Most of the New York Jets’ 53-man roster is currently on the team
Who doesn’t love a way-too-early New York Jets 53-man roster prediction?
With the NFL draft complete, it’s reasonable to assume that most of the Jets’ 2024 players are currently on the roster. Figuring out who will be there and who won’t, at least on the fringes of the roster, is likely an exercise in futility. Still, that won’t stop me from trying.
Here’s my first projection for the Jets’ 53-man roster come roster cutdown day.
QB: Aaron Rodgers, Tyrod Taylor (2)
PUP: Jordan Travis
Based on Joe Douglas’ comment that the Jets expect to get Jordan Travis back “at some point this season,” I suspect he’ll start the season on the PUP list.
RB: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis (3)
As Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic pointed out, the Jets’ selection of two running backs bodes poorly for Izzy Abanikanda. I could see Abanikanda making the roster considering that the Jets kept four running backs to start 2023, but I think he will ultimately be the odd man out as a poor fit for the Jets’ new gap scheme.
WR: Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, Malachi Corley (KR/PR), Corey Davis, Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, Irvin Charles (7)
I still think the Jets will add a veteran receiver, and Corey Davis makes the most sense. Irvin Charles’ spot is secured as a gunner after the team lost Justin Hardee. The Jets really like Xavier Gipson, and I think he keeps his spot even with Malachi Corley likely taking over his slot and return duties. Jason Brownlee will be on the practice squad, though.
I think Mike Williams will be ready to start the season.
TE: Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert, Kenny Yeboah, Zack Kuntz (4)
The Jets generally carry four tight ends, which bodes well for Zack Kuntz. Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert got reprieves when the Jets passed on Brock Bowers. The room is a bit thinner than ideal, so I could see the Jets adding a more experienced option.
OT: Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses, David Bakhtiari, Olu Fashanu, Carter Warren (5)
IÂ still think the Jets will bring in David Bakhtiari even after drafting Olu Fashanu. Max Mitchell’s time is up, but Carter Warren will receive the redshirt season he should’ve had in 2023.
IOL: John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Wes Schweitzer, Connor McGovern (5)
The Jets need another interior offensive lineman unless they’re truly willing to stick with Jake Hanson. I think Connor McGovern’s return is the most likely here.
EDGE: Haason Reddick, Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, Micheal Clemons, Braiden McGregor (5)
I can’t imagine the Jets going into the season without a fifth edge defender option, so UDFA signing Braiden McGregor is the most likely option right now. McGregor was projected as a sixth-round prospect (No. 206 overall) on NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board.
I imagine they’ll bring in someone else for competition. Micheal Clemons’ roster spot seems safe after the Jets traded John Franklin-Myers.
DT: Quinnen Williams, Javon Kinlaw, Leki Fotu, Solomon Thomas (4)
I wanted to include UDFA signing Leonard Taylor here but couldn’t find the space. The Jets seem surprisingly content with their defensive tackle room.
LB: C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood, Zaire Barnes, Chazz Surratt (5)
Once again, Robert Saleh’s affinity for Chazz Surratt seems to assure him a spot. I wonder if Jamien Sherwood will get some more playing time this season. Zaire Barnes seems like their Quincy Williams-esque developmental linebacker.
CB: Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, Michael Carter II, Brandin Echols, Isaiah Oliver, Qwan’tez Stiggers (6)
I think the Jets see Qwan’tez Stiggers as a Brandin Echols replacement, as Echols is in the final year of his deal. I expect Michael Carter II to receive an extension this offseason.
S: Chuck Clark, Tony Adams, Ashtyn Davis, Jarrick Bernard-Converse (4)
I still believe the Jets may add to this room, but for now I can’t see anyone else who will join the safety room. I’m not sold on Mr. Irrelevant Jaylen Key.
K: Greg Zuerlein (1)
P: Thomas Morstead (1)
LS: Thomas Hennessy (1)
What do you think, Jets fans? Is my way-too-early prediction even close to accurate?
The GM has built an impressive roster. The only way they don’t win imo is injuries. This regime has been stellar in identifying and developing UDFAs. I actually think the two DLinemen from UM and Michigan will both make the roster. It’s clear Saleh believes he can make Linebackers. Smh at the amount of UDFAs on that unit. I’m very encouraged by the talent brought in. I know you’re not a JD fan Rivka, but I like more of what he’s done than his wiffs.
It’s easy to focus on the misses. The JD’s body of work is good.
https://nypost.com/2024/04/21/sports/five-year-nfl-draft-analysis-ravens-on-top-jets-jump-giants-tumble/
It will be cool to see how this works out. This all seems solid, here are a few “way too early” thoughts:
I don’t think it will be Corey Davis they add at WR. I saw some reports he’d like to be back in Tenn, and I just get the overall feeling he’s just not comfortable in NY. He’s been though a lot, and I can’t see him coming back to play in a place he’s not totally comfortable. I think they’ll add a WR but just not him.
I think Gipson keeps the punt return duties, and Corley becomes the kick returner. Gipson has more speed and has a year of experience under his belt. Yes, he had ups and downs but I think he gets better. I like him at PR, and the physicality of Corley as KR.
I can still see Bakhtiari being added but don’t think they will. I think it will be a true “backup system” Olu at LT and Warren at RT. I think Warren can improve with a full offseason, and some valuable reps under his belt. He can fill in for a game or 2. McGovern doesn’t fit the “new identity” we have been speculating about. He’s always seemed soft to me, so I think they will add a backup interior OL but not McGovern.
I also think they will add a DL with pro experience. There maybe an older guy who can play solid snaps in limited action.
MCII is in line for an extension and like you I think he gets it this off-season. I hate to say it but DJ could be the odd man out at CB next year. He’s getting older, and he’ll want to get paid. I’ll be sad, he’s one of my favorite Jets. Just love everything about him.