Jets' Garrett Wilson's competitiveness 'amazes' receivers coach Shawn Jefferson

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Garrett Wilson had a simple message for receivers coach Shawn Jefferson before the Jets’ joint practice with the Washington Commanders last week.

Turn me loose.

According to Jefferson, Wilson came to him early in the week and made that request. The Jets’ offensive coaches did just that as Wilson was the star of last Thursday’s practice against Washington. He had a number of great grabs and caught a touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor.

“He comes to me on Monday and he’s like, ‘Turn me loose Thursday, turn me loose,' ” Jefferson said. “I go, ‘You [expletive] got it. Let’s go.’ I love it. Every day he’s ready to go, it’s a joy. You just don’t find that in this day and age.”

Wilson’s competitive fire has been on full display in this training camp. The third-year receiver has had some animated conversations with Aaron Rodgers. Jefferson loves Wilson’s passion. Jefferson was a fiery player and is a fiery coach.

Jefferson, who is in his first season coaching Wilson,  called Wilson “a rare talent.” He has been thoroughly impressed with Wilson’s approach and thirst for details, as well his ability to make tough catches look easy. That’s also been a constant throughout camp and Wilson’s first two seasons.

“He makes the hard plays look routine,” Jefferson said. “I’m just amazed by it. I’ve seen the likes of Calvin Johnson and De’Andre Hopkins make those hard plays look routine. They make the hard plays look routine. He does the same thing, but he does it a lot easier than what they did. The way he contorts his body, he’s never out of position. It’s a gift. I’m very fortunate to be coaching him.”

This could be a huge year for Wilson, especially if Rodgers stays healthy. Wilson has 178 receptions for 2,145 yards from seven different quarterbacks— none of them named Rodgers. He tore his Achilles four offensive snaps into last season.

Fashanu moving left to right

Robert Saleh said the Jets would cross-train rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu so he could become a swing tackle if he’s needed to play either side. That process began Monday as Fashanu got reps on the right side.

“Today was the first day that we put him somewhere else,” Saleh said. “We tried him on the right side today. We’ll do that for the next couple of weeks so he can get that balance between left and right.”

Fashanu is expected to be the Jets’ left tackle of the future. This season, the job belongs to future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith. He and right tackle Morgan Moses have been very helpful to Fashanu, giving him tips and advice often. Moses said he spoke to Fashanu before his move today.

“I told him, ‘Hey bro, like embrace it. I know it’s different but embrace it,’ ” Moses said. “That’s the only thing you can do.”

Fashanu played 25 snaps at left tackle in the Jets’ preseason win over Washington on Saturday. Offensive line coach Keith Carter has liked what he’s seen from Fashanu and how quickly he picks up things. The Jets believe Fashanu will be a quick study on the right.

“We all get in our comfort zones,” Carter said. “We just got to get him ambidextrous. We got to get him comfortable, and it’s got to become muscle memory on both sides. It’s kind of cool. It’s fun to see where he can take it and how fast he can grow doing that.”

Ruckert sidelined

Tight end Jeremy Ruckert did not participate in practice. Saleh said the Lindenhurst native is “dealing with a few things” and “he’ll be out for another couple of days.” The Jets signed former Louisiana tight end Neal Johnson on Tuesday.

Two-minute drill

Smith only did individual work, not team drills. He was slowed last week by a lower-extremity issue. Saleh said Monday was part of Smith’s maintenance program and they want him healthy for the long haul. “The big key for him is to be healthy for what we hope is 20 games,” Saleh said. “We’re going to be smart with him.” . . . Receiver Mike Williams (torn ACL) was moving well when he was running on a side field. Saleh said the Jets will be smart with Williams as well . . . Cornerback Michael Carter II (hamstring) could return to practice next week.

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.