With two weeks of training camp in the books, Adam Gase and his coaching staff have seen enough to release their first unofficial depth chart of the offseason.
It’s still early in camp and New York’s preseason slate has yet to begin, so it’s tough to put a lot of stock into Gang Green’s initial depth chart release. However, there is still plenty of intrigue in how the coaching staff views its pecking order after a couple of weeks of evaluating players in practice.
With that being said, here are four takeaways from the Jets’ first depth chart of training camp.
Kyron Brown a rapid riser at cornerback
With the Jets thin at cornerback, undrafted free agent Kyron Brown is taking advantage and carving out a role in New York’s secondary.
Since the beginning of camp, Brown has been working with the second-team defense. He even saw some reps with the first team when Trumaine Johnson was out last week. Currently listed as Johnson’s backup, Brown has shown enough to warrant an extended look from the coaching staff.
If Brown keeps opening eyes throughout the rest of camp and the preseason, he has a pretty good chance at not only making the team, but seeing substantial playing time as a rookie.
Ryan Griffin positioned well early on
Ryan Griffin hasn’t been with the Jets too long, but he has already positioned himself well in the opening weeks of training camp.
Griffin is currently New York’s No. 2 tight end behind Chris Herndon. With Herndon suspended to begin the regular season, that leaves Griffin as the Jets’ de-facto starter at the position as long as he continues to perform throughout August.
Griffin gives the Jets a reliable pass catcher in Herndon’s absence. Barring an injury or major dip in production, he is in prime position to start in Week 1. His spot on New York’s initial depth chart all but confirms that.
Jachai Polite off to a rough start
It hasn’t been pretty for rookie outside linebacker Jachai Polite on the practice field so far.
Polite currently finds himself buried on the depth chart behind Brandon Copeland and Harvey Langi. Highly regarded coming out of Florida, Polite’s current position on the third-team defense is somewhat disappointing.
Sometimes, it takes a while for rookies to get going in training camp as they get used to the speed of professional football. Polite has practiced better the past couple of days, putting himself in a position to see more reps as a result. It’s been a rough start for Polite, but don’t expect to see him running with the third-stringers for much longer.
Greg Dortch earns prominent role
After opening eyes in the spring with a string of impressive performances in workouts, Greg Dortch has stayed hot in the first two weeks of training camp, earning himself a role in New York’s return game.
Dortch is currently listed as the Jets’ starting punt returner. With his reliable hands and electric speed in the open field, he’s a good bet to remain in that spot throughout the summer barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Dortch’s rise to the starting lineup shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone who followed his career at Wake Forest. Now, it’s on him to continue producing and leave no doubt that he is New York’s best bet at punt returner.
