The 2019 offseason for the New York Jets has been one for the ages. After a promising finish to the season, they hired former Miami Dolphins Head Coach Adam Gase for the same position. Thus giving young quarterback Sam Darnold the offensive-minded coach he needs. General Manager Mike Maccagnan dove into the checkbook headfirst signing stars such as halfback Le’Veon Bell and linebacker CJ Mosley to huge deals. The big offseason did not end there as Maccagnan landed arguably the best player in the draft with Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Not so long after, Maccagnan was let go and replaced with former Philadelphia Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Joe Douglas. And now, fans are excited to pack into the stands at 1 Jets Drive as training camp commences this Saturday.
That being said, for the last few weeks the 2019 New York Jets Preview series has taken an in-depth look at each and every position. From quarterbacks to linebackers, all this analysis comes together for the Training Camp Roster Prediction. Let’s take a look at which 53 players are predicted to make the cut…
2019 New York Jets Previews: Quarterbacks – Running Backs – Wide Receivers/Tight Ends – Interior Offensive Line – Offensive Tackles – EDGE Rushers – Interior Defensive Line – Linebackers – Cornerbacks – Safeties – Special Teams
2019 New York Jets: Pre-Training Camp Roster Prediction
Quarterbacks- Sam Darnold (Starter), Trevor Siemian, Davis Webb
Sam Darnold is obviously Gang Green’s long-term hope at quarterback. With new weapons and a new Head Coach, Darnold will take a big leap in year two. Backing him up should be Trevor Siemian, given he is a veteran with plenty of experience. Lastly is Davis Webb, who should compete against Siemian for the backup position. However, Siemian is only on a one year deal, and Webb is a restricted free agent after the year. It should not be a shock if Gase carries three quarterbacks into the season.
Running Backs- Le’Veon Bell (Starter), Ty Montgomery, Bilal Powell, Elijah McGuire
He is back! Le’Veon Bell makes his return to the NFL after his hiatus, this time in Gotham Green. Bell is easily the starter, yet this position group contains strong depth behind him. Gase will have plenty to work with as all four are do-it-all backs. Ty Montgomery should be used as a running back and receiver at times. Assuming Bilal Powell is back healthy following his neck injury, his familiarity with Darnold will be valuable. Similar points can be made for Elijah McGuire, who also adds returner depth on special teams.
Wide Receivers- Robby Anderson (WR1), Quincy Enunwa (WR2), Jamison Crowder (SLWR), Joshua Bellamy, Deontay Burnett, Greg Dortch
This is a young group with a high ceiling. Robby Anderson enters as the number one receiver, after a strong connection with Darnold was apparent late last season. Quincy Enunwa looks to stay healthy and continue to amaze with his combination of speed for his size. Jamison Crowder comes over from the Washington Redskins, giving Darnold a shifty target underneath in the slot. Behind them is veteran Joshua Bellamy, who provides experience as a special teamer, as well as a backup receiver. Former USC teammate of Darnold, Deontay Burnett flashed his playmaking ability against the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots. Lastly is the speedster from Wake Forest in Greg Dortch. A toss-up between him and veteran Deonte Thompson, Dortch sticks to the roster with his elusiveness out of the slot, as well as returning experience from college.
Tight Ends- Ryan Griffin (Starter*), Eric Tomlinson, Trevon Wesco (FB), Chris Herndon (Suspended)
The Jets seemed surprised to find out that second-year tight end Chris Herndon would be suspended four games to start the season. It is a big blow given the connection he formed with Darnold last season. That being said, the team signed the former Houston Texan Ryan Griffin. He should enter as the favorite to start off as the tight end, before shifting to the backup spot upon Herndon’s return. Eric Tomlinson sticks on the roster for his fourth season as his blocking capability and size. Then comes the rookie Trevon Wesco. Expect to see him lining up all over, his size should allow him to rotate with Tomlinson when a fullback is being used. He certainly will be used in short-yardage plays too with his open-field talent.
Offensive Line- Kelvin Beachum (LT), Kelechi Osemele (LG), Jonotthan Harrison (C), Brian Winters (RG), Brandon Shell (RT), Brent Qvale, Tom Compton, Jon Toth, Chuma Edoga
It is possible that new General Manager Joe Douglas makes some moves prior to the start of the season as the Jets do not have much depth. Until then, these are the guys who should be protecting Darnold this season. Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell return as the starting offensive tackles, along with Brian Winters at right guard. All offer consistency and experience, and Shell should not have any setbacks from his season-ending knee injury in 2018. Former Pro Bowl guard Kelechi Osemele will lift up this line, assuming that last season’s poor play was just a small bump in a successful career. Jonotthan Harrison is the “new” starter, after taking over for Spencer Long.
Behind him could be Jon Toth, as he has spent time with the Jets practice squad. Brent Qvale and Tom Compton will be moving all around the line as the primary backups. Finally, third-round pick Chuma Edoga should see plenty of playtime at both tackle positions as he could be a long-term option on this line.
Defensive Line- Leonard Williams (LE), Henry Anderson (RE), Quinnen Williams (DT), Steve McLendon, Nathan Shepherd, Folorunso Fatukasi
Leonard “Big Cat” Williams enters a crucial fifth year as he looks to prove he is a premier rusher. Henry Anderson returns on a new three-year contract. Quinnen Williams is just too talented to slowly incorporate into the rush and will be a force for years to come. Steve McLendon is a big veteran presence to mentor Quinnen Williams and a great run stopper. Nathan Shepherd and Folorunso Fatukasi are both on the bubble. Yet they make it because of the lack of depth, experience, and just talent amongst the other competition.
Outside Linebackers- Jordan Jenkins (LOLB), Brandon Copeland (ROLB), Frankie Luvu, Jachai Polite
Jets fans were not pleased when Mike Maccagnan did not acquire a top name at outside linebacker to join Jordan Jenkins. Although they should not be discouraged as this is a strong group of players. Jenkins is coming off of a breakout season, and Brandon Copeland showed promise. Behind them, Frankie Luvu brings speed and energy which Gregg Williams will love, and Jachai Polite will start off as a situational rusher with elite potential.
Middle Linebackers- CJ Mosley (Starter), Avery Williamson (Starter), Neville Hewitt, Blake Cashman
Perhaps the biggest surprise, Mike Maccagnan managed to snag CJ Mosley away from the Baltimore Ravens. His leadership and overall talent is a huge addition to this defense. He joins Avery Williamson, who made a solid case for a Pro Bowl in a great 2018 campaign. Neville Hewitt returns as a great special teamer and backup, joining rookie Blake Cashman.
Cornerbacks- Trumaine Johnson (CB1), Darryl Roberts (CB2), Brian Poole (SLCB), Blessuan Austin, Derrick Jones, Parry Nickerson
Trumaine Johnson was the big-ticket player signed by Maccagnan back in 2018. Now reunited with his old defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, he should show fans why he was given the massive deal he was. Darryl Roberts is solidified as the number two corner, replacing Morris Claiborne. Roberts played well last season in Johnson’s absence, earning himself his extension. Brian Poole adds a swiss army knife to this defense and is going to be the slot corner. Blessuan Austin is a talented player, assuming he can stay healthy. He has displayed starting corner potential when healthy back at Rutgers. Derrick Jones finally makes the roster in his third season and Parry Nickerson is back as the backup slot corner.
Safety- Marcus Maye (FS), Jamal Adams (SS), Rontez Miles, Doug Middleton
No surprise here, as the rising safety tandem is back. Marcus Maye looks to stay healthy and establish himself and star Jamal Adams as the best safety pair in the league. Behind them are once again veteran Rontez Miles and Doug Middleton.
Special Teams- Chandler Catanzaro (K), Lachlan Edwards (P), Thomas Hennessy (LS), Greg Dortch (R)
Making his return to Metlife stadium is kicker Chandler Catanzaro, who was the starter from 2017. Lachlan Edwards beats out Matt Darr for the punter spot entering his fourth year. Thomas Hennessy is the only option as the long snapper. And after a tough battle, Dortch makes the roster in large part due to his ability to return kicks and punts.
2019 New York Jets Previews: Quarterbacks – Running Backs – Wide Receivers/Tight Ends – Interior Offensive Line – Offensive Tackles – EDGE Rushers – Interior Defensive Line – Linebackers – Cornerbacks – Safeties – Special Teams
