Jets set to Kick off Preseason; Players to Watch

The Jets will kick off their preseason schedule tonight against Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and we’ve got a list of players you’re going to want to keep an eye on through the night.

QB Cade Klubnik: Klubnik will be given every chance to win the number two QB job and is likely to see extended action tonight.  He’s had an imperfect but solid camp thus far.

RB Chip Trayanum: Trayanum is going to have a hard time making this roster, but if he looks anything like he did in college; a powerful back with great contact balance who might remind you of Shonn Greene, he may have a chance.

WR AD Mitchell: Mitchell’s name has probably been brought up more than any other player on the roster from OTA’s all the way up until now.  If that starts to translate to games, he’ll lock down the number two job.  If Geno Smith is only going to play a series or two, the Jets should let him air it out to Mitchell at least once to give him a shot to make a play and keep the upward trajectory going.

WR Arian Smith: Smith hauled in a 50-yard TD from Klubnik in practice against the Bucs the other day and will look to build on that.  The second-year speedster is going to have to show some progress after a disastrous rookie season.

TE Jelani Woods: We asked back in May if his connection with Frank Reich could help Woods make the roster, and that seems to be the case up to this point.   A huge target at 6′ 7”, the should take a look at Woods as a red zone option at the very least.

The safety room: Lots of competition here where Minkah Fitzpatrick will start, but it’s yet to be determined who will like up next to him.  Free agent addition Dane Belton has been extremely impressive early on while Andre Cisco and Malachi Moore are firmly in the mix.  And don’t forget about third-year undrafted free agent Jarius Monroe.

K Jason Sanders vs Cade York: The battle between these two has been neck and neck since camp kicked off.  It’s their performance in games that should settle this battle.