Four Jets Rank Among Pro Football Focus' Top 101 Players
For the criticism that New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas gets, he’s built a roster with elite players at several positions.
It is yet to be seen how quarterback Aaron Rodgers will fare, and his quest to build a strong offensive line is still incomplete, but he’s identified talent well both on the discount rack and with some of his most expensive assets.
New York’s defense was quantifiably elite for the second consecutive year, a testament to the development head coach Robert Saleh has conjured on his side of the ball. Subsequently, the Jets were rewarded with multiple stars making Pro Football Focus’ Top 101 players from the 2023 season.
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63. C.J. Mosley, linebacker
Mosley exceeded every expectation most had for him in 2023. In his age-31 season, Mosley looked better in coverage than he had early in his Jets tenure and eased any concerns about his contract, which still ranks fourth among inside linebackers in average annual value.
Mosley is a beloved captain in the middle of New York’s defense and one of the most important cogs of Saleh’s defensive machine.
46. Quincy Williams, linebacker
The ascension of Williams separated the Jets defense from 2022 to 2023.
“In the shadow of his brother, Quinnen Williams, until this season, Quincy Williams put forth an incredible performance for the Jets in 2023,” Sam Monson wrote. “An 88.7 PFF coverage grade was the standout feature of his game, and he broke up eight passes and recorded one interception”
Williams was always athletic, but his hair-on-fire playstyle was honed in this season, making him a more disciplined force both in coverage and against the run. Acquiring Williams was one of the best value moves of Douglas’ tenure.
33. Sauce Gardner, cornerback
There’s a legitimate argument to be made that Gardner has been the best cornerback in football since he stepped onto the field as a rookie. After his second season, there’s little to suggest he’s anything but elite.
He didn’t catch an interception this season but remained exceptional in man coverage. In all, he allowed 110 fewer yards (251) than last season and remained productive around the ball, even without forcing turnovers.
At 33rd overall, Gardner ranked third among cornerbacks, falling behind Chicago Bears corner Jaylon Johnson and Dallas Cowboys corner DaRon Bland.
28. Quinnen Williams, defensive tackle
One of the best defensive linemen in the sport, Williams has been a consistent game-wrecker for New York and had buoyed the pass rush when edge rushers struggled. With the emergence of Bryce Huff and Jermaine Johnson II, he finally showed what he could do on a nearly-optimized unit.
His 5.5 sacks were a drop-off from 12 last season, but by ESPN’s metrics, he ranked in the top five in double-team rate and seventh in pass-rush win rate at his position. He has become everything New York has asked of him as a former No. 3 overall pick.
Furthermore, it remains telling that the Jets did not have a single offensive player crack the Top 101. Perhaps Rodgers would have, though that’s an optimistic outlook. Receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall certainly made their cases. But for as strong as the defense has been, the offense has been just as bad.
Douglas’ ability to bring in high-level talent on that side of the ball may dictate how long he lasts as general manager.
