The New York Jets have a wonderful problem to have at this stage of training camp.
They have so many players who have looked deserving of a roster spot that as the cutdown day creeps ever closer the decisions that were once thought of as no-brainers have been anything but.
As the Jets prepare for their first preseason game of August, it’s time to take an updated look at who is expected to make the 53-man roster for New York.
New York Jets 53-Man Roster Projection
Quarterback (2)
Starter: Aaron Rodgers
Backups: Tyrod Taylor
It’s really easy to see how the Jets could bring in a third quarterback like Trevor Siemian to be their emergency signal-caller, but the likes of Jordan Travis, Andrew Peasley, and Adrian Martinez have not shown up enough at this point to earn roster spots.
At least in Travis’ case, he could start on the PUP list.
Running Back (3)
Starter: Breece Hall
Backups: Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis
The surprise retirement of Tarik Cohen could have opened up a roster spot for Israel Abanikanda, but with so many other positions to emphasize, the reality is that there still isn’t much room for him.
With Isaiah Davis and Braelon Allen backing up the top running back in Breece Hall, the Jets have a trio of runners who can help set the tone on Sundays.
Wide Receiver (6)
Starters: Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, Xavier Gipson
Backups: Allen Lazard, Malachi Corley, Irvin Charles
If people were angry with me regarding the running back decision, they’d be furious regarding the receiving room.
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By all counts, Jason Brownlee and Malik Taylor have looked deserving of securing final roster spots for the team, especially with so many players on this list battling injuries. The issue is that all these players appear to be locks for the team — yes, even Irvin Charles as the team’s top special teams star. There’s just not enough room for a seventh wide receiver on this roster.
Tight End (3)
Starter: Tyler Conklin
Backups: Jeremy Ruckert, Kenny Yeboah
The Jets want to use three tight-end sets more than any other team in the NFL. Last season, Jeremy Ruckert and C.J. Uzomah were the players joining Tyler Conklin. Now, it’ll be Kenny Yeboah, who has put a nice training camp together to this point.
Offensive Line (10)
Starters: Tyron Smith, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Morgan Moses
Backups: Olu Fashanu, Wes Schweitzer, Max Mitchell, Carter Warren, Xavier Newman
New York will not make the same mistake they did last season by only carrying nine players on the roster leading into the first week of the season. With all their depth having improved from the previous year, 2024 seems like the correction spot for General Manager Joe Douglas and this group.
New York’s starting lineup does have a lot of health questions as well – even more of a reason to keep 10 players on the 53-man roster. With Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, and Alijah Vera-Tucker all coming back from injuries, it’s better to be safe than sorry along the offensive line.
Defensive Tackle (4)
Starters: Quinnen Williams, Javon Kinlaw
Backups: Solomon Thomas, Leki Fotu
This is the one group that seems pretty much made up at this point. Leki Fotu and Solomon Thomas have been excellent in practices against the run, while both Quinnen Williams and Javon Kinlaw have looked the part of a duo to be feared across the league.
There’s also the lack of a need for this position when it comes to the depth of the roster — New York has plenty of edge rushers who can play inside.
EDGE (5)
Starters: Micheal Clemons, Jermaine Johnson
Backups: Haason Reddick, Will McDonald IV, Eric Watts
Speaking of edge rushers, there’s a massive battle going on to see who will be the final depth piece to this loaded group. Undrafted free agents like Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor have all flashed, while a veteran like Takk McKinley has surprised plenty of people as well.
It’s a safe bet that the most consistent player in preseason games will make the cut, and so far Watts is the player to trust in that regard.
Linebacker (5)
Starters: C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood
Backups: Zaire Barnes, Chazz Surratt
Projecting what the Jets will do at linebacker was and continues to be one of the hardest positions to predict this year. Chazz Surratt, Zaire Barnes, and even Sam Eguavoen have all looked like players who could start on other teams this season. Because New York always keeps more linebackers than expected, it’s safe to assume they’ll keep at least two of the three players mentioned.
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Starting ahead of them is a dynamic trio led by C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams. Jamien Sherwood appears to be on the cusp of a breakout season as well after a full week of dominating on the practice field.
Cornerback (6)
Starters: Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, Michael Carter II
Backups: Brandin Echols, Qwan’tez Stiggers, Jarrick Bernard-Converse
The cornerback room is another position that seems relatively secure. Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II make up arguably the best trio of cornerbacks in the NFL today. Brandin Echols is the proven veteran backup who could start on almost any other team as well.
Then there are the projects. Jarrick Bernard-Converse has made the position change to corner after being drafted as a safety and has looked superb recently in practice. Qwan’tez Stiggers, on the other hand, is a player who has a great story as a rookie corner and looked the part of a quality depth piece.
This is one of New York’s deepest groups on the roster.
Safety (3)
Starters: Chuck Clark, Tony Adams
Backups: Ashtyn Davis
Keep an eye on seventh-round rookie Jaylen Key. While Mr. Irrelevant has looked pretty good late in camp, there aren’t many roster spots left for the Jets to use on him. It’s more likely that the team will stash him away on the practice squad in case anything happens to their three starters.
Of the three players to make the roster, Ashtyn Davis remains the third safety to be used in specific defensive packages simply because the Jets have seemingly made Tony Adams and Chuck Clark the de facto starters already.
Specialist (3)
Kicker: Greg Zuerlein
Punter: Thomas Morstead
Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessy
There’s not much more to say here — the Jets love their trio of dominant special teams stars.