Projecting Gang Green’s 53 Following Preseason Finale

Running Back: 4

Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Andrew Beck (FB).  A very talented group.  We went back and forth a few times on this one.  We initially had Kene Nwangwu making the cut but in trying to make room for a third quarterback, we’re assuming the Jets go with Jamaal Pritchett as their return man as he makes the cut at WR.

Wide Receiver: 7

Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, Arian Smith, Tyler Johnson, Brandon Smith, Jamaal Pritchett, Quentin Skinner.  IR: Allen Lazard

With Lazard’s balky shoulder, we’re assuming he lands on short-term IR which opens the door for Quentin Skinner.  Jamaal Pritchett has been extremely impressive with the ball in his hands and Tyler Johnson hangs around to try to get his pro career back on track.

Tight End: 3

Mason Taylor, Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt

Ruckert barely makes the cut on a team with little else at the position but we expect them to monitor the waiver wire for any potential upgrades.  That is, unless Ruckert is doing things behind the scenes that the fans aren’t privy to.

Offensive Line: 9

Olu Fashanu, John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Armand Membou, Josh Myers, Chukwuma Okorafor, Xavier Newman, Max Mitchell.

The strongest unit on the team that’s expected to carry the offense, there will be mistakes with the inexperienced tackles but it could be the start of something special.

Defensive Line: 9

Will McDonald, Quinnen Williams, Harrison Phillips, Jermaine Johnson, Michael Clemons, Jay Tufele, Leonard Taylor III, Eric Watts, Jowon Briggs.  IR: Byron Cowart.

No harder group to project.  We bounced between 9 and 10 names several times before settling on this bunch and realize we may have more misses here than anywhere else.

Linebacker: 5

Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood, Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Jamin Davis, Franciso Mauigoa.

We picked Davis as an early surprise to make the 53 and we’re going to stick with that after a solid preseason.  McCrary-Ball brings excellent value on special teams.

Cornerback: 6

Sauce Gardner, Brandon Stephens, Michael Carter, Azareye’h Thomas, Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Qwan’tez Stiggers.

Bernard-Converse impressed again this preseason and both Thomas and Stiggers flased at times as well.  If this group of Jets DB coaches can develop younger players, this group could be elite.

Safety: 4

Andre Cisco, Tony Adams, Malachi Moore, Isaiah Oliver

We had a hard time keeping Jarius Monroe off the list as a player we really like, but Moore is a lock and Oliver is a more proven and versatile asset.

Special Teams: 3

PK: Nick Folk, P Austin McNamara, LS Thomas Hennessy