New York Jets 2019: Ranking the 53-man roster — #50 Quinnen Williams

As another lost New York Jets season unfolds, it’s time to evaluate this 53-man roster from top to bottom: Quinnen Williams makes his appearance.

The New York Jets’ third overall pick in the 2019 draft may one day live up to his potential as the next Mean Joe Greene.

In the meantime, the “can’t miss” Alabama prospect feels like the next in an ignominious line of Jets’ bust D-line lottery picks, be it Dewayne Robertson, Vernon Gholston or Quinton Coples.

The younger brother of Jaguars linebacker Quincy Williams has learned from the very best: in college under Nick Saban and now with Gregg Williams.

Yet in his rookie season, Quinnen stands on the sidelines behind lunchpail overachievers like Kyle Phillips, Nathan Shepherd, Folorunso Fatukasi, Henry Anderson, and Steve McLendon.

Q-Dub has missed many games this season due to injury. But similar to Leonard Williams, his absence has meant little difference on the field.

The fact that coaches defend Quinnen’s lack of production as due to his constant double-teaming is one of the oldest lines in the business, and a major red flag to monitor.

When Williams does make a play on the field, it often comes with some mind-numbing personal foul. At least his one big QB hit this season nearly annihilated crosstown rival, Giant Danny Dimes.

PFF lead analyst Sam Monson told SI that Quinnen excels against the run, “but as a pass-rusher, he’s been virtually anonymous, with just 13 total pressures on the season, or six fewer than Jamal Adams…a safety.  I think it’s too early to declare him a bust.  But he certainly needs to improve.”

Williams has not delivered as advertised. He simply has not become a force in the middle of this defensive line. His 1.5 sacks rank behind four other first-round DTs taken after him. Before the draft, Gregg Williams reportedly “pounded the table” for Bills phenom Ed Oliver.

We can only hope that things improve for Quinnen in 2020 and that his selection will not become yet another AFC East-altering Mike Maccagnan mistake. He has a year or two to prove his worth.

#53 Trumaine Johnson

#52 Ryan Kalil

#51 Kelechi Osemele