With the preseason officially in the books, it’s time to take a step back and evaluate the Jets’ rookie class on a broader spectrum.
The preseason was a mixed bag of results for New York’s rookies. Inconsistency marred the group, with players shuffling in and out of the rankings after standing out one week and disappearing the next. Ultimately, this led to the release of third-round pick Jachai Polite.
Ups and downs come along with the territory of being a rookie. The hope is that Gang Green’s rookies learned enough in the preseason to right the ship and become consistent contributors beginning against the Bills in Week 1. With that being said, let’s take a look at what New York’s rookie class accomplished in the preseason in the latest edition of Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings.
No. 5: TE Trevon Wesco
Last Week: Not Ranked
Wesco contributed next to nothing in the preseason, but there’s still hope that he can right the ship and help New York’s thin tight end group in the regular season.
With Ryan Griffin and Eric Tomlinson comprising 2/3 of the Jets’ tight end depth chart to begin the season, Wesco is the only one who is considered a blocker before a receiver. This will help him see the field early, but he will need to expand his game and chip in with some receptions if he wants to take his game to the next level in 2019.
No. 4: OT Chuma Edoga
Last Week: No. 5
Edoga saw substantial playing time throughout the preseason, starting against the Falcons in Week 2 in place of the injured Brandon Shell and taking reps with the second-team offense on a weekly basis.
The playing time Edoga saw in the preseason was invaluable for the USC product. The Jets have an eye on Edoga taking over for Kelvin Beachum at left tackle next season if he is ready. Assuming everyone stays healthy, Edoga will not see much playing time during the regular season. He’ll continue to improve in practice, but the reps Edoga took in the preseason figure to do wonders for his progression moving forward.
No. 3: LB Blake Cashman
Last Week: Not Ranked
On the mend for half of the preseason due to an injury, Cashman showcased what he can bring to New York’s defense against the Eagles, recording a team-high five tackles.
With Avery Williamson out for the season, Cashman will be a major part of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ inside linebacker rotation. Neville Hewitt will most likely start to begin the season, but Cashman proved when healthy that he can contribute when healthy in the preseason.
Expect to see a lot of the fifth-round pick out of Minnesota once the regular season kicks off.
No. 2: WR/KR Greg Dortch
Last Week: No. 3
As an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest, Dortch’s chances of making New York’s 53-man roster out of training camp were at the very best 50/50.
Beginning in spring workouts, Dortch left no doubt that he belonged with the team. He continued his strong play into the preseason and all but secured himself a spot with the Jets out of camp thanks to his explosiveness in the return game and some production at wide receiver as well.
He’s not Andre Roberts just yet, but Dortch has the potential to become a big-time returner if he can put it all together. The Jets lucked out landing a potential hidden gem here.
No. 1: DT Quinnen Williams
Last Week: No. 1
Williams didn’t have the best preseason, but he did take some major steps in the right direction.
By no means was Williams dominant in the preseason as he was at Alabama. However, he still managed to blow up opposing backfields and force quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. The statistical production has to come once the regular season begins, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue for Williams considering the strides he made in his first NFL offseason.
