Jets Camp Kicking off; Taking a Look at Positional Battles

With rookies and veterans all checked in at 1 Jets Drive, we’re now just hours away from the New York Jets first practice of the 2026 season getting under way.  JetNation will be present for every practice with wall to wall coverage for every session.

As is the case with every club, every season, the Jets will have battles up and down the roster on both sides of the ball.  Surprisingly, for a team that just had the second pick in the draft and isn’t expected to make much noise this season, Gang Green is set with their starters at almost every spot.  Most of the battles this year will be taking place for second and third-string jobs.

QB2: 

If the Jets decide to keep just two quarterbacks then you’d have to imagine Cade Klubnik will be given every chance to win the backup job.  If they opt to keep three QB’s so there’s an experienced backup on the roster, they may give Bailey Zappe the nod early on or even look to add another QB via trade or free agency.

WR2: We like AD Mitchell’s chances to win the job opposite Garrett Wilson with Omar Cooper Jr. Getting plenty of run as well.  If Tim Patrick stays healthy he could be WR4 with Isaiah Williams and Arian Smith rounding out the group.

ILB3/4: DeMario Davis and Jamien Sherwood should win the starting jobs but based on how Mykal Walker played at the end of last season, he may beat out incumbent Marcelino McCrary-Ball.  Kiko Mauigoa, one of Darren Mougey’s draft picks last year, should be safe.

Safety: This is one of the more interesting groups on the roster due to the presence of Minkah Fitzpatrick whose role is still unknown.  If he’s going to be used as a chess piece who goes between true safety, slot and in the box, it could impact who is on the field with him at the same time.  Malachi Moore was decent as a rookie last season and could win a starting job but don’t rule out Dean Belton who could be a sneaky good signing.  You could even make a case for seeing Andre Cisco winning a job.  Lots of questions, not many answers…yet.

CB2: His hefty contract all but guarantees Brandon Stephens a serious edge to win the team’s CB1 job while Azareye’h Thomas, Nahshon Wright and possibly D’Angelo Ponds could battle it out for the second spot.  If Aaron Glenn feels Ponds is far and away the best slot on the roster it may keep him away from the boundary, leaving Thomas and Wright to battle it out.

K: Jason Sanders will go head-to-head with Cade York and has to be the favorite as one of the leagues best kickers just a couple of years ago with Miami.

LS: Incumbent Thomas Hennessy should be the favorite to beat out undrafted free agent Garrison Grimes.  Unless of course Grimes was hand picked by special teams coach Chris Banjo.

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