Jets 53-Man Roster Projection; We go Heavy in the Trenches

The Jets have wrapped up their first week and a bit of training camp and with the team having an off day, we thought we’d roll out a 53-man roster projection.  Of course we’ll update it as the preseason moves on, but as of now, here’s what we’ve got.

QB (2): Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor

No surprises here in keeping Fields and Taylor.  Based on what we’ve seen from Fields up this point in his career you’d have to say he’s a downgrade as a passer from Aaron Rodgers.  But oddly enough, in looking at how the Jets are likely to deploy Fields, the offense might be more efficient in 2025.  If we had it our way we’d consider keeping QB3 on the roster given how much we expect the Jets to run Fields combined with Taylor’s injury history.

RB (4): Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Andrew Beck

This is an impressive group of backs with a trio that should see plenty of carries in a heavy ground and pound attack.  We thought Donovan Edwards might challenge for a roster spot but that’s not a name we’ve heard at all up to this point out of 1 Jets Drive.

WR (6): Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds,  Arian Smith, Xavier Gipson, Malachi Corley, Irv Charles

This group comes with the assumption that Allen Lazard gets moved via trade.  As we said just a few days ago, it’s hard to find six or seven names we feel a tremendous amount of confidence in with the group.  Malachi Corley makes it as a safety net for Fields given his penchant for making something out of nothing on short, quick hitters.

TE (3): Mason Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt

Taylor will win the starting job and get loaded up on targets given the Jets lack of depth at wide receiver.  It’s a make or break year for Jeremy Ruckert in year four while Smartt sticks after signing as a free agent this offseason.

OL (10): Olu Fashanu, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Josh Myers, John Simpson, Armand Membou, Joe Tippmann, Chukwuma Okorafor, Max Mitchell, Carter Warren, Xavier Newman

Perhaps the strongest group on the roster, the Jets O-line is loaded with young talent.  We’re keeping 10 based on past trauma suffered to do countless injuries up front.  Max Mitchell makes the cut based largely on our belief that he can be an effective guard in a pinch but don’t rule out Kohl Levao who we thought looked impressive last preseason.

DT (5): Quinnen Williams, Byron Cowart, Leonard Taylor, Leonard Taylor, Fatorma Mulbah

In Quinnen Williams and Leonard Taylor the Jets have one of the best DT’s in the NFL, and a high-ceiling youngster who could blow up this season.  There’s a true need for a legitimate run stopper and we think that could be Phidarian Mathis.  It’s too early to say for sure, but we think one of either Fatorma Mulbah or Payton Page hang around.

DE/Edge (5): Will McDonald, Jermaine Johnson, Michael Clemons, Tyler Baron, Eric Watts

The Jets will need huge seasons out of McDonald and Johnson if their defense is going to be any good.  Fans who thought Michael Clemons’ release was a foregone conclusion this offseason won’t love this list but we think Aaron Glenn is a fan.  Last year’s undrafted edge Eric Watts looked solid in limited reps last season and he makes the cut again.

LB (4): Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood, Jamin Davis, Francisco Mauigoa

Expect a huge season out of Williams who is in a contract year while playing in a new scheme that will send him after the quarterback more than any other time in his career.  Davis should be a good value addition who has tons of experience.

CB (7): Sauce Gardner, Brandon Stephens, Michael Carter, Azareye’h Thomas, Isaiah Oliver, Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Qwan’tez Stiggers

Seven is a lot at corner but Isaiah Oliver is really a tweener who will play some safety, some slot and maybe even a little bit of boundary in a pinch.  We also wouldn’t be surprised if Bernard-Converse or Stiggers get traded at some point.  They’re both talented young corners in a pretty crowded room.

S (4): Andre Cisco, Malachi Moore, Tony Adams, Jarius Monroe

We’re expecting a huge year for Cisco and Moore was dubbed a draft steal from the moment he was selected.  Aaron Glenn has raved about the rookie safety and Tony Adams isn’t exactly Woody Johnson’s favorite player.

ST (3): Nick Folk, Austin McNamara, Thomas Hennessy

We’re throwing Folk’s name out there based solely on his track record but if Harrison Mevis gives him a run for his money, he may win the job as a guy who could be a long-term solution at the position.

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