The New York Jets have ushered in Adam Gase as their new head coach and a new era peers over the horizon for the franchise. Time will tell if Gase can turn the page on the playoff-less chapters under former head coach Todd Bowles that ended in three straight seasons in last place in the AFC East. Despite being small in numbers, the 2019 NFL draft class is expected to help establish the building blocks for the future.
Round 1, 3rd overall: Quinnen Williams, Defensive tackle, Alabama
Many draft analysts argued the Alabama product was the best player in the entire draft. Quinnen Williams provides potential and pedigree we previously broke down. At 6’3 and barely over 300 pounds, Williams moves gracefully for a man of his stature. His unfairly strong hands and powerful lower frame make him difficult to block even when double teamed. His acceleration out of his stance places opposing linemen at a disadvantage instantly. Williams’ ability to redirect fluidly is a breed of athleticism that is truly rare.
The Jets will have a new dynamic duo leading the charge defensively when Williams is inserted on the line alongside veteran Leonard Williams.
Round 3, 68th overall: Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida
The Jets pass rush last season proved to be average at best. The team placed 16th in the league with 39 sacks. Some added juice was needed to get after the passer, especially at outside linebacker. Jachai Polite was there for the taking in round three after having an interesting pre-draft process, to say the least.
On film, you can see why Polite provoked round-one buzz. Polite has very sound hand technique to go along with effort that is contagious. The explosiveness off the edge and sudden twitch could upgrade New York’s pass rush over time. Many question if Polite is a one-year wonder out of the SEC. However, it’s hard to ignore the 2018 campaign Polite put together. The potential is quite evident. If he reaches it, Polite could arguably be the biggest draft steal.
Round 3, 92nd overall: Chuma Edoga, Tackle, USC
Veteran stability is in place for the Jets at offensive tackle. However, that may not be the case after the 2019 season. Both starting tackles, Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell, are unrestricted free agents next offseason. So a selection such as this was probably made with an eye towards the future.
Chuma Edoga was a 5-star recruit for the Trojans, but his career did not necessarily meet expectations. Nevertheless, Edoga has talent and potential. His quick feet allow him to move very well in space. They also allow him to kick-step out of stance and mirror pass rushing deep into the rushing arc. Sure, Edoga’s play strength can use some improvement as time goes on and it is still questionable as to how much time on the field he will see in year one barring injury. But even so, Edoga provides a nice building block for the future to protect franchise quarterback Sam Darnold.
Round 4, 121st overall: Trevon Wesco, Tight end, West Virginia
In recent seasons with Miami and Denver, Gase has seen a notable decline in rushing attempts per game. Despite the fact that he hasn’t had a running back like Le’Veon Bell, it is highly unlikely that Gase will rely on Bell’s rushing talent alone.
That’s where the selection of Trevon Wesco come full circle. Wesco is known more for his blocking prowess than his abilities as a pass catcher. Gase probably won’t draw up plays for him in the passing game. Standing at 6’4 and a shade over 270 pounds, Wesco has a strong lower base which allows him to latch on to blocks and apply leg drive. He brings a nastiness to run blocking and is generally a smaller offensive tackle. Tight end Chris Herndon leads the TE group for the Jets with his ascending pass-catching talent. Bringing in Wesco adds size and toughness and compliments Herndon, respectively.
Round 5, 157th overall: Blake Cashman, Linebacker, Minnesota
The Jets handed linebacker C.J. Mosley a five-year deal with $43 million guaranteed as a free agent this offseason. Mosley steps in to be the bell cow of the defense. Alongside him is six-year veteran Avery Williamson, who is coming off the best season of his career. But depth behind the starters deserved the focus.
Blake Cashman is an instinctive linebacker with functional athleticism and a nose for the football. While Cashman probably won’t win a starting gig early on, his competitiveness will make it complex to keep him off the field. There is plenty of value with the selection of Cashman at this point in the draft. At worst, in year one, Cashman could prove to be a special teams ace for the Jets.
Round 6, 196th overall: Blessuan Austin, Cornerback, Rutgers
To be pretty candid, New York needed to do more to address cornerback this offseason. Even with this selection. The franchise waited until fairly late in the draft to address a significant need here while allowing former starter Morris Claiborne to depart in free agency.
Blessaun Austin is a long corner at 6’1 with 32 1/2 arms. Athleticism is never in question for Austin, and his versatility is intriguing. There is a physical nature in his coverage. However, injuries at Rutgers diminished his draft stock. Austin only played in five games the past two seasons after suffering knee injuries in both the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Austin may not check the box on cornerback for the Jets. In the long run, Austin has a ceiling of being a decent starter option if he can remain healthy.