New York Jets: 7 Up and Coming Impact Players to Watch This Season

The Jets began their season on a thunderous note Sunday, destroying their intrastate rival Buffalo Bills by a score of 48-28. 

New York's win was a result of superb performances by already proven stars, such as Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, as well as surprise play by some unheralded youngsters. 

Many of the impressive youngsters from Sunday's game are capable of maintaining a high level of play throughout the season, and they could provide Gang Green with the extra boost needed for a playoff berth. 

Here are seven up-and-coming impact players to keep your eye on as the season unfolds. 

Jeremy Kerley

An extremely disappointing offseason in which he was slowed by a hamstring injury and  publicly called out by his head coach was instantly forgotten on Sunday, as Jeremy Kerley exploded on offense and special teams. 

The second-year wideout used his incredible athleticism to shred the Bills' secondary for a tune of four catches, 45 yards and a touchdown. 

Kerley also had a tremendous 68-yard touchdown return on a punt in the second quarter. 

The TCU product has unbelievable speed and agility, and if he can keep his mind on the field, he could be in store for a breakout season. 

Kerley could easily emerge as one of the most dangerous slot receivers and punt returners in the game. 

Austin Howard

Just a few weeks ago, the right tackle position was an absolute mess for the Jets. 

Now fast forward to Sunday, where new starter Austin Howard shut down one of the most explosive pass-rushers in the entire league.

The emergence of Howard as a solid starter has reinvigorated the offensive line and allowed the Jets offense to finally flourish.

Due to Howard's presence, Mark Sanchez finally received an ample amount of time in the pocket, and he made the most of it.

The 25-year-old Howard has managed to completely turn around the entire offense.

If he can keep up his superb play, he could be the biggest impact player on the whole roster.

Stephen Hill

Second-round pick Stephen Hill couldn't have dreamt of a better debut in the NFL. 

The former Georgia Tech star dominated the Bills' secondary, hauling in five passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. 

Hill's combination of blistering speed and imposing size is too much for opposing cornerbacks to handle. He could easily emerge as the Jets' most dangerous red-zone and deep-ball threat throughout his rookie season. 

If the 21-year-old can learn to run routes with more consistency and limit his drops, he could have the finest season of this year's rookie wide receiver class. 

Quinton Coples

Quinton Coples may have had a sub-par debut in the regular season, but his phenomenal preseason has the Jets coaching staff expecting big things this year. 

The first-round pick recorded an astounding 4.5 sacks in four exhibition games, and he showed balance and ruthlessness as a pass-rusher.

If Coples can transfer his preseason numbers to the regular season, it would play a big role in the success of the defense.

A pass rush will be critical when the Jets face elite passing teams such as the Patriots and the Texans.

Muhammad Wilkerson

Muhammad Wilkerson had a solid rookie season, but everyone within the organization expects him to take the next step in his sophomore year. 

New York's 2011 first-round pick had a decent game against the Bills, as he recorded a nice tackle and a quarterback hit. 

Wilkerson has the talent to be the anchor of an elite defensive line for years to come, and if everything clicks, he could be one of the most complete defensive ends in the game.

The 22-year-old is also capable of being a double-digit sack producer. If he can live up to his potential, he could help New York's defense be the best in the game this season. 

Kyle Wilson

Many would say that 2010 first-round pick Kyle Wilson has disappointed in his first two years in the league. 

Despite his struggles, Wilson has the potential to thrive in the third cornerback role behind Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis.

The Boise State product is a ball hawk, as evidenced by his spectacular interception of Ryan Fitzpatrick on Sunday.

If Wilson can continue to make plays and force turnovers, his first-round selection may finally be warranted.

Bilal Powell

Bilal Powell carried the ball just three times for a lowly 10 yards on Sunday. 

However, the second-year rusher had a tremendous training camp, and he managed to beat out Joe McKnight for the third-down role.

Powell possesses above-average speed, and he has shown the ability to be an effective blocker. 

The Louisville product could see the field a lot this year as the Jets plan to go back to their ground-and-pound roots.

Shonn Greene is also not likely to get 27 carries again like he did against the Bills.

All these factors add up to a breakout season for Powell in Gotham.