Week 9 was more of the same for the Jets, as they hit rock bottom with a 26-18 loss to the winless Dolphins.
While New York endured its worst loss under Adam Gase, one member of its rookie class rose to the occasion and had himself a solid game. At this point, all the Jets have left to play for is the future, so it’s a step in the right direction that at least one rookie accomplished something on Sunday.
With that being said, let’s take a look at where New York’s neophytes stand in the latest edition of Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings series.
No. 5: LB Blake Cashman
Last Week: No. 2
Cashman suffered a season-ending torn labrum in his shoulder against the Jaguars, but the Minnesota product did more than enough to establish himself as a key piece for the Jets on defense moving forward before going on the shelf.
Cashman finished his rookie season with 27 tackles and 0.5 sacks in seven games in which he saw extended playing time due to an assortment of injuries. Not bad for a late-round draft pick who profiled mainly as a contributor on special teams in his first season.
No. 4: OT Chuma Edoga
Last Week: No. 4
Normally players who start and see substantial playing time get ranked above those who don’t, but Edoga was so bad against the Dolphins that he bucks that trend.
Not only was Edoga part of a Jets offensive line that had another tough time protecting Sam Darnold, but there was a play where he legitimately decided to not block anyone. That’s right, Edoga opted to run around aimlessly instead of putting a hand on anyone.
It’s no wonder Darnold has been hardpressed to accomplish anything in recent weeks. How is he supposed to succeed when his starting offensive linemen literally do not block for him?
No. 3: TE Trevon Wesco
Last Week: No. 5
Wesco did nothing against the Dolphins. He only gets the nod over Edoga for the No. 3 spot since he didn’t get a chance to make any mistakes.
No. 2: DE Kyle Phillips
Sunday was a mixed bag of results for Phillips, as he turned in a solid three-tackle performance, but didn’t go above and beyond with his production as he has in recent weeks.
For the record, Phillips isn’t going to dominate on a weekly basis. It’s simply unrealistic to expect that of him. With that being said, the undrafted free agent has been nothing but impressive for the Jets in 2019. Expect that to continue even with Henry Anderson now back in the mix.
No. 1: DT Quinnen Williams
Last Week: No. 3
Sunday was a day to remember for Williams, as he picked up his first career sack on Ryan Fitzpatrick in the first quarter.
Williams went in for the sack with no contention from the Miami offensive line, but that doesn’t take anything away from his first NFL milestone. The Alabama product has continued to improve with each passing week since returning from injury. That’s all the Jets can ask of him at this point.
