Final cuts are right around the corner. Some players are safe, and some aren’t. New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles recently said there are still five or six roster spots that are up for grabs. Those spots will be earned Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.
By September 1st the Jets must cut their roster down to 53 players. Cuts will speed up rapidly later this week, even before the final preseason game. Who will make the cut? Find out here on the latest projection:
Quarterback:
Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, Josh McCown
All three of the Jets ‘ core quarterbacks make the roster, for proper reason. Josh McCown sticks around to mentor Sam Darnold, and Teddy Bridgewater is kept around as the Jets wait for an offer that they can’t refuse. Newly signed John Wolford has practically no chance at making the 53-man roster, but he’s a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Running Back:
Trenton Cannon, Isaiah Crowell, Bilal Powell, Charcandrick West
Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell highlight the Jets group of backs to start the season. Elijah McGuire will likely begin the season on the Injured Reserve, and Charcandrick West will temporarily fill his role. Once McGuire becomes healthy, West will likely be released.
Trenton Cannon makes the roster as the Jets late 6th round pick, despite his special teams issues during the preseason. He likely won’t be among the active 45 players until he is up to speed in regards to returning the ball.
Fullback:
None
No fullback makes the roster to make room for four tight ends. The Jets have hardly ever used a fullback in recent years, and all of the tight ends have been stellar so far in training camp. Dimitri Flowers will be a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Wide Receiver:
Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, Jermaine Kearse, Tre McBride, Terrelle Pryor, Andre Roberts, ArDarius Stewart
The wide receivers are arguably the toughest group to choose from. Despite many players playing like they deserve a spot on the roster, they fall short due to the crowded group. ArDarius Stewart and Tre McBride stand out amongst the other backups and have earned a spot on the roster.
Andre Roberts makes the roster primarily for his returning abilities. He’ll rarely see the field as a receiver but he is clearly the Jets best option as a punt returner. He beat out Lucky Whitehead and Trenton Cannon during the preseason.
Tight End:
Christopher Herndon, Jordan Leggett, Neal Sterling, Clive Walford
The Jets hold on to four tight ends rather than keeping a fullback. All four of these tight ends have impressed during camp and preseason, so why not keep all of them? Eric Tomlinson gets cut after a rough preseason. He’s clearly been outperformed by the other four, and he falls short of the roster.
Offensive Tackle:
Kelvin Beachum, Ben Braden, Brandon Shell
Kelvin Beachum and Brandon Shell are clear cut starters for the Jets. Ben Braden makes the roster over Brent Qvale, who has been atrocious during preseason. Ben Ijalana begins the season on the Injured Reserve, but it is a strong possibility he takes Braden’s spot when he returns.
Offensive Guard:
James Carpenter, Dakota Dozier, Brian Winters
Three offensive guards make the roster, with Winters and Carpenter as the two starters. Dakoda Shepley will likely be placed on the practice squad. Jonotthan Harrison has been playing guard as well during the preseason, due to injuries.
Center:
Spencer Long, Jonotthan Harrison
Spencer Long is undoubtedly the starter for the Jets. Harrison provides good versatility on the bench, having the ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line. Travis Swanson falls short of the final roster.
Defensive End:
Henry Anderson, Folorunso Fatukasi, Nathan Shepherd, Leonard Williams
Four defensive ends make the team, with Leonard Williams leading the way. Shepherd and Anderson will be rotating in and out of the game as starters, and Fatukasi will be used primarily as depth. Xavier Cooper gets cut despite showing promise in 2017. UDFA Mych Thomas will be a candidate for the practice squad.
Defensive Tackle:
Steve McClendon, Mike Pennel
Only two defensive tackles make the team with McClendon as the starter. Mike Pennel is a solid run stuffer off of the bench, and the Jets have several defensive ends capable of playing defensive tackle. Deon Simon falls short once again after being on the practice squad last season.
Outside Linebacker:
Brandon Copeland, Jordan Jenkins, Frankie Luvu, Josh Martin
Four OLBs make the roster, including the lone UDFA to make the team, Frankie Luvu. Luvu has impressed so far throughout the preseason and training camp, winning himself a roster spot. Brandon Copeland has been impressive as well, earning himself a roster spot. Jordan Jenkins and Josh Martin will start the season off as starters.
Cornerback:
Morris Claiborne, Trumaine Johnson, Derrick Jones, Parry Nickerson, Darryl Roberts, Buster Skrine
The cornerbacks were another tough group to choose from. Derrick Jones wins himself a spot on the active roster, as well as Parry Nickerson. Rashard Robinson has played well thus far in the preseason, but his suspension ends up biting him as he falls short of the roster. 2017 draft pick Jeremy Clark also falls short after missing his entire rookie season due to injury.
Free Safety:
Marcus Maye, Doug Middleton
Rontez Miles is still not healthy, meaning someone will have to replace him on special teams. Doug Middleton beats out J.J. Wilcox for the backup safety spot and will have to prove he belongs before Miles returns. Miles has always been a leader on special teams for the Jets and will likely continue to be when he returns.
Strong Safety:
Jamal Adams, Terrence Brooks
Terrence Brooks beat out Kacy Rodgers II and Brandon Bryant for the backup safety spot, and rightfully so. He was tied for the most interceptions on the team last year with two, and played well through the entire season. Brandon Bryant and Kacy Rodgers II will both be potential practice squad players.
Kicker/Punter: Jason Myers, Lachlan Edwards
Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessy
– James Cunningham is a staff writer for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @JCunninghamNFLFollow @FPC_Jets
