Florham Park, NJ -- July 27, 2024 -- Edge rusher, Will McDonald IV at the New York Jets training camp this morning.
What’s the most important thing to keep in mind when looking at the first Jets unofficial depth chart? Not only is it unofficial, but there are times when you wonder who in the world was asked to put it together. Even still, while unofficial, it is officially put out by the team. Therefore, we will take a look at it and share some thoughts.
Keeping in mind that it will mean little in the end, we’ll treat it with some degree of respect. We’ll discuss what some of it could/would mean if it had been put together by a serious member of the coaching staff.
At quarterback and O-line we saw all of the names we expected to see in the spots where we knew they’d land. Aaron Rodgers and his crew of Tyron Smith, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker and Morgan Moses from left to right. Not a lot to discuss there.
At receiver, Jason Brownlee behind Irv Charles was surprising. While we expect both to make the team, Browlnee looks to us to be the far better offensive player while Charles is primarily a special teamer.
When it comes to the tight ends it’s status quo. Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert listed as starters with Kenny Yeboah and Zack Kuntz behind each of them. Lincoln Sefcik and Anthony Firsker come in as the third TE’s behind those two.
Last year’s fifth-round pick, Izzy Abanikanda is the fourth back behind Breece Hall, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. Abanikanda is ahead of only 2023 UDFA Xazavian Vallday. There are are some who feel Valladay would make the roster over Abanikanda if rosters were set today.
We thought the most notable takeaway was last year’s first-round pick, edge rusher Will McDonald, listed as a backup. Third-year player Michael Clemons was listed as the starter across from Jermaine Johnson. Clemons has had some solid moments as a pro, but McDonald was the presumed starter entering the season. He has however had difficulty adding weight. So those wondering why Clemons has seen so much action this camp, now have their answer.
Jets DE Michael Clemons has been getting plenty of run with the starters in training camp.
Credit: © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Despite seeing almost all of his action with the 2’s and 3’s, Takk McKinnley is listed as Clemons’ backup. Maybe time to get him rotating in with the starters if that’s the case?
No surprises at defensive tackle where new addition Javon Kinlaw will start next to Quinnen Williams. CJ Mosley, Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood are listed as the linebackers. However, there will be enough nickel to truly make it Mosley and Williams.
Who will the backup nickel be? Most assumed Brandin Echols after he played there last season, but perhaps not? The team has UDFA Bradon Codrington in that spot with Kendall Sheffield behind him. Don’t be surprised if Sheffield sticks on the 53.
And at cornerback, we have no surprise names yet again. Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed will man the boundaries with Echols and Quan’tez Stiggers behind them.
Obviously no surprises on special teams either with Greg Zuerlein, Thomas Morstead, Thomas Hennessy in their usual spots. The punt and kick returners will surely change between now and week 1. But it’s currently Xavier Gipson, Isaiah Davis, Malachi Corley, and Brandon Codrington. UDFA WR Hamze El-Zayat is listed as a kick returner but not punt returner.
