There wasn’t much for New York’s rookies to write home about following the Jets’ preseason-opening loss to the Giants on Thursday night.
New York’s rookie class saw plenty of playing time throughout the evening but did not accomplish much in its time on the field. Only a few players had noteworthy performances, while others faded into the background and did not appear in the box score.
Week 2 will provide another opportunity for the Jets’ rookies to open some eyes. Until then, here’s where they stand in the latest edition of Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings.
No. 5: TE Trevon Wesco
Last Week: No. 2
Wesco was essentially a non-factor in his NFL debut, as he was not targeted once in the passing game and did not appear in the box score.
The West Virginia product seems to be the low man on the totem pole at tight end right now. He was the only player at his position to not be targeted against the Giants and rarely saw the field.
It’ll be intriguing to see how Wesco bounces back in Week 2. If he doesn’t at the very least work his way into the box score, he’ll be in serious danger of falling out of the rankings.
No. 4: Jachai Polite
Last Week: No. 4
Polite has continued to improve with each passing day, but that is not enough to prevent him from dropping one spot in the rankings.
Working with the second and third-team defenses, Polite registered two tackles against the Giants. However, he did little to pressure the quarterback and was not disruptive defending the run, either.
It looks like Polite has a long way to go before he is a consistent contributor for the Jets. That makes him a wildcard in the rankings moving forward.
No. 3: LB Blake Cashman
Last Week: No. 5
Cashman saw extended playing time at middle linebacker and made the most of it, recording four tackles against the Giants.
He left a little to be desired in pass coverage, but Cashman was solid overall in his NFL debut. Right now, it seems like he is firmly entrenched in Gregg Williams’ linebacker rotation, which is a good sign for the Minnesota product early on.
No. 2: WR/PR Greg Dortch
Last Week: No. 2
Greg Dortch’s first NFL game can be summed up in one word: Electric.
Dortch had his way against the Giants, both catching passes and returning punts. In the passing game, the undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest hauled in four passes for 20 yards and a touchdown. He also returned three punts for 42 yards (14 yards per return), including a 32-yard scamper which was New York’s longest preseason punt return since Doug Middleton took a punt back 40 yards in 2016.
The Jets found a hidden gem in Dortch. At this point, he’s all but a lock to make the team out of camp.
No. 1: DT Quinnen Williams
Last Week: No. 1
Williams recorded only one tackle against the Giants, but he only played one drive, as New York’s first-team defense was pulled early.
It’s not a large sample size, but it’s enough for Williams to comfortably hold the No. 1 spot in the rankings with Week 1 of the preseason in the books. Other than Greg Dortch, who only factors in with the starting punt return unit, Williams is the lone rookie on the Jets who currently holds a starting job.
This spot will be Williams’ to lose throughout the course of the season. As an integral part of New York’s defensive line, it’s going to take a lot for any other rookie to dethrone him.
