New York’s rookie class experienced its first taste of victory in the NFL on Sunday, as the Jets downed the Cowboys in dramatic fashion to break into the win column.
Not only did the Jets emerge victoriously against Dallas, but their rookie class played an integral role in getting the job done. For the first time this season, multiple rookies balled out and put together standout performances in the same game.
With that being said, let’s take a look at where New York’s neophytes stand following Gang Green’s first win of the season in the latest edition of the Jets Wire rookie power rankings.
No. 5: TE Trevon Wesco
Last Week: No. 5
The Jets remembered they had tight ends on their roster with Sam Darnold back under center, but that didn’t benefit Wesco at all.
Wesco did not appear in the box score for the fifth consecutive game and barely saw any snaps against the Cowboys.
No. 4: OT Chuma Edoga
Last Week: No. 4
After a rough NFL debut against the Eagles in Week 5, Edoga redeemed himself in his second career start.
The USC product was part of a Jets offensive line that stepped up to the plate and kept Sam Darnold upright for most of the night. Edoga played a key role in helping to slow down Dallas star defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, who did not record a single sack or quarterback hit.
Week 6 was certainly a step in the right direction for Edoga. If he can build on his performance against the Cowboys moving forward, the Jets could very well have a reliable starter on their hands as soon as this season. Not bad for a player who was supposed to sit and learn in his rookie year.
No. 3: LB Blake Cashman
Last Week: No. 1
Cashman falls out of the top spot of the rankings more because of the way Kyle Phillips and Quinnen Williams played than anything else.
The Minnesota product registered five tackles and one quarterback hit against the Cowboys, but was also flagged for pass interference late in the fourth quarter to give Dallas prime field position in its last-ditch effort to tie the game.
Cashman was solid, but not spectacular against the Cowboys. For the first time this season, that’s enough to result in a drop in the rankings.
No. 2: DT Kyle Phillips
Last Week: No. 3
It’s hard to believe Kyle Phillips was an undrafted free agent with the way he played against the Cowboys.
Phillips was a key contributor to New York’s first win of the season, as he turned in seven tackles, 1.5 TFLs and a massive hit on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. The Tennessee product saw an uptick in playing time with Henry Anderson sidelined and took advantage of the opportunity, turning in the best performance of his young career.
If it weren’t for one big play that Quinnen Williams made, Phillips would’ve held the top spot in this week’s rankings. He’s quickly climbing up New York’s defensive line pecking order and performances like this could become a regularity if remains a heavy factor in the rotation moving forward.
No. 1: DT Quinnen Williams
Last Week: No. 2
Quinnen Williams picked the perfect time to live up to his top-pick draft status.
The Alabama product turned in easily the best performance of his career against the Cowboys, racking up six tackles and one major tackle for loss when he stuffed Dak Prescott on a 4th & 1 play deep in Jets territory early in the game.
Williams was disruptive in the trenches throughout the game and made his imprint on New York’s first win of the season. With the way both Williams and Kyle Phillips played against Dallas, it looks like the Jets have two extremely promising defensive linemen to play with moving forward.
