New York Jets lineman Quinnen Williams (95) celebrates his sack against the New York Giants in the first half of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, August 28, 2022. Nfl Giants Vs Jets Preseason Game Giants At Jets
The New York Jets assembled their 53 man roster even if we should expect at least a few changes in the coming days as names from other clubs become available. But what stood out among the Jets the players decided to carry? Lots of players on offense. The Jets kept 7 wide receivers, 4 tight ends and 10 offensive linemen and will likely be bringing back fullback Nick Bawden. Do you think they’re making Aaron Rodgers‘ happiness a priority?
QB (2) Aaron Rodgers, Zach Wilson:
This looked like a no-brainer to us in the days leading up to the cut downs as Wilson had shown improvement throughout the preseason and likely eased some of the Jets concerns. Tim Boyle did a nice job and some thought he may stick but the Jets look to be more interested in building around Aaron Rodgers, not behind him.
RB (4) Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook, Michael Carter, Isreal Abanikanda:
Breece Hall, Dalvin Cook, Michael Carter and Israel Abanikanda give the Jets plenty of big play potential. Carter vs Bam Knight was the battle keep an eye on and Carter, as expected, took the final spot. Expect fullback Nick Bawden to return at some point.
WR (7) Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Mecole Hardman, Jason Brownlee, Xavier Gipson, Irv Charles:
With seven receivers on the roster you’d have to think this is one of the first groups that gets trimmed when a player the Jets like comes along. This doesn’t mean we don’t love the idea of hanging on to as many pass catchers as possible though. Receivers have become such a big (and expensive) part of today’s game that the idea of developing one or two of them in-season is a must. Of the seven, only Wilson, Cobb and Hardman were NFL draft picks.
TE (4) Tyler Conklin, CJ Uzomah, Jeremy Ruckert, Kenny Yeboah:
Our most recent 53 man roster projection included four tight ends which plenty of Jets fans disagreed with. However, we missed in projecting Zach Kuntz over Kenny Yeboah, assuming the Jets would keep all of their draft picks.
OL (10) Duane Brown, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Mekhi Becton, Billy Turner, Joe Tippman, Max Mitchell, Wes Sweitzer, Carter Warren:
One of the biggest stories of camp was Mekhi Becton earing the starting right tackle job while many pundits and insiders had him failing to stick on the roster at all. There will be plenty of questions about the Jets O-line all season, primarily around their health, but it’s a very talented group when healthy. Carter Warren is a short-term IR candidate.
DL (10) Jermaine Johnson, Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers, Carl Lawson, Quinton Jefferson, Michael Clemons, Bryce Huff, Will McDonald, Al Woods, Solomon Thomas.
Deepest D-line in the NFL and teams are already calling to talk trade. Aaron Rodgers got all of the love this offseason, but the Jets front four is going to be as big a part of this thing as anyone.
LB (5) CJ Mosley, Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood, Chazz Surratt, Zaire Barnes:
Potentially the achilles heel of the defense, this groups ability to cover will be tested early and often given the Jets CB play. Until they show they can slow teams down, they’ll continue to get tested. Chazz Surratt making the 53 man roster felt inevitable after coach Robert Saleh gushed over him on Hard Knocks.
CB (5) Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, Michael Carter, Bryce Hall, Justin Hardee:
An extremely talented trio of starters and a backup in Hall who will likely be moving on after Brandin Echols returns from his one week suspension.
S (4) Jordan Whitehead, Tony Adams, Adrian Amos, Ashtyn Davis:
Davis may have saved his roster spot over the team’s final two games by playing some of his best football. Whitehead returns as a starter while Adams is elevated after signing as an undrafted free agent last season. Fan favorite Trey Dean was the team’s best safety in preseason action but was sent packing.
Specialists (2) Greg Zeurlein, Thomas Hennessy
The Jets will be bringing back Thomas Morestead to complete their specialist group in the coming days to assemble what will be the true 53 man roster.