New York Jets 53 Man Roster Prediction (1.0 - June Edition)
The NFL Season is 72 days away and like the late great Brodie Lee would always say "you know what that means". Yes, it is time to start projecting the 53 Man Roster for the New York Jets for Week 1 of the NFL Season.
For classifying player positions, Ourlad's depth chart for the New York Jets, will be used.
In this analysis, players will also be categorized as either a Lock, Make Roster, or Cut. A 'Lock' means there is no chance they will be cut. 'Make Roster' indicates they will be part of the team. If they are designated as a 'Cut,' then they will not be included in the 53-man roster.
Alright, let's get into my projections on who is a Lock to make the roster, who makes the roster, and those who will unfortunately not make the roster.
Offense
Quarterbacks (3)
Locks: Aaron Rodgers
Make Roster: Tyrod Taylor and Jordan Travis
Cut: Andrew Peasley
Aaron Rodgers is not going anywhere and is pretty much a lock to make the roster seeing how the Jets are all in on him. Tyrod Taylor is a nice QB to have and he will be a lot more competent than Zach Wilson was. Jordan Travis was drafted in the 5th round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He should make the roster as a developmental prospect who is a dark horse to start games in 2025. As for Andrew Peasley, he is a camp arm, who could be on the practice squad if he impresses.
Running Back (4)
Locks: Breece Hall
Make Roster: Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Nick Bawden (FB)
Cut: Isreal Abanikanda, Tarik Cohen, Xazavian Valladay
The only player that is a lock at running back is Breece Hall who is arguably the best in the AFC conference. Jets used draft picks on Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, so they should make the NFL roster.
From what is being told from reporters in camp, Isreal Abanikanda is not having a great camp and with the injury issues he has had, his roster spot is not safe. I have Nick Bawden making the roster as he can be a nice lead blocker to help open holes for Breece Hall to run in between.
I want Tarik Cohen to make the roster, but I am not 100% confident that he will make it. Not only due to the injuries, but he has not played a regular-season game since the 2020 season. Xazavian Valladay is mainly a camp body and is a long shot to make the roster.
Wide Receiver (6)
Locks: Garrett Wilson, Malachi Corley, Mike Williams
Make Roster: Xavier Gipson, Jason Brownlee, Allen Lazard
Cut: Irv Charles, Malik Taylor, Lance McCutcheon, Tyler Harrell, Marrcus Riley,
Garrett Wilson is not going anywhere and is the best offensive player on the team. Malachi Corley unless he pulls a Jachai Polite, should be a lock to make the roster. Rodgers really wanted the Jets to draft him, and the Jets granted his wish. Mike Williams signed a 1 year prove it deal with the Jets and should make the roster, unless he gets injured for the thousandth time.
Allen Lazard who has been a disastrous signing for the Jets will make the roster due to his awful contract. Xavier Gipson showed flashes last season and should be an impactful special teams' player. Especially in how he beat Mecole Hardman last year. As for the final roster spot its either going to be Irv Charles or Jason Brownlee. Brownlee is rumored to be one of the big standouts for the Jets, so for now he makes the roster over Charles.
Tight End (3)
Locks: Tyler Conklin
Make Roster: Jeremy Ruckert, Kenny Yeboah
Cut: Zack Kuntz, Kevin Foelsch, Lincoln Sefcik
Conklin isn't the greatest tight end, but he legit might be the most consistently solid tight end this franchise has had since Mickey Shuler was on the team in the 80s. He is a lock for the roster.
Besides Conklin its a real gamble as to who will make the behind him because the options aren't great. Yeboah is a solid special teamer and showed flashes on offense when utalized. I have been very disappointed with Jeremy Ruckert since the Jets drafted him. I thought he was going to be a weapon on this team. However, he is a really solid blocker and he is still useful on this team.
Zack Kuntz has potential and is a guy I am going to keep my eye on in the next few months. However, I am not confident he will make the roster.
Offensive Tackle (4)
Locks: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses
Make Roster: Carter Warren
Cut: Austin Deculus, Obinna Eze, Willie Tyler
The tackle position already has 3 locks on the team. Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses were brought to the team via free agency. Olumuyiwa Fashanu was drafted by the Jets in the first round, so he is not going to be cut.
Out of all the other options, Carter Warren still has promise as he was okay when he played. He will be a solid backup tackle if injuries occur. As for Deculus, Eze, and Tyler they could get on the practice squad, but I don't think they will make the roster for Week 1.
Offensive Guard (4)
Locks: Alijah Vera-Tucker, John Simpson
Make Roster: Max Mitchell, Xavier Newman
Cut: Brady Latham, Vitaly Gunman, Jake Hanson, Kohl Leavo
Vera-Tucker when healthy is there best guard. John Simpson was signed a two-year deal in the offseason and with how well he played in Baltimore, he should be an upgrade over Laken Tomlinson last year.
Max Mitchell's spot isn't safe, but due to his versatility playing both guard and tackle, I think he makes the roster. As for the 4th guard I think Xavier Newman takes the position. His experience at center too helps as a Plan B if McGovern and Schweitzer get injured again. Speaking of the center position...
Center (2)
Locks: Connor McGovern
Make Roster: Wes Schweitzer
Cut: Chris Glaser
McGovern is the best center the Jets have had since Nick Mangold. While injuries are a question mark, his job is pretty much safe. At backup I think the Jets stick with Wes Schweitzer as when healthy he is also a dependable option at center. The odd man out is Chris Glaser, but it would make sense if he was signed to the practice squad.
Defense
Defensive End/EDGE Rusher (4)
Locks: Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, Hasson Reddick
Make Roster: Michael Clemons
Cut: Tyreek Johnson, Jayln Holmes, Eric Watts, Braiden McGregor, Takk McKinley
Jermaine Johnson is a clear lock with how dominant he was last season. While the Jets wasted a 1st round pick last year on Will McDonald, there is no chance he gets cut as the Jets put a ton of reserves in him and he could bounce back next season. While Hasson Reddick is holding out for a new contract, the Jets traded a 3rd rounder to acquire him, and I doubt the Jets cut him. it would not make Joe Douglas look good at all.
Michael Clemons is a wildcard. While he shows flashes on the field, he also shows flashes of immaturity as well. While I have him making the team as a backup, I don't think his spot is safe thanks to his immaturity on the field.
The rest of the players won't make it, but Takk McKinley and his connection with Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich could help his odds making the team. However, tough moves have to be done and I don't think McKinley will make the roster with the amount of depth on this Jets roster.
Defensive Tackle (5)
Locks: Quinnen Williams
Make Roster: Javon Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas, Leki Fotu, Tanzel Smart
Cut: Bruce Hector, Leonard Taylor
Quinnen Williams is not going anywhere as he is one of the main pillars on this defense. Javon Kinlaw and Solomon Thomas make the roster with their connections to Saleh during their San Fransico 49ers days. Leki Fotu was signed in free agency and should make the rooster as the Jets took a chance on him. Tanzel Smart is a reliable player as he has been a part of this team via the practice squad through most of Robert Saleh's tenure with the team
Leonard Taylor, a player who many analysts/scouts projected as a Day 2 draft pick is one to keep an eye on. He should challenge for the final roster spot, but with the depth on this team, he will unfortunately not make the roster.
Linebacker (4)
Locks: Quincy Williams and C.J. Mosley
Make Roster: Jamien Sherwood and Chaz Surratt
Cut: Sam Eguavoen, Zaire Barnes, Jimmy Ciarlo, Marcelino McCrary-Ball''
Quincey Williams and C.J. Mosley are one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL today. There not going anywhere. Jamien Sherwood is a dependable option at linebacker and will be a nice rotational piece or Plan B if injuries occur. Chazz Surratt makes the roster over the bunch due to his special team's experience.
Cornerback (6)
Locks: Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, D.J. Reed, Michael Carter
Make Roster: Brandin Echols, Qwan'tez Stiggers, Isaiah Oliver
Cut: Shemar Bartholomew, Myles Jones, Brandon Codrington
The Jets corners are probably the best position on the Jets roster. Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter's jobs are safe. Reed is a potential trade candite as his contract is up at the end of the season and the Jets could get a good offer for him via trade. However, as for his roster spot, unless they get that offer, he is not going anywhere.
Echols for now is safe as the dude is really solid when on the field. The Jets drafted Stiggers and is rumored to be a stand-out during camp. I think Stiggers will make the roster and I honestly debated having him as a lock to make the roster.
Oliver will make the roster as a special team/rotational player. Bartholomew, Jones, and Codrington will unfortunately not make the roster.
Safety (5)
Locks: None
Make Roster: Tony Adams, Chuck Clark, Ashtyn Davis, Jaylen Key, Jackson Bernard-Converse
Cut: Al Blades Jr., Jarius Monroe
The Safety position is the only one on the Jets defense that has no locks in my roster prediction. Tony Adams was the closest one, but he is not the greatest safety. Chuck Clark is back after spending last season on Injured Reserved. His position on the roster is not a lock and he needs a strong camp and preseason to fully secure his position.
Ashtyn Davis I am stunned is still a New York Jet, but it's clear the locker room and coaching staff really like him. Plus, Davis is pretty solid on special teams.
Jackson Bernard-Converse is going to be trying out the safety position. Which makes sense with how much depth the Jets have at cornerback and Jackson can play more at safety. If he is healthy, he could be a solid part of the Jets secondary. Jaylen Ket is an intriguing prospect, not only as the Mr. Irrelevant pick, but he could be a solid rotational/depth piece on the Jets secondary.
Special Teamers
Long Snapper (1)
Locks: Thomas Hennessy
The longest tenured New York Jet is not going anywhere. Honestly, he probably will stay a Jet for the rest of his NFL Career.
Kicker (1)
Locks: Greg Zuerlein
Cut: Austin Seibert
Unless Zuerlien gets hurt, he is not going anywhere. Seinbert should remain a Jet under the practice squad.
Punter (1)
Lock: Thomas Morstead
Thank goodness the Jets were able to retain Thomas Morstead who was arguably one of the best players on the Jets last season. He is not going anywhere since the Jets don't have another punter on the Roster.
Those are my predictions for who will make the 53-man roster. Do you agree? Who do you have made the 53-man roster for the New York Jets. Enlighten me in the comment section and don't forget to give the article a like, along with check out other NFL content on Stadium Rant.
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