What to expect from the top Jets rookies in 2019

As training camp rolls on for the New York Jets, here’s our look at what fans should expect from their top rookies this season.

In the past, the New York Jets’ inability to draft has been their undoing, but the last 4 years have proven the organization is finally turning a corner. With Jamal Adams, Leonard Williams and Sam Darnold coming aboard, the team has reason to be excited, and in 2019, they may have just had one of their best ever drafts.

Jets rookies have been great over the past few years, and although the team has loaded up with veteran talent, the young stars will no doubt have to step up if this team is to make a big splash in 2019.

Not only did the Jets get another Williams that likes to get after the QB and cause havoc up front, but they may have found at least 2 more starters, but what exactly should we expect from the rookies in the year 2019?

Next: Quinnen Williams

DL Quinnen Williams

There was a lot of debate over who the Jets should take at #3 in the 2019 NFL Draft; whether it be Josh Allen, a proven pass-rusher, Ed Oliver from Houston or trading back to get some pieces, but eventually management took the Alabama Freshman, Quinnen Williams. At just 21 years of age, Williams possesses size, skill, power and an infectious personality that will make him a crowd favorite in New York, but now that he’s signed, what can we expect in year 1?

Reports have already emerged from Training Camp that the former Alabama stud is impressing his teammates, and given the fact that he is learning every position on the defensive line, big things could be happening up front. Even if he doesn’t have a great statistical year, Quinnen making an impact may be as much as allowing Leonard Williams and Henry Anderson more freedom to get to the opposing QB throughout the year.

While we shouldn’t expect Williams to be leading the sack count this year, his impact will be felt in other ways, and come Week 17, he should no doubt be in contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Next: Jachai Polite

EDGE Jachai Polite

Coming into the 2019 NFL Draft, the New York Jets were looking to fill many holes, but the biggest was their pass-rush, and Jachai Polite may just have been the diamond in the rough the team was searching for. The Junior from Florida has First Round talent, but due to being ‘out of shape’ at the pre-draft workouts, his stock fell immeasurably, but with all the talent, the Jets couldn’t help but take a chance on Polite.

While many Jets fans are high on Jachai, the Jets organization has made sure to cool those expectations, as there is a belief that he still has plenty of work to do to become a consistent contributor on game day. Ultimately, with the motivation of Jamal Adams and other Jets leaders, Jachai Polite figures to be an important part of the Jets future, but for 2019, we shouldn’t expect too much, as Brandon Copeland will no doubt be shouldering the load as Polite learns the NFL game.

Next: Chuma Edoga

OT Chuma Edoga

The other huge hole the Jets face in 2019 is protecting Sam Darnold and allowing time for Le’veon Bell to work his magic, and while Kelechi Osemele is a great pickup, USC’s Chuma Edoga may play a big role in 2019. The former Trojan played with Darnold at USC, and coming into the New York Jets organization, his role going forward is clear; protect Sam Darnold at all costs.

The Jets have a few good pieces along the O-Line, but it was the strength of players like Nick Mangold that made this team great in the past, and Edoga has the ability to be great for this team going forward. Injuries often occur on the O-Line throughout the year, and even if Edoga isn’t a starter Week 1 (don’t expect that), he’ll no doubt get some playing time in his rookie season.

Edoga wasn’t a First Round talent and he may never be an All-Pro caliber player, but he has plenty of potential, and while he’ll make mistakes, expect him to exceed expectations and impress during his rookie campaign.