Running back Breece Hall expressed optimism about the New York Jets’ prospects for the 2026 season, suggesting the team could exceed external expectations and emerge as a surprise contender. Speaking Tuesday following the Jets’ opening minicamp practice, Hall emphasized the collective determination within the squad. “Everybody has a common goal, we’re hungry,” he said. “We’re going to try to surprise everybody this year.”

The Jets enter the offseason with modest projections from many analysts. ESPN’s Football Power Index, an analytics-driven ranking system, recently placed New York 31st in the league. Confidence in the franchise remains cautious, particularly entering Aaron Glenn’s second season as head coach. Nonetheless, Hall, who agreed to a three-year contract extension earlier this spring, expressed satisfaction with the team’s current trajectory.

“With guys like me, Garrett [Wilson] and Geno [Smith], our standard is we’re expected to be some of the best at our positions, and we expect to be some of the best,” Hall stated. “As a team we’re spilling that into the team like we want to be one of the best. We want to be good regardless of this being our first year with the quarterback, the team, whatever the case may be.”

Hall also highlighted the defense’s intensity during practices, noting a noticeable shift from previous years. “This is definitely different from what we’ve had in the past,” he remarked.

Tuesday’s minicamp session featured a standout moment when quarterback Geno Smith connected with wide receiver Adonai Mitchell for a red-zone touchdown. Smith delivered a precise pass that Mitchell secured with a toe-tap catch in the back of the end zone. The emerging chemistry between Smith and Mitchell has caught attention during spring drills.

“I’m really excited about AD,” Smith said of Mitchell. “I think he’s going to be a special player for a long time. He’s obviously got the talent. What people might not see is the way that he works, the way that he studies, just the type of teammate that he is. He’s a great teammate. I think that goes a long way.”

Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan attended Tuesday’s practice. His son, Seth Ryan, is currently serving as the team’s passing game coordinator.

Meanwhile, the Jets officially signed all their draft picks, including fourth-round defensive tackle Darrell Jackson. Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik, recovering from a back issue, did not participate fully in practice but was observed throwing on the sidelines. Glenn described the limited activity as a precautionary measure and expressed optimism that Klubnik would join full practice sessions later in the week.

The Jets’ three-day minicamp is scheduled to conclude Thursday.