NY Jets: 3 players in danger of being labeled busts

These three NY Jets players are in danger of being labeled “busts” if they don’t play well in 2020.

The NY Jets have done a pretty good job of building a solid group of young players over the last couple of seasons. And while there’s still work to be done, the foundation has been laid for future success.

From the likes of Sam Darnold on offense to Jamal Adams (hopefully) on defense, the Jets have a few young players that they plan to build around in the future.

However, not every young player becomes a true building block.

The dreaded “bust” label is thrown around all the time as oftentimes prospects simply fail to meet expectations. Be it because of injuries, other external factors, or just disappointing play, the NFL world has seen plenty of busts over the years.

Sometimes it feels as though the Jets are more prone to them than others.

Nonetheless, there are a few players on the roster who, while not outright busts, haven’t exactly made great first impressions. Some haven’t even made good second impressions.

The NFL is very much a league that focuses on the now. Potential can only get you so far because soon enough, another player with that same potential is going to come and take your spot if you don’t earn it first.

And for these three players, that “bust” label could be just one year away if they’re not careful.

Let’s take a look at three Jets players in danger of being declared “busts.”

Next: 3. Quincy Wilson

3. Quincy Wilson, CB, NY Jets

Many would argue that Quincy Wilson already fits the criteria for a bust. A second-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Wilson never could crack the starting lineup on a consistent basis in his three years with the Indianapolis Colts.

An injury-riddled rookie season saw him play just seven games while also being limited due to his inability to play special teams. And while 2018 brought better fortune (a very respectable 65.6 Pro Football Focus grade), it all came crashing down in 2019.

Wilson played in just nine games with the Colts last season failing to make a start while finishing with an absolutely abysmal 30.2 Pro Football Focus grade that would have ranked dead last among cornerbacks if he had played enough snaps to qualify.

The Colts promptly shipped him to New York on Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Draft ending his disappointing tenure in Indianapolis.

At this point, it’s safe to say that the former second-round pick hasn’t lived up to expectations. And it’s very easy to argue that he is already a bust.

But Wilson will have an opportunity to shed that label in 2020 in the most favorable situation of his career. Under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, Wilson will shift back to a more man-heavy scheme where he found the most success in Indianapolis.

And if he can earn some playing time and make the most of his opportunities, then Wilson might be able to salvage his career with the Jets and avoid the dreaded “bust” label.

Next: 2. Chuma Edoga

2. Chuma Edoga, OT, NY Jets

The Jets knew that they were drafting a project player when they selected USC’s Chuma Edoga in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. And in an ideal world, he would have sat for a year while developing his skills.

Unfortunately, the Jets’ offensive line was a mess last year and they felt that they needed to shake things up. So they opted to replace the incumbent Brandon Shell with the rookie Edoga at right tackle.

Edoga would go on to start eight games — most of which came on the right side — before ending his season on the injured reserve. And in those eight games, Edoga made it very clear why he was considered a developmental project.

The 23-year-old finished with an awful 48.9 Pro Football Focus grade which ranked 79th out of 82 qualified offensive tackles. He wasn’t just bad, he was nearly unplayable.

Rookie struggles were to be expected and the Jets still seem high on his possible long-term future, but 2020 will be a critical season for Edoga as he looks to solidify a future role with the team.

Edoga must make the Jets forget about his disastrous rookie season and take a Kolton Miller-like leap this season. Otherwise, the organization will be quick to move on in search of a better option.

NFL teams are rarely patient, and Edoga is treading on thin ice as he attempts to avoid being labeled a “bust.”

Next: 1. Quinnen Williams

1. Quinnen Williams, DL, NY Jets

It’s far too early to make any declarations about Quinnen Williams‘ future. While he may have had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, the former Alabama superstar is just 22-years-old and full of potential.

Williams flashed that potential at points last season, but those flashes were all too scarce for someone dubbed “the best player in the 2019 NFL Draft class.” For a No. 3 overall pick, the Jets certainly expected more from Williams in 2020.

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The former Unanimous All-American finished his rookie campaign with just 2.5 sacks in 13 games while only registering four tackles for loss and six QB hits. He didn’t exactly fill up the stat sheet, and the analytics don’t paint a favorable picture either.

Williams was given an average-at-best 67.4 Pro Football Focus grade which ranked him 55th among all qualified interior defensive linemen. He was the team’s fourth-highest rated player at the position, not exactly the rookie season that they had hoped for.

Again, Williams wasn’t bad — he was just, meh.

The jury is still out on his long-term future and it’s clear that the talent is there for him to be a star at the next level. But the Jets need to see more from Williams in 2020 or else the cries of “bust” will grow even louder.

Blame it on his usage, blame it on his inexperience, or blame it on a nagging early-season ankle injury. Whatever the reason, Williams was a disappointment in 2019.

And if he’s to avoid the infamous “bust” designation, then he will need to make much more of an impact this upcoming season.