Jets Wire’s Rookie Power Rankings are back.
The beginning of training camp will mark the beginning of a month-long journey through an NFL camp for New York’s rookie class. Last season, Sam Darnold’s battle to win the starting quarterback job dominated headlines, while Gang Green’s other rookies flew under the radar. This year, one rookie stands above the rest with training camp underway, while others are working to carve out a role on offense, defense or special teams.
With the pads on, the stakes are higher than ever for New York’s six-man 2019 draft class, as well as some undrafted free agents. The intensity and speed of the game will pick up for some and it may take a while to get adjusted. With that being said, each of the Jets’ rookies have enough talent to make some kind of impact this upcoming season.
Without further ado, here is the first edition of Jets Wire’s rookie power rankings for the 2019 season.
Everyone Else
Before we get into the top five, here is a list of Jets’ rookies who did not make the cut:
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OT Chuma Edoga (3rd-Round Pick)
- Since Edoga was a relatively high draft pick, it’s worth explaining why he does not crack the top five at the beginning of camp. New York’s starters on the offensive line are set, leaving Edoga without much of a chance at first-team reps or a chance to move past being a backup at this time.
- CB Bless Austin (6th-Round Pick)
- DE Justin Alexandre (UDFA)
- LB Jeff Allison (UDFA)
- OT Calvin Anderson (UDFA)
- CB Kyron Brown (UDFA)
- OG Tyler Jones (UDFA)
- OT Wyatt Miller (UDFA)
- LB Jamey Mosley (UDFA)
- DL Kyle Phillips (UDFA)
- S Santos Ramirez (UDFA)
- DT Trevon Sanders (UDFA)
- WR Jeff Smith (UDFA)
- DT MyQuon Stout (UDFA)
No. 5: LB Blake Cashman
With Darron Lee gone, Cashman has a chance to be a vital part of New York’s defense on passing downs.
Avery Williamson and C.J. Mosley are decent in pass coverage, but cannot consistently keep up with opposing running backs running routes out of the backfield throughout the course of a game. Mosley is the bigger liability of the two, meaning Gregg Williams might want to sub him out in favor of a better coverage backer in third-down situations if he is struggling.
The Jets have been burned by receiving running backs plenty in recent years and Lee was their best cover linebacker. Now, Cashman will be the one to fill that role. If he impresses throughout training camp and the preseason, Cashman will be in a position to contribute on more than just special teams in 2019.
No. 4: WR/KR/PR Greg Dortch
After letting Andre Roberts walk this offseason, the Jets are in need of a new kick and punt returner. Dortch could very well be the man to fill those voids.
The undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest drew rave reviews throughout the spring. He has also gotten off to a strong start in training camp, putting him firmly in the running to win the jobs. At this point, he might have a leg up on second-year running back and return man Trenton Cannon.
Dortch can make plays at wide receiver, but his way of making the team will be opening eyes on special teams. So far, so good in that regard.
No. 3: OLB Jachai Polite
When the Jets drafted Polite in the third round out of Florida, the expectations were that he would come in and help solve the pass rush struggles that have plagued New York over the past decade.
So far, Polite has done nothing to dispell that expectation. He was nothing but solid throughout the spring and if all goes well throughout training camp and the preseason, he will have a prominent role in New York’s outside linebacker/edge rusher rotation — especially on passing downs.
No. 2: TE Trevon Wesco
The Jets might have signed Ryan Griffin to add depth at the position, but make no mistake about it. It will be Wesco who sees the bulk of the snaps at tight end with Chris Herndon suspended for the first four games of the season.
Wesco is known as a blocking tight end but has a chance to put an expanded skill set on full display in Herndon’s absence. With extended playing time, the West Virginia product has a chance to make an instant impact with his new team.
No. 1: DT Quinnen Williams
Williams is a foregone conclusion at No. 1. The third-overall pick will likely hold down this spot for the duration of the year barring any major changes.
With his rookie contract signed, sealed and delivered, Williams can get back to work after flashing his potential throughout spring workouts. He will slot in as New York’s starting defensive tackle and will spend training camp and the preseason getting acclimated with the speed of professional football and going up against NFL offensive linemen.
