Jets defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner had been each named first-team All-Professional choices, the Related Press introduced Friday. Linebacker C.J. Mosley was additionally named a second-team member.
Gardner is the primary rookie cornerback to earn the first-team honor since Ronnie Lott in 1981, based on The Submit’s Brian Costello.
Williams and Gardner had been two vivid spots all through a Jets season that began 7-4 however crumbled on the finish — with a six-game dropping streak to shut the 12 months and no postseason berth. Their protection allowed the fourth-fewest yards per sport (311.1) and had the third-best unit towards the move, whereas their 18.6 factors allowed per sport ranked because the fourth-lowest quantity within the NFL.
Gardner, the No. 4-overall select of Cincinnati, led the league with 20 passes defended and in addition intercepted two passes. He drew opponents’ prime wideouts and chased consideration away from his matchup, even expressing his personal frustration after a December sport when the Lions didn’t goal him as soon as. Gardner had three tackles for loss and 75 mixed tackles all through his first NFL season.
Whereas Gardner anchored the defensive backs, Williams impressed on the line of defense. He recorded career-highs for begins (16), tackles for loss (12), quarterback hits (28) and sacks (12.0), regardless of lacking one sport with a calf harm.
Williams has since put strain on the Jets to barter a contract extension by April, telling reporters Monday that he’ll sit out the offseason’s voluntary portion with no new deal. He has one 12 months remaining on a rookie deal that began in 2019, when the Jets drafted him with the third-overall select of Alabama.
For Mosley, it marked his first look on the second-team All-Professional checklist since 2018 — and fifth in his profession. He recorded 158 tackles and three tackles for loss in his third season with the Jets.
The offense grew to become a significant query mark in 2022 — particularly when the unit failed to attain a landing throughout its ultimate three video games — however the protection, now with the All-Professional accolades, proved to be a gaggle New York might construct a basis on beneath coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
