Last week, the New York Jets and Giants both began their training camp for the 2026 NFL season, helping prepare the teams as the regular season approaches. With both teams boasting significant changes from the previous season, whether it is a new starting quarterback or a new head coach, the training camp is an integral part of the year for both teams. With a week of practice in the books, there have been some important takeaways to explore.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are entering the 2026 NFL season with much to prove, currently holding the sport’s longest playoff drought. Through the addition of several young and talented players at the 2026 NFL Draft, the team has built itself a core for the future. To pair with their young talent, the Jets also brought in several experienced veterans that previously had stints with the team, in Geno Smith and Demario Davis.
Some of the team’s other defensive pick-ups in free agency, particularly Minkah Fitzpatrick and David Onyemata, alongside Davis, have brought a veteran leadership to the team that has left many players on the roster optimistic. One stand-out player on defense has been cornerback Brandon Stephens, who came down with an interception and several pass deflections throughout his time in practice.
On the offensive side of the ball, Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell has been having a great training camp, quickly emerging as one of Smith’s go-to targets. While the team’s top wide receiver, Garrett Wilson, was injured last season, Adonai Mitchell established himself as one of the team’s best offensive weapons after coming over in the Sauce Gardner trade.
Before training camp, Mitchell spent time practicing with Smith and other teammates, helping get closer with the team’s new quarterback. Mitchell has had a chance to get more accustomed to the team and it is beginning to show on the field.
Perhaps the most highly anticipated player to watch during the team’s training camp was their second overall draft pick this year, David Bailey. When being taken that high in the order, there are expectations that come with players and Bailey has surely lived up to them so far. Despite facing two excellent offensive linemen in Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, Bailey has been a dominant force on defense.
New York Giants
The New York Giants, similar to the Jets, are also a team built with many young stars, however, many of their players are entering their second and third seasons, making them more experienced and prepared heading into the season. With offensive weapons including quarterback Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers, the Giants have quickly established themselves as a team to look out for this season.
Pairing this talent with the team’s new head coach John Harbaugh, who recorded a .609 winning percentage throughout 18 seasons as the Baltimore Ravens’ head coach, has only increased the team’s expectations. As the team adjusts to Harbaugh’s style of coaching, it will only help the team eliminate any flaws before the regular season begins.
Just as the Jets’ top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft showed out at training camp, that has been a similar story for the Giants. The Giants selected Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick in the draft and he has shown why that was a wise selection by the team. His impressive showing at practice has already drawn much praise from his new head coach.
Under Harbaugh’s leadership, the team is hoping to get the best performances out of their players, which has already been apparent from Reese’s performance. During his time with the Ravens, Harbaugh coached some of the sport’s greatest talents, hoping to lead the next generation of greats in the Meadowlands.
Next week marks the first preseason games for both the Jets and the Giants. This is a significant time of year for teams, helping them play in a real, game-like scenario. As both teams take the field, there will be many young and talented stars to look out for.