Jets training camp: 3 takeaways from third week of action

1. The draft picks look as if they can contribute.

Fourth-round pick Braelon Allen took what he’s been doing in training camp to his NFL preseason debut Saturday. A big, strong runner, Allen is a good complement to Breece Hall and could be used in short-yardage or goal-line situations.

Left tackle Olu Fashanu is a quick study. He played 25 snaps, was flagged for a false start on the second one and performed well after that in pass protection and run blocking.

Robert Saleh again said the hope is that Fashanu doesn’t play much, if at all.

That would mean Tyron Smith is healthy. However, Fashanu looks as if he could step in if needed.

Receiver Malachi Corley (four catches, 27 yards) didn’t display much of his calling card, YAC (yards after the catch), but it was clear how hard he runs. He had a nice kickoff return (33 yards).

On defense, cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers continues to flash. He had four tackles, one for loss. He’s in a very talented cornerback room, but Stiggers could see his way onto the field. 

2. The Jets are living on the edge on the defensive line.

The Haason Reddick situation needs to be settled. You don’t want to overreact to one preseason game, but Micheal Clemons and Will McDonald, the two who are getting starting reps with Reddick holding out for a new contract, did not make an impact against Washington’s backup tackles.

Clemons had a tackle and quarterback hit in 18 snaps. He bit on rookie Jayden Daniels’ play-fake, opening a wide-open lane for his 3-yard touchdown run.

McDonald, last year’s first-round pick, didn’t record a stat in 12 snaps. His best play was a quick spin move that freed him to hit Jeff Driskel, but it was ruled roughing the passer.

McDonald was hard to block in Thursday’s joint practice. He used his quickness and athleticism to get past Washington’s tackles and had a strip sack. The Jets want McDonald to get bigger and add power moves to his rushing toolbox. It will come. The Jets have to hope Reddick will, too — and soon.

3. The receiver room is getting better and healthier.

It was a big week for the Jets’ receiving group. Mike Williams (torn ACL) was removed from PUP and Xavier Gipson returned to practice after getting hurt the first week of camp.

Williams will be limited for the time being. When he’s a full-go, he will give the Jets a different dimension. Defenses will have to account for the 6-4 Williams, a big target and playmaker.

Good luck trying to contain Garrett Wilson, who could have a huge season.

Allen Lazard could be a factor with the attention the other Jets weapons will garner. Aaron Rodgers trusts Lazard. Corley should have a role.

Jason Brownlee has been more involved in team competition lately and caught a touchdown pass Saturday. Former UFL receiver Brandon Smith had two great grabs Saturday and could earn a spot on the practice squad.

Always looming is the possibility of a trade for Davante Adams, which would take this revamped receiver room to another level.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.