting drill work in on the same field as the other Jets’ draft picks.

S Jaylen Key — aka Mr. Irrelevant— at #Jets rookie camp. pic.twitter.com/zfUPPAPoPg

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 4, 2024

Outside of the Jets’ draft selections, a UDFA wide receiver stood out with highlight plays.

According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, former Auburn wideout Shane Hooks made two “outstanding catches” on deep passes. Hooks is attending camp as a tryout player.

A notable performance from today’s rookie camp practice: Rookie WR Shane Hooks, out of Auburn, made two outstanding catches on long passes. Hooks attended the camp on a tryout basis. #Jets

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) May 4, 2024

Some players also spoke to the media after the practice. When asked about potentially succeeding Aaron Rodgers, Travis said he has thought about it, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini:

“I do think about that a lot, but right now, I’m just focused on where my feet are,” Travis told the media. “(I’m focused on) getting healthy, improving everybody around me, and being a great teammate.”

Travis also added that he “one hundred percent” sees himself as a future NFL starter and is “looking forward” to learning from Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor.

Key also spoke to the media about being “Mr. Irrevelvant” and embracing the title.

“It’s definitely kind of cool for you to be recognized for a week (in SoCal) … go out to Disney, play some golf, get on the beach—things of that nature,” said Key. “So, it’s pretty cool to have a trip that’s pretty much all about you.”

#Jets rookie S Jaylen Key embracing “Mr. Irrelevant.”

“It’s definitely kind of cool for you to be recognized for a week (in SoCal), go out to Disney, play some golf, get on the beach – things of that nature. So it’s pretty cool to have a trip that’s pretty much all about you.” pic.twitter.com/5ia4j9DCD6

— Dennis Waszak Jr. (@DWAZ73) May 4, 2024

During his media availability, running back Isaiah Davis spoke about the physicality he can bring to the team.

“It’s a standard you gotta live by and play the game by,” Davis proclaimed. “I’ve always played the game with physicality, and I thought we did a good job at SDSU doing that.

“So, coming in here and doing the same thing by asserting dominance. The NFL is a physical game. Running back, special teams, whatever it may be, just have to assert dominance and be physical.”

It may not be more than drills at the moment, but Jets’ football is beginning to rev up once again. Tracking the progress of the rookies and possible signings from rookie camp will be very interesting, as more than a few players could play important roles for the New York Jets in 2024.

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