The Jets’ 2019 rookie class went out on top in Week 17, as New York put together a dominant defensive effort and strung together just enough offense in a 13-6 win over the Bills.
New York’s neophytes didn’t do much to contribute to the victory, but at least the group ended its rookie campaign with a win. 2019 was a rollercoaster ride of a season for the Jets, but at least it afforded the rookies ample opportunity to get their feet wet in the NFL.
This isn’t the last Jets Wire rookie power rankings of the year, as our season recap edition is on deck for next week. With that being said, let’s take a look at what Gang Green’s rookies brought to the table in Week 17.
No. 5: OT Chuma Edoga
Last Week: No. 5
Edoga did not play in New York’s season finale, as he was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury last week.
No. 4: CB Bless Austin
Last Week: No. 4
Austin rode the pine against Buffalo following a rough performance against the Steelers and did not appear in the box score on Sunday.
Austin got torched by Diontae Johnson in Week 16 and found himself on the bench late in the game against Pittsburgh. His benching carried over to Week 17, as defensive coordinator Gregg Williams rolled with Arthur Maulet and Maurice Canady as the starters at cornerback against the Bills.
No. 3: TE Trevon Wesco
Sam Darnold targeted Wesco once, but the West Virginia product did not record a reception against the Bills in Week 17.
Wesco functioned primarily as a blocker against Buffalo as New York turned to the ground game on a rainy day in Orchard Park. That’s what the Jets drafted him to do and he performed relatively well in that role, so consider Sunday a success for Wesco despite not catching his lone target of the day.
No. 2: DT Quinnen Williams
Last Week: No. 2
Williams didn’t appear in the box score in New York’s regular-season finale, but would’ve finished with a fumble recovery if the referees hadn’t made the head-scratching decision to wipe out Tarrell Basham’s strip-sack in the first quarter.
Even though he wasn’t able to record a tackle, Williams had some success pushing back Buffalo’s backup offensive linemen and getting into the backfield.
No. 1: DE Kyle Phillips
Last Week: No. 1
One week after bursting back onto the scene with a standout performance against the Steelers, Phillips recorded only one tackle against the Bills on Sunday.
Phillips’ performance comes of somewhat of a surprise considering what he brought to the table against Pittsburgh. Henry Anderson’s health played a major role in Phillips’ drop in production, though, as he saw the bulk of the snaps at defensive end with his health drastically improved from Week 16 to Week 17.
