QUARTERBACK (2)
- Geno Smith
- Cade Klubnik
My Real Take is that the New York Jets should add a veteran QB to the roster before the season opener. Klubnik is having a very promising training camp, but in the “God forbid” event of a Smith injury, it would be malpractice to put him into a game until at least November. Keep an eye on Andy Dalton, who is in a QB room with Jalen Hurts, Tanner McKee, and fifth-round pick Cole Payton with the Philadelphia Eagles.
RUNNING BACK (5)
- Breece Hall
- Braelon Allen
- Isaiah Davis
- Kene Nwangwu (WR)
- Andrew Beck (FB)
These five seem to be locks, especially with the unique skill sets that Beck (blocking) and Nwangwu (special teams) bring to the table.
WIDE RECEIVER (6)
- Garrett Wilson
- AD Mitchell
- Omar Cooper Jr
- Isaiah Williams (PR)
- Tim Patrick
- Arian Smith
The first five are locks, but I think Arian Smith is locked in a battle with former Atlanta Falcon first-year man Quincy Skinner Jr for the final spot. Smith could be a candidate for one of those “player and a seventh-round pick for a sixth-round pick” late-camp trades.
TIGHT END (4)
- Mason Taylor
- Jeremy Ruckert
- Kenyon Sadiq
- Jelani Woods
Sadiq’s hernia surgery and Woods’ impressive play in both OTAs and camp have changed my mind about Gang Green keeping four tight ends and a fullback on the roster.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9)
- Olu Fashanu (LT)
- Dylan Parham (LG)
- Josh Myers (C)
- Joe Tippmann (RG)
- Armand Membou (RT)
- Max Mitchell (T/G)
- Xavier Newman (C/G)
- Chukwuma Okorafor (T)
- Anez Cooper (G)
My Real Take is that GM Darren Mougey should add a veteran center. Myers was the weakest link on the line last season, and Tippmann is now locked in at RG. Other than QB, this is the only glaring need for depth on the revitalized offense.
INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE (6)
- T’Vondre Sweat
- Harrison Phillips
- Jowon Briggs
- David Onyemata
- Darrell Jackson Jr
- Mazi Smith
Similar to WR, the first five are locks. Mazi Smith is the tantalizing, 6’3”, 337-pound former first-round draft pick who arrived in the Quinnen Williams deal with the Dallas Cowboys. He needs a strong final preseason game against the New York Giants and that still may not secure his roster spot.
EDGE RUSHERS (4)
- David Bailey
- Will McDonald
- Joseph Ossai
- Kingsley Enagbare
If Ossai proves to be healthy prior to the opener, I anticipate the Jets keeping four edge rushers and stacking depth on the practice squad. Otherwise, it could make room for Braiden McGregor to stick around.
LINEBACKERS (4)
- Demario Davis
- Jamien Sherwood
- Marcelino McCrary-Ball
- Kiko Mauigoa
This group is a lock, but 28-year-old Mykal Walker is trying to force HC Aaron Glenn to keep five LBs rather than four.
CORNERBACK (6)
- Brandon Stephens
- Azareye’h Thomas
- Jarvis Brownlee Jr
- D’Angelo Ponds
- Qwan’tez Stiggers
- Nahshon Wright
There’s a group of players led by rookie Mory Bamba — plus Tre Brown and Jordan Clark — who are pushing for Glenn and DC Brian Duker to keep seven corners. Of course, if Ponds starts the season on IR that would open up an additional spot.
SAFETY (4)
- Minkah Fitzpatrick
- Dane Belton
- Andre Cisco
- Malachi Moore
The battle for the starting spot next to Fitzpatrick between Belton and Cisco looks like it will go down to the last week of training camp. Belton had four tackles in Friday’s shutout preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Cisco had two tackles and a pick.
SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
- Jason Sanders (PK)
- Austin McNamara (P)
- Thomas Hennessy (LS)
Not to put a jinx on Mr. Hennessy, but he’s now 32 years old, going into his 10th NFL season. He’s never missed a game, playing all 149 for the Green-and-White. This may sound crazy, but the former Don Bosco Prep and Duke star is the most accomplished New York Jet during this 15-year playoff drought era.
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