With a myriad of problems to worry about on both sides of the ball in 2025, it was easy for Jets fans to overlook any performances that were even remotely positive. Topping the list of overlooked players for Green and White is wide receiver AD Mitchell.
Acquired from the Indianapolis Colts in the Sauce Gardner trade, the explosive Mitchell had some moments on film for the Jets, but the putrid quarterback play he dealt with on a weekly basis made it impossible for the Texas product to get anything going. With the addition of quarterback Geno Smith and a deeper supporting cast, could this be a breakout season for Mitchell?
Viewed by some as a potential first-round talent for the Longhorns, Mitchell’s college production and pre-draft workout numbers make it easy to understand why there was so much hype. The 6′ 2” Mitchell blazed a 4.34 40 with a 39.5” vertical jump after putting up 845 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final college season.
Now in the mix with fellow wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper and Geno Smith under center, there should be plenty of more opportunities and consistency from an offense that was a shambles in 2025 and limited Mitchell. Despite having to play with three different quarterbacks (Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook), two of whom were among the worst in the league (Fields and Cook), Mitchell managed to post 24 catches for 301 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Could there be more in store for Mitchell this season? If Smith stays healthy under center, there’s no reason to believe Mitchell won’t blow up in 2026.
