The New York Jets have recently released their first depth chart of the year.
Brian Winters seems to have a hold on the left guard position for now, as Jet mainstays Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson look to anchor an offensive line that features returning starter Willie Colon at right guard, and boasts a super bowl champion right tackle, Breno Giacomini, who will look to continue his winning ways in Green and White.
It is not surprising to see second year quarterback Geno Smith listed as the current starter above Michael Vick; the Jets have made it clear that the title of starting quarterback is Geno’s to lose. Matt Simms is currently in command of the third string jig, as the rookie Tajh Boyd is, presumably, fighting for chance to make the final roster.
At wide receiver, Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley are listed as the starters, but it is likely that Kerley will line up in the slot while either David Nelson or Stephen Hill will step up and play outside in three receiver sets. Jacoby Ford is listed behind Clyde Gates and Greg Salas, and may only save himself a roster spot because of his speed and return ability. Rookies Jalen Saunders and Shaq Evans are also fighting for a chance to make an offensive impact.
Chris Ivory is listed above the former pro-bowler Chris Johnson as the starting runningback, but there is no doubt that this backfield, along with Bilal Powell, will operate as a committee.
On Defense, Dimitri Patterson will line up as a staring cornerback along with Dee Milliner. It seems as if Kyle Wilson will operate as the third corner in nickel formations, but it is possible that Dexter McDougle can contribute during his first season after injuring his shoulder as a Maryland Terrapin.
Antonio Allen and Dawan Landry are listed as the staters at safety, but one has to wonder if first rounder Calvin Pryor, who has battled a concussion this preseason, will find his way into the starting line up before the final roster is set.