Look out for these New York Jets players on the bubble
3. Micheal Clemons, DE
Out of the three players on this list, Micheal Clemons probably has the best chance of making the New York Jets’ 53-man roster. However, he is far from a lock.
The Jets selected Clemons in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He had a solid rookie campaign, finishing with 36 tackles, six quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks. However, Clemons’ production declined in 2023, dropping to 27 tackles, one quarterback hit, and 0.5 sacks.
Following a rough sophomore campaign, Clemons has not made much noise throughout training camp. Undrafted rookie Eric Watts has emerged as a threat for Clemons’ job.
Watts, who checks in at 6-foot-5 and 277 pounds, has caught the eyes of fans and media due to his impressive movement skills for his large frame. Watts has been active in both phases throughout camp.
If Clemons wants to be a difference-maker for the Jets in 2024, he must step it up for the remainder of training camp and the preseason.
2. Jason Brownlee, WR
After a very uneventful rookie season, Jason Brownlee will have to earn his roster spot in 2024.
The Jets signed Brownlee as a UDFA following the 2023 NFL draft. Brownlee earned himself a spot on the Jets’ 53-man roster thanks to an impressive training camp. However, he did not show much in the regular season. In seven games (five starts), Brownlee recorded five receptions on nine targets for 56 yards and one touchdown.
Unfortunately for Brownlee, the Jets’ wide receiver room is much more crowded this offseason after the additions of Mike Williams and Malachi Corley. Brownlee is competing with Irv Charles and Malik Taylor for a spot on the depth chart.
So far, Taylor appears to be the favorite to earn the spot. He played with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and has seemed to blend in great with the offense throughout training camp, catching multiple touchdown passes from Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor. On top of that, he offers plenty of special teams experience.
On the other hand, the Jets seem to really like Charles on special teams. After losing Justin Hardee this offseason, Charles has emerged as one of the favorites to become the Jets’ special teams ace in 2024.
When all is said and done, I believe Taylor will earn the final wide receiver spot while Charles and Brownlee are both signed to the practice squad. Taylor has the most experience, has shown the most throughout training camp, and is more complete than Brownlee and Charles.
1. Israel Abanikanda, RB
Entering the offseason, Israel Abanikanda had an opportunity to earn a big role in the Jets offense in 2024. Now, the former fifth-round pick is fighting for a roster spot.
The Jets sent a statement to Abanikanda by selecting two running backs in this year’s NFL draft. Rookie backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis seem to fit with the Jets’ power-back run scheme more than Abanikanda, and they also appear to be better complements to Breece Hall.
Abanikanda struggled to find the field in his rookie season. This was largely due to concerns with his pass-blocking, which led to him playing only 77 snaps in his rookie season.
However, on Thursday, it was reported that Tarik Cohen had retired. That certainly helps Abanikanda, but I do think the Jets will carry three running backs in 2024, leaving Abanikanda to sign with the Jets practice squad.
If he wants to change that fate, Abanikanda must make some noise throughout the rest of camp and the preseason.
