Cade Klubnik, Jelani Woods and AD Mitchell Stand out in OTAs

The Jets kicked off day 1 of OTAs today at 1 Jets Drive and rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik impressed along with a couple of pass catchers in Jelani Woods and AD Mitchell. Here’s a rundown of what those in attendance had to say about what went down.

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that these practices are not padded practices so while some things can be gleaned from how players perform, it’s not worth getting too worked up over any news, be it good or bad.

Cade Klubnik: The biggest thing to look for today with Klubnik was his command and poise after having some time with his playbook and getting his first reps against NFL veterans. According to Nick Faria of si.com, Klubnik checked all of the boxes. And as Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic pointed out, Klubnik didn’t have a single pass hit the ground in team periods.

I tell you what, Cade Klubnik has looked quite comfortable in this offense early on.

A lot of short throws, and obviously pads need to come on, but he’s looked quite in control.

Important for a rookie QB. #Jets

— Nick “Mike Farrell” Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) May 28, 2026

Jets QB stats after first run through 7 on 7 and 11 on 11:

Geno Smith
2/3 in 7 on 7
4/5 in 11 on 11

Bailey Zappe
3/4 7 on 7
4/4 11 on 11

Cade Klubnik
4/4 7 on 7
4/4 11 on 11

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) May 28, 2026

TE Jelani Woods: We saw Woods mentioned by at least three beat writers in attendance as he pulled in several passes over the middle. We asked just a few days ago if the 6′ 7” Woods would have a chance to make the roster given his familiarity with offensive coordinator Frank Reich. If he’s going to, he’ll need to consistently stand out in a crowded tight end room.

WR AD Mitchell: Mitchell had the play of the day in coming up with a 30-plus yard reception from Geno Smith. The speedy Mitchell appears to have become an afterthought with the additions of Omar Cooper and Kenyon Sadiq, but this is a guy who has the tools to be a very good player himself.

RB Braleon Allen: Running backs don’t get a ton of value out of practices that are padded and have not contact. But in the case of Allen, it will be important to see where he is in terms of agility/explosion as he missed all of last season due to injury. According to those in attendance, Allen was moving well today.

Braelon Allen has bounced a couple long runs to the outside. Looking spry off season-ending injury #Jets

— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) May 28, 2026

Excited about the offense:

Wide receiver Garrett Wilson met with the media after today’s session and in discussing Frank Reich’s offense, said he likes that the players feel “empowered” with the scheme and he believes it will be one he looks back at as one of his favorite systems.

Back to the beginning:

Quarterback Geno Smith also met with the press and said he had some good memories of his first run with the Jets and a lot of that came back to him as he re-entered the building. He then added that the moment was brief as it was time to focus on getting to work.

There will be more in the coming days, but fans should be encouraged to hear that Cade Klubnik looks solid, the offensive players are excited and while it’s just OTAs, there is some football to talk about.

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