South Alabama tight end Lincoln Sefcik (88) celebrates a touchdown during a football game against South Alabama at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. Kns Tennessee South Alabam Football Bp
With kickoff just a few hours away, there are undoubtedly butterflies in the stomachs of plenty of Jets players. Not because anyone will care about the final outcome, but because there are very few roster spots up for grabs and plenty of guys who want them. Who are the key names to watch?
RB Israel Abanikanda: Abanikanda hasn’t been hugely productive playing behind second and third strong offensive linemen. However, his running style has been closer to what the Jets are looking for. There’s no denying Abanikanda’s elite sub 4.4 speed. But the team was hoping to see him put his head down and hit the hole for the tough yards. He has done more of that this preseason than he did last, meaning he should have a shot. A big game tonight could secure a roster spot if the Jets are willing to carry four backs.
LB’s Chazz Surratt and Zaire Barnes: Both Surratt and Barnes have played well enough to justify a roster spot, but will the Jets carry both? That’s pretty unlikely. Surratt is a Robert Saleh favorite but has had durability issues despite very little playing time. Barnes isn’t as good in coverage but he is a recent Joe Douglas draft pick. A big game tonight from either one could tip the scales.
Edge Braiden McGregor: The deck is stacked against McGregor because the Jets are loaded at edge rusher. This of course is assuming Haason Reddick reports before week 1. But even with Reddick, Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald in the fold, McGregor has been very impressive. Look for his motor to be running hot tonight as he tries to impress.
CB’s Brandon Codrington and Shemar Bartholomew: Both rookie undrafted free agents have been very impressive this preseason. Codrington stole the show with a pair of big returns last week which may have helped him steal a roster spot. Corner is another position where the Jets are loaded so it’ll take a small miracle for either one to stick, but don’t rule it out.
S Jarius Monroe: The converted Tulane cornerback has the range and length to add quality depth to a thin safety room. A big play or two tonight will go a long way in helping Monroe hang around.
DT Leonard Taylor: Taylor is a player fans have been watching closely from the moment he was added as an undrafted free agent. He’s been a liability against the run at times in the preseason but has proven effective in getting after the quarterback on passing downs. We think Taylor sticks as long as there are no disasters tonight.
WR Brandon Smith: Smith has made the most of limited opportunities with a couple of very impressive grabs deep down the field. His college film shows a player who can high point the ball and outmuscle defenders at the catch point. If he keeps that up, he’ll be a hard cut.
FB Lincoln Sefcik: Sefcik’s primary competition is veteran Anthony Firkser. If he’s hoping to win the job, he’ll have to make the most of whatever opportunities he gets with the ball in his hands. A player we liked after watching him in action for South Alabama.