With OTA’s in full swing, the New York Jets are beginning their journey to improve on its 5-11 record from 2017. One of the returning Jets that has shined so far has been second-year wide receiver Chad Hansen.
Hansen did not see much action in his rookie season. However, the second-year receiver has impressed the Jets coaching staff with his off-season improvements. After tallying nine receptions for 94 yards, Hansen could have an opportunity to improve on those numbers in 2018.
Hansen made a name for himself during his senior season at the University of California, Berkeley. In that season he brought in 92 receptions for 1,249 yards and 11 touchdowns. These numbers show that Hansen has the potential to shine in the NFL. It goes without saying that New York would love to see that version of Chad Hansen in the 2018 season.
How Much of an Impact Will Chad Hansen Have in Year Two of His Career?
Hansen Will Get His Opportunity
The Jets receiving core is actually quite deep thanks to a pair of off-season moves. Terrelle Pryor came over to the Meadowlands through free agency and Quincy Enunwa is back after missing last season with a neck injury. Even though these two receivers are expected to have an impact, both carry considerable questions. Pryor’s 2017 was marred with inconsistencies, so nobody knows what he’ll bring. Enunwa showed promise in 2016, but it’s anyone’s guess how he’ll return from his neck injury.
Additionally, both players are not 100% right now. Enunwa is practicing without a helmet, so he is not completely ready to go. Meanwhile, Pryor is not at Jets OTA’s because of a supposed ankle injury. These factors could throw Hansen right in the thick of things when the season starts in September.
Rising to the Challenge
Reports out of OTA’s are saying that Hansen is making the most out of every opportunity that he is being given. He is making more plays every practice, which is catching the eyes of Todd Bowles and Jeremy Bates. With questions surrounding the quarterback position, the Jets need to have sure things at the receiver position to make the lives of the quarterbacks that much easier.
Hansen showed in college that he can be a playmaker, and even though the NFL game is very different from the college game he knows what it is like to be a go-to guy in an offense. If Hansen continues to show that he can play at a high level in the preseason, there is no way that the Jets cannot give him a chance to show what he can do on the big stage.
As long as Hansen continues to impress in preseason, and he stays healthy, Jets fans should expect to see number 16 in an increased role come September.
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