After almost a month of training camp and two preseason games, the New York Jets will play their final preseason contest on Saturday against the New York Giants.
Despite the disappointment of the starters not dressing—Aaron Rodgers, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and Sauce Gardner, to name several—this time of the year is as cutthroat as it gets. Humans are fighting for their professional football lives, and the annual MetLife Bowl is both teams’ final shot at glory.
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Cutdown day is right around the corner, which means every single Jet understands this moment. Although the fans might treat the Jets-Giants contest as the last exhibition tune-up, a plethora of Jets players have a contrasting mindset.
More specifically, four New York Jets players on the roster bubble are worth keeping an eye on Saturday night.
DE Eric Watts (No. 58)
Eric Watts has turned heads this summer, which creates a loaded situation at defensive end.
The Jets gave Watts the most guaranteed money out of all the undrafted free agents they signed this offseason, and he has shown why he deserved it. With Haason Reddick’s contractual situation still leading to a holdout, all of the Jets’ edge rushers have seen increased snap counts throughout training camp, and Watts has capitalized on many opportunities that have come his way.
Watts is competing against UDFA Braiden McGregor and veterans Jalyn Holmes and Takk McKinley for a roster spot.
The UConn product has played 61 snaps throughout the Jets’ first two preseason games, recording a pressure, two assists and a solo tackle, along with a pass-rushing grade of 58.1 (per PFF). Additionally, Watts stood out throughout training camp as he has reportedly recorded several sacks.
If Watts wants to earn a spot on the Jets roster, he must show success against the run throughout the Jets’ final preseason game.
DE Takk McKinley (No. 93)
Takk McKinley was one of six players brought in for a mandatory minicamp tryout. The Jets coaching staff was impressed by McKinley, prompting the organization to sign the former first-round pick to a one-year deal.
Fortunately, it’s worked out thus far, as there’s no question talent is present.
McKinley has repeatedly flashed at EDGE in camp and in the Jets’ first two preseason games. McKinley currently boasts an overall grade of 88.4 and a pass-rushing grade of 79.0. Among 153 qualified edge rushers, McKinley’s 25.0% win rate is tied for the sixth best.
McKinley has earned increased opportunities due to Reddick holding out of training camp. Reddick’s presence potentially alters the possibility of McKinley earning a spot on the Jets roster.
The UCLA product is battling for a roster spot against UDFA’s Braiden McGregor, Eric Watts and veteran Jalyn Holmes. If McKinley wants to solidify a spot on the Jets’ roster, he must continue to show success against the pass during the Jets’ final preseason contest against the Giants.
In the end, the fate of many of these defensive ends could come down to sheer numbers. How many defensive linemen are Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich willing to roster?
DT Leonard Taylor (No. 96)
The Jets may have found another diamond-in-the-rough-type player in Leonard Taylor.
The Jets’ first four IDLs are pretty much locked in—featuring Quinnen Williams, Solomon Thomas, Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu. Taylor is competing for a spot on the Jets’ depth chart with Bruce Hector and Tanzel Smart, among others.
Currently, Taylor seems to be the UDFA favorite to land a spot on the final 53, but again, like EDGE, it’s a numbers game. Anything beyond four defensive tackles is a number that stretches beyond the conventional max standard.
Throughout the Jets’ first two preseason games, Taylor played 61 snaps while recording one sack on two pressures and posting a pass-rushing grade of 68.6.
If Taylor wants to lock up his spot on the Jets depth chart, he must show success against the run. Taylor has demonstrated much success against the pass throughout the preseason but not so much against the run, as he has a run-blocking grade of 41.7.
CB Brandon Codrington (No. 43)
Brandon Codrington showcased his ability during the Jets’ second preseason contest against the Carolina Panthers by recording a 63-yard kick return.
Codrington is considered undersized for a cornerback, standing just 5-foot-9. However, the UDFA’s path to the Jets roster is through special teams, and he’s certainly made quite the first impression.
The NC Central product is the NFL’s highest-graded qualified kick returner this preseason (80.5). He is also the second-highest-graded punt returner (71.3)—with three returns for 59 yards.
The primary question that determines the possibility of Codrington making the Jets’ 53-man roster is: Will the Jets want to use a roster spot on someone who only plays special teams when players like Malachi Corley, Isaiah Davis, and Xavier Gipson can chip in while holding down responsibilities at their primary position?
If Codrington shows promising play, returning both kicks and punts for the second week in a row, I think he will be able to lock up a spot on the Jets roster.
