When Joe Douglas took the general manager position in 2019, he had a daunting task ahead of him. He wanted to get New York back to the playoffs. It’s been 13 years since New York saw the postseason. However, the work over the last five years might finally pay off. The key to get there lies in the team’s greatest strength; an otherworldly defense. Led by some tremendous defensive Jets players.
Three Jets Players Named to LWOS Top-40 Rankings
Robert Saleh came to New York to build the Jets defense from the ground up. Since then, he’s had the personnel to execute that. That talent has been recognized in LWOS’s top-40 player rankings. Heading into 2024, three Jets players were named on the list. Let’s break down each honoree and why they are being recognized.
Quinnen Williams, defensive tackle(14)
The name Mike Maccagnan brings dread to the minds of New York Jets fans. Bad memories remain from the Adam Gase era. However, one parting gift that is still appreciated is Quinnen Williams. The third overall pick in 2019 became an elite defensive tackle. Williams became a culture changer after arriving from Alabama. The 2017 national champion became a leader on this defense and has made opposing offensive line’s lives hell on the field. The stats don’t stand out, but that’s similar to the effect Aaron Donald has had when being constantly double-teamed. The former All-Pro is now paired with Haason Reddick and Jermaine Johnson on the outside. The best version of Quinnen Williams yet is on the horizon.
Quinnen Williams versus newly acquired Rodger Saffold lll #Jets pic.twitter.com/IdaPOJMdJP
— Optimistic Jets (@OptimisticJets) October 31, 2023
Sauce Gardner, cornerback(19)
Next up for New York is standout cornerback Sauce Gardner. The fourth overall pick in 2022 has emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the league for the Jets. He has earned back-to-back first-team All-Pro honors to begin his career. Gardner allowed only 332 receiving yards after being targeted only 55 times last season. Playing opposite side to the vastly underrated DJ Reed, the duo has emerged as one of the best cornerback pairings in the league. With the addition of a vocal leader like Chuck Clark at safety, Sauce Gardner has all the tools to put forth a historic season in 2024.
This rep by Sauce Gardner.. sheesh.
It doesn’t get any better than this.
pic.twitter.com/QqqrGKKEho— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 24, 2023
Quincy Williams, linebacker(39)
Finally, our last entrant on this list. Although he’s not as big as his younger brother, Quincy Williams isn’t just on this list because he’s related to Quinnen. After struggling to find a consistent role in Jacksonville, Quincy Williams emerged as a pillar of the Jets linebacker room. Williams has been the starting strong-side linebacker. Since 2021, Williams amassed over 355 total tackles; including 242 solo tackles. Once he signed a three-year contract extension worth $18 million, it’s chump change after earning first-team All-Pro honors last year. Joined side-by-side with veteran CJ Mosley and Jamin Sherwood, Quincy Williams has the tools needed to be one of the best linebackers in the league.
Future All Pro Quincy Williams with a great punch out… still have no clue why it was blown dead, Jermaine Johnson with the recovery and maybe could’ve had a second TD on the night pic.twitter.com/8YvSKCzKfY
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) December 30, 2023
The media attention will always find Aaron Rodgers way. However, just because he’s the most notable player does not equate to him being the most talented. The New York Jets roster is stockpiled with great talent. Along with a determined Haason Reddick joining them, the trio of Gardner and the Williams brothers are ready to help New York see late January football once more.
Main Photo: [Vincent Carchietta] – USA Today Sports
