Top pick a likely no-show for Jets

It looks as if the Jets, for the second consecutive year, did not have their top draft pick on the scene when their rookies reported for training camp.

Quinnen Williams, the defensive lineman from Alabama expected to make an immediate and profound impact, was not expected to arrive at the Jets facility as rookies reported Friday. The Jets, according to NFL.com, were hoping Williams would be on a flight on Thursday to New Jersey, but that was not the case, and NFL.com reported he had not showed at camp as of Friday evening.

As the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 draft, there is not much, or any, leeway as far as what Williams will earn. He is slotted in for a fouryear contract worth $32.4 million — all guaranteed — with $21.6 million coming in the form of a signing bonus. This salary was determined after the NFL set the 2019 salary cap at $188.2 million and, based off that number, set a rookie compensation pool. At times, players and their representation balk at off-set language contained in the contract, but the financial terms of the deal cannot be altered in any significant manner.

The Jets’ veterans will report to camp Wednesday; the first practice is Thursday. The Jets would like to get Williams, a projected starter, on the field as quickly as possible, allowing him to acclimate himself to the NFL game. It is not a huge deal if he misses a practice or two, but it is better if he does not, to make as smooth a transition as possible.

This is familiar terrain for the Jets. A year ago, quarterback Sam Darnold — the No. 3 overall pick — missed the first three practices of training camp as details of his contract were worked out. Darnold eventually arrived, signed his four-year, $30.3 million deal and was the Week 1 starter.