5 takeaways from NY Jets’ first unofficial depth chart

For the first time in 2025, the New York Jets have given a small tease to how their coaching staff currently sees the roster. Gang Green unveiled its first unofficial depth chart of the 2025 season.

For a team with plenty of question marks, the reveal does not feature many surprises. They have one of the youngest rosters in the game, and they are pushing that youth movement more.

As is the case with any depth chart announcement, there are plenty of things to talk about.

Jets Depth Chart Takeaways

It’s important to remember that any depth chart released in early August is not the be-all and end-all. There are a number of different factors that have yet to be determined at this point, so fans shouldn’t overreact to anything out of Sunday’s news.

Without further ado, let’s get to it.

Early leader at Center

Analysts and fans were surprised when New York’s third-year center Joe Tippmann was set to begin a competition with free agent pickup Josh Myers in the offseason. The two centers have split their time as starters throughout camp so far.

That is what makes it noteworthy to see Tippmann listed as the first-string center. Things can change, but it seems like the Jets have seen enough to make the Wisconsin product a starter if the season began tomorrow.

Tight End Quandaries

Mason Taylor may be considered the top tight end on the roster, but he isn’t the projected starter on the depth chart right now. Jeremy Ruckert has that distinction.

The announcement is something of a surprise. Taylor has been more dependable as a receiver and has taken positive steps as a blocker. That hasn’t been enough to put him over Ruckert yet, though.

This is one position that may change a lot over the next few weeks. Stone Smartt has also played well, but is just third right now on the depth chart. This is a positional quandary that the team will be going back and forth with.

Receiver Questions Continue

Garrett Wilson may be the star of the offense and receiving room for New York, but who plays behind him has been a legitimate question. As things stand right now, Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds are penciled in as starters.

Malachi Corley, Tyler Johnson, and Xavier Gipson are listed as immediate backups. Fourth-round rookie Arian Smith is currently a third-string player based on the depth chart, but has worked with multiple different groups.

This position group will be interchangeable for the foreseeable future. Where everyone currently stands, though, could give a good indication of each player’s standing as we get closer to cutdown day.

Injuries Tell Story Defensively

The Jets have been hit hard on the defensive side of the ball, and their first depth chart shows that. Micheal Clemons is projected as a starter on the edge due to Jermaine Johnson remaining on the PUP list.

Jay Tufele and Byron Cowart have each gotten plenty of playing time alongside Quinnen Williams. With Williams and Johnson both sidelined, two key starters for the Jets’ defense haven’t seen the field together just yet.

When Johnson returns, though, the depth chart will obviously be altered.

Third Linebacker Surprise

New York has the best linebacking duo in the league. Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood each bring plenty of skill to the defense.

Who the team names as the third linebacker in their base defense, though, remains to be seen.

As things stand right now, the Jets are comfortable putting Marcelino McCrary-Ball as the starter. The 49ers’ former UDFA pickup has played well in training camp, but is also competing with Jamin Davis for time.

It is also worth noting that Davis, a 2021 first-round pick, is listed back at his original linebacker position after moving to the edge in 2024.

A good preseason could do wonders for McCrary-Ball in the next few weeks.

BONUS: Plenty Can Change

We mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. What a depth chart looks like at the start of training camp can change drastically by the time the team takes the field for Week 1.

Players like Tippmann, Ruckert, and plenty of others may be enjoying time as a penciled-in starter, but a lot can change in a week. Many of these players rotate each day with their competition.

Nothing is set in stone yet for the Jets. Fans need to recognize that.