The New York Jets will begin training camp on July 27. Question marks remain in certain position groups, but the majority of the roster is a lock with only a few spots left up for grabs. Assembling a 53-man roster is no easy feat given that various factors such as depth and team chemistry must be taken into consideration. Without further ado, here’s the latest New York Jets 53-man roster predictions.
New York Jets 53-Man Roster: Who Makes the Cut
Quarterbacks: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith and Christian Hackenberg
The Jets will most likely cut quarterback Bryce Petty assuming that Fitzpatrick eventually signs. While it may be difficult for general manager Mike Maccagnan to part with last year’s fourth round pick, it’s unusual to keep four quarterbacks especially if it depletes the depth in other positions. However, the Jets could opt to sign Petty to the practice squad. Smith is the only backup with NFL experience and Hackenberg will sit behind the veterans to develop his game.
Running Backs: Matt Forte, Khiry Robinson, Bilal Powell and Tommy Bohanon (fullback)
Forte was one of the Jets more high profile signings and will bring versatility to the offense with his pass catching ability. Powell’s game is similar to Forte. Last year, Powell caught 47 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns. The Jets expect to see more production from Powell who flashed during the Jets five-game winning streak. The Jets signed Robinson this offseason who will provide power in short yardage situations, making Zac Stacy expendable. Dominique Williams and Romar Morris both turned heads at OTAs, but the fact that they already has three running backs, it’s hard to imagine either of them making the roster.
Wide Receivers: Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Devin Smith, Jalin Marshall, Quincy Enunwa and Kenbrell Thompkins
Brandon Marshall, Decker, Smith and Enunwa are locks and Thompkins will most likely make it as he provides more depth to the position. It may be a stretch to keep Jalin Marshall over Jeremy Ross, who is a proven return man. But Marshall brings versatility and has tremendous upside. It all comes down to special teams. If he’s able to beat Ross, there is good chance he makes the roster. Charone Peake is a bubble player who could make the roster, but he’ll likely be a practice squad candidate.
Tight End: Jace Amaro, Kellen Davis and Zach Sudfeld
Amaro and Sudfeld were on injured reserve last season, but both are expected to be back this year. The Jets hope Amaro has a breakout year and lives up to expectations as a threat in the passing game. Kellen Davis is primarily used as a blocker, which can be beneficial in goal line and short yardage situations while Sudfeld is an excellent special teams player. The Jets will not keep more than three tight ends meaning Wes Saxton will likely get cut.
Offensive Lineman: Nick Mangold, Ryan Clady, Brian Winters, James Carpenter, Wesley Johnson, Ben Ijalana, Brent Qvale, Brandon Snell, Breno Giacomini
The Jets can create $5 million in cap space if they cut Giacomini, which is a possibility given his struggles last season. Giacomini allowed three sacks, seven hits and 44 hurries last season so expect him to be on the bubble. Qvale and Ijalana provide depth making Dakota Dozier the odd man out.
Defensive Lineman: Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson, Steve McLendon, Jarvis Jenkins, Leonard Williams and Deon Simon
The Jets have one of the best defenses in the league so there aren’t many question marks here. Simon could push McLendon for playing time and he provides some depth along with Jenkins.
Linebackers: David Harris, Erin Henderson, Lorenzo Mauldin, Jordan Jenkins, Freddie Bishop, Darron Lee, Bruce Carter and Deon Barnes
The outside linebacker position is inexperienced, but the Jets are expecting to see a jump in production from Lorenzo Mauldin. Rookie Lee can play outside and inside so he will get plenty of playing time this season. The Jets hope Bishop can be the same force in the NFL as he was in the CFL. Carter brings much needed speed to the position. Trevor Reilly entered OTAs with the majority of the first-team reps, but has continued to see less reps as time elapsed so it’s likely he will be cut.
Cornerbacks: Darrelle Revis, Buster Skrine, Marcus Williams, Dee Milliner, Juston Burris, Dexter McDougle and Darryl Morris
Revis, Skrine and Williams are locks. Milliner will get one more year to prove himself while McDougle has a high ceiling and showed flashes last year. Morris’ special teams ability is the difference maker.
Safeties: Calvin Pryor, Marcus Gilchrist, Dion Bailey and Rontez Miles
Pryor and Gilchrist will be the starers while Bailey and Miles provide depth. Marcus Williams‘ ability to play safety allows the Jets to just keep three safeties, making Bailey vulnerable due to Miles’ value on special teams.
Special Teams: Nick Folk, Lachlan Edwards and Tanner Purdum
Edwards and Tom Hackett will battle for the punting position, but Edwards has a greater upside. Kicker Ross Martin may be a surprise if he’s able to beat out Folk who adds $3 million to the cap.
