Every so often, a rookie puts together an eye-opening performance that propels him from unranked to firmly entrenched in Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings.
In the latest edition of the rankings, Alex Brown is that rookie. The undrafted free agent out of South Carolina State put together a standout showing against the Saints in Week 3 of the preseason, earning himself a spot in the rankings.
Where exactly are Brown and his fellow classmates ranked after New York’s loss to New Orleans? Let’s take a look.
No. 5: OT Chuma Edoga
Last Week: No. 2
With Brandon Shell back in the starting lineup at right tackle after spending a week on the shelf, Edoga reverted back to the bench and drops three spots in the rankings as a result.
Edoga played most of the second half and helped keep Trevor Siemian, Luke Falk and Davis Webb clean for most of the night. Once the regular season begins, Edoga’s playing time will be nearly non-existent. Until then, he remains in the rankings.
No. 4: OLB Jachai Polite
Last Week: No. 4
Polite did not appear in the box score against the Saints, which is a surprising development considering his now increased role in New York’s linebacker rotation.
With Brandon Copeland suspended for the first four games of the regular season, Polite will see an uptick in playing time to begin the season. It’s somewhat concerning that he didn’t make a single tackle against New Orleans, but it’s not time to panic just yet. The Florida product has shown notable improvements in practice and will likely get back on track against the Eagles next week.
No. 3: WR/KR Greg Dortch
Last Week: No. 4
Dortch only caught one pass for seven yards against the Saints, but flashed his playmaking ability in the return game.
Dortch had an electric return early against New Orleans which was called back due to a penalty that had no bearing on the return itself. It doesn’t go down on the stat sheet, but Dortch’s return will not be forgotten by the coaching staff once they watch film.
At this point, it seems like Dortch’s spot on the Jets’ 53-man roster come September is safe. His ability to make plays in the open field on returns is a big reason why.
No. 2: CB Alex Brown
Last Week: Not Ranked
A five-tackle, two-pass breakup performance against the Saints was enough to land Brown the No. 2 spot in this week’s rankings. Now, will Brown not only be able to maintain a spot in the rankings moving forward, but a spot on the roster?
Brown’s performance against the Saints puts him firmly on the roster bubble with the preseason nearing an end. His showing against the Saints might’ve been enough to supplant Tevaughn Campbell on the depth chart, but he still has work to do in New York’s final preseason showdown against the Eagles next week.
No. 1: DT Quinnen Williams
Last Week: No. 1
Much like last week, Williams did not record a tackle, but made an impact with his penetration on the defensive line.
Williams is clearly making waves on the line as a rookie, but the production will have to come once the regular season kicks off. Recording zero tackles week after week simply is not going to cut it, regardless of how often he finds his way into opposing backfields.
