New York Jets Projected 53 Man Roster

-2 Zach Wilson, 19 Joe Flacco

Much like the rest of the NFL, the Jets only need two quarterbacks on their roster for the regular season. While Wilson is the obvious starter, Flacco’s veteran experience as a long term franchise quarterback makes him the likely backup. Further evidence is the fact that $2.85 million of Flacco’s one year contract is fully guaranteed.

Notable Releases: 5 Mike White

White is far more likely to be traded than released. He is a viable NFL backup, and the Jets were fortunate to have restricted free agent rights to his contract. This is a nice opportunity to obtain draft capital for a player they do not need.

Running Backs (4)

-20 Breece Hall, 32 Michael Carter, 23 Tevin Coleman, 25 Ty Johnson

Hall and Carter really need no additional explainer, but neither Coleman nor Johnson are locks. Coleman is likely the number three back, since he brings a veteran presence and carries $650 thousand in guarantees. Realistically, neither of those two factors are really enough to overcome getting clearly outplayed in training camp, but it does give him a small leg up. Ty Johnson has exhibited some production in the scheme, but he will have to prove himself to earn that fourth running back spot.

Notable Releases: 22 La’Mical Perine, 36 Zonovan Knight

Perine is a disappointment from the 2020 draft class, and a fish out of water in Mike LaFleur’s wide zone rushing attack. He never had exceptional speed, and is more of a between the tackles type of runner. Zonovan “Bam” Knight was recently signed as an undrafted free agent out of NC State, and has a real chance to earn the fourth RB spot over Johnson.

Fullbacks (1)

-48 Nick Bawden

Bawden is the only pure fullback on the roster, and fills the role more effectively than tight end/fullback hybrid Trevon Wesco.

Notable Releases: 85 Trevon Wesco

Wesco was always more of a tight end with fullback duties, but never especially good at either. With the depth the Jets now have at tight end, it makes more sense to keep Bawden who is more specialized.

Wide Receivers (6)

-8 Elijah Moore, 84 Corey Davis, 17 Garrett Wilson, 10 Braxton Berrios, 11 Denzel Mims, 16 Jeff Smith

The Jets made a concerted effort to obtain talented receivers over the past two offseasons. Between high draft selections and notable contracts, the top four receivers are set in stone. Beyond that however, the fifth and potential sixth roster spots are a question. As it stands, the coaching staff’s recent praise of Mims suggests that he may be in good standing, and considering his overall talent he would be hard to cut outright. The real question is whether the Jets receive a quality trade offer for the former second round pick. Smith has a great shot to make the roster as the fifth wideout (or sixth if Mims stays). Smith offers gadget versatility as Berrios’ backup, and also is a quality special teams gunner.

Notable Releases: 9 Calvin Jackson

Jackson is really the only player of note, and that’s really just because as an undrafted rookie whose potential is unclear. The Jets top receivers are no mystery, and the only true question is whether they keep five or six.

Tight Ends (3)

-87 CJ Uzomah, 83 Tyler Conklin, 89 Jeremy Ruckert

The Jets revamped their tight end group this offseason, and the top three are clear. Uzomah is the starting “Y” tight end, Conklin is the starting “F” tight end, and Ruckert is the backup and developmental “Y.” What remains up in the air is whether they retain three or four tight ends. If Denzel Mims is traded, the Jets will more than likely keep five receivers and add one more tight end to the group.

Notable Releases: 88 Kenny Yeboah, 81 Lawrence Cager

This is an interesting position battle if the Jets keep four tight ends. Yeboah was an undrafted signing from Ole Miss in 2021, and brings great athleticism and a sturdier frame at 6’3″, 250 lbs. Cager on the other hand was an undrafted wide receiver signed out of Georgia in 2020. Cager has made the transition to tight end, and while he certainly has the height at 6’5″, he remains on the light side at 220 lbs. While Cager has flashed throughout the recent OTA’s, it will be a major coup for him if he can show effectiveness as a run blocker. If the Jets do retain four tight ends, then Yeboah does seem like the more likely winner.

Offensive Tackles (4)

-76 George Fant, 77 Mekhi Becton, 69 Conor McDermott, 61 Max Mitchell

The offensive tackle position has been a major point of contention for the last few months. After a very promising rookie campaign, Becton missed all but three quarters of play last season. Questions regarding his weight and conditioning have been rampant since OTA’s in 2021. According to the staff, he is on pace to be fully cleared for training camp, so conditioning is the final question. Fant also sustained a season ending injury, but he too is on pace to return. Mitchell was recently drafted in the fourth round as a developmental swing tackle, meaning his spot is secure. McDermott has limited upside, but the Jets like his ability to switch from left to right in a pinch.

Notable Releases: 70 Chuma Edoga

Edoga never lived up to the expectations after being selected in the third round by former GM Mike Maccagnan. Edoga has the natural traits to be a starting NFL tackle, but just didn’t develop into his potential.

Interior Offensive Linemen (5)

-78 Laken Tomlinson, 75 Alijah Vera-Tucker, 60 Connor McGovern, 71 Nate Herbig, 67 Dan Feeney

The interior line is one of the easiest position groups to project. Tomlinson and Vera-Tucker at guard and McGovern at center make up the starters. Feeney and Herbig are both versatile linemen who have experience playing at all three interior positions. Quality starters? Check. Versatile backups? Check.

Notable Releases: None

Defensive Ends (5)

-58 Carl Lawson, 91 John Franklin-Myers, 52 Jermaine Johnson II, 54 Jacob Martin, 72 Michael Clemons

If the fans really want to debate whether to categorize Franklin-Myers as a defensive end or a defensive tackle, go ahead. The reality is that he can and will be both this season. The other reality is that the Jets have a boatload of talent in their crew of edge rushers, and there will be a few good players pushed off of the roster. Frankly, the Jets did not draft Clemons at the top of the fourth round just to cut him, so good luck stealing his roster spot.

Notable Releases: 99 Vinny Curry, 47 Bryce Huff, 51 Tim Ward, 52 Jabari Zunia

Curry is a long time NFL vet, and it’s going to be tough for him to beat out the youth movement. Huff is a younger player with two seasons of experience, but his shortcomings as a run defender are likely what costs him his roster spot. Ward is a three year vet who saw notable snaps due to injury last year, but quality depth makes him an easy release for this roster. Zuniga is notable simply for being a former third round pick, but honestly he has shown very little since being drafted.

Defensive Tackles (4)

-95 Quinnen Williams, 98 Sheldon Rankins, 94 Solomon Thomas, 96 Jonathan Marshall

Another talented position group, the defensive tackle corps is primarily composed of former first round picks. Williams is the only player among them with high quality run defense, but pass rush ability is there across the board. Marshall hasn’t shown much yet, but his outstanding physical tools give him a better chance to capture the final spot.

Notable Releases: 97 Nathan Shepherd

Shepherd is a frustrating player who will tease with a big play, and then immediately incur a penalty. He could make the roster over Marshall, but he is more likely the odd man out.

Linebackers (5)

-57 CJ Mosley, 56 Quincy Williams, 44 Jamien Sherwood, 45 Hamsah Nasirildeen, 36 Marcell Harris

The linebackers for the 2022 New York Jets have undeniable potential, yet remain largely unproven. Mosley and his four All-Pro selections aside, the Jets’ backers would make any fan nervous. Williams had his share of excellent games, and abysmal games in 2021. It’s clear the organization is high on him, since they didn’t even add competition for him. Sherwood and Nasirildeen are both converted safeties coming off of injuries, so their future is anyone’s guess. Harris is probably the fifth best linebacker, but there is a good chance that a proven player like Kwon Alexander will be signed to bump Harris out of position.

Notable Releases: None

Cornerbacks (5)

-1 Sauce Gardner, 4 DJ Reed, 37 Bryce Hall, 26 Brandin Echols, 34 Justin Hardee

While 2021 starters Hall and Echols were both bumped down into backup roles, they are locks to make the roster. Neither Gardner nor Reed warrant additional clarification. Hardee locks up the final spot due to his roles as an excellent gunner and special teams captain.

Notable Releases: 27 Isaiah Dunn

Dunn was a priority undrafted free agent last year, earning more than most as a signing bonus. Ultimately, the quality of the depth chart will probably push this young developmental corner off of the squad.

Nickelbacks (2)

-30 Michael Carter II, 40 Javelin Guidry

Carter is the starting nickel corner, while Guidry is the backup nickel corner and starting dime corner. It’s a pretty cut and dry situation for these two.

Notable Releases: None

Safeties (4)

-6 Jordan Whitehead, 29 Lamarcus Joyner, 21 Ashtyn Davis, 41 Jason Pinnock

The Jets’ safety rotation features Whitehead and Joyner as the starters, with Davis as the primary backup. In big nickel packages, it will probably be Davis taking Joyner’s deep role, while Joyner slides up into the slot. Pinnock is a unique player with a unique role. He converted from cornerback as a rookie last year, and because he is big and tall with man coverage skills, he gets to cover tight ends as the third safety in special dime packages. Although it’s a relatively unknown role (and seldom used) it is a very important one none the less.

Notable Releases: 33 Elijah Riley

Although Riley filled in as a starter admirably after multiple injuries in 2021, he is more likely a practice squad level player for the 2022 version of the Jets.

Kicker (1)

-15 Eddy Piñeiro

Piñeiro kicked well for the Jets in 2021, and his accuracy will likely outweigh his average kicking strength.

Notable Releases: 14 Greg Zuerlein

Zuerlein has a far more powerful leg than Piñeiro, but he has struggle for the past few years. A good showing in training camp is all he needs to earn the starting job.

Punter (1)

-7 Braden Mann

Mann is the only punter currently on the roster.

Long Snapper (1)

-42 Thomas Hennessy

The longest tenured New York Jet is not going anywhere.

Follow Max on Twitter: @TheMaxDean