The 2020 NFL Draft just ended and training camp is still months away, but it’s never too early to take a crack at what the Jets’ roster might look like come opening day.
With the draft in the books, general manager Joe Douglas and company can begin fine-tuning New York’s roster. There are still free agent signings to be made and undrafted free agents to be evaluated, but it’s safe to assume Douglas and Adam Gase already have an idea of what they want the 53-man roster to look like once Week 1 rolls around.
For the first time this offseason, let’s take a stab at predicting Gang Green’s active roster for the upcoming season.
Quarterback (2)
Starter: Sam Darnold
Backup: James Morgan
Cuts: David Fales, Mike White
The Jets did not spend a fourth-round pick on Florida International quarterback James Morgan for nothing. The expectation is that he will show enough in training camp to beat out David Fales and become Sam Darnold’s backup.
Running Back (3)
Starter: Le’Veon Bell
Backups: La’Mical Perine, Trenton Cannon
Cuts: Josh Adams, Kenneth Dixon, Jalin Moore
The No. 3 spot is the only one up for grabs on New York’s running back depth chart, as La’Mical Perine is all but a lock to work as the No. 2 back behind Le’Veon Bell. Trenton Cannon vs. Josh Adams will be a battle to watch throughout training camp, but Cannon has the edge thanks to his speed and contributions on special teams.
Wide Receiver (7)
Starters: Breshad Perriman, Quincy Enunwa, Jamison Crowder
Backups: Denzel Mims, Vyncint Smith, Josh Doctson, Josh Bellamy
Cuts: Braxton Berrios, Jehu Chesson, Keon Hatcher, Josh Malone, Jeff Smith, Lawrence Cager, George Campbell
Seven might seem like a lot of receivers to carry, but Josh Bellamy retains his roster spot as a special teams ace. Keep an eye on undrafted free agents Lawrence Cager and George Campbell throughout training camp. Both have the talent to push for a roster spot.
Tight Ends (3)
Starter: Ryan Griffin
Backups: Chris Herndon, Trevon Wesco
Cuts: Daniel Brown, Ross Travis
New York’s tight end depth chart seems set right now. Ryan Griffin and Chris Herndon will duke it out for the starting job in training camp, while Trevon Wesco is entrenched as the blocking tight end.
Offensive Line (10)
Starters: Mekhi Becton, Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant
Backups: Jonotthan Harrison, Chuma Edoga, Josh Andrews, Cameron Clark, Conor McDermott
Cuts: Brian Winters, Ben Braden, Corbin Kaufusi, Leo Koloamatangi, Brad Lundblade, James Murray, Jared Hilbers
Brian Winters is destined to become a salary cap casualty at some point this offseason. That means four new starters on New York’s offensive line in 2020.
Defensive Line (6)
Starters: Quinnen Williams, Steve McLendon, Henry Anderson
Backups: Kyle Phillips, Nathan Shepherd, Foley Fatukasi
Cuts: Jordan Willis, John Franklin-Myers, Bronson Kaufusi, Wyatt Ray, Sterling Johnson, Domenique Davis
New York’s defensive line rotation is pretty much set in stone. Quinnen Williams could be suspended to begin the season, though. That would open up a roster spot and add some intrigue to the unit throughout training camp.
Linebackers (8)
Starters: Jordan Jenkins, C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson, Tarrell Basham
Backups: Blake Cashman, Patrick Onwausor, Jabari Zuniga, Frankie Luvu
Cuts: Neville Hewitt, James Burgess, B.J. Bello, Ahmad Gooden, Harvey Langi, Bryce Huff
Tarrell Basham is penciled in as a starting outside linebacker opposite Jordan Jenkins, but don’t be surprised if rookie Jabari Zuniga overtakes him in training camp. As long as Zuniga stays healthy and progresses as expected, he will have a serious shot at winning the job.
Cornerback (7)
Starters: Pierre Desir, Bless Austin, Brian Poole
Backups: Bryce Hall, Arthur Maulet, Quincy Wilson, Kyron Brown
Cuts: Nate Hairston, Lamar Jackson, Javelin Guidry Jr., Shyheim Carter
The Jets are set with their starting cornerbacks, but there will be plenty of opportunities for players to win reserve roles with strong showings throughout training camp. Undrafted free agent Lamar Jackson has a good shot to overtake a veteran for a backup spot if he plays well during the preseason.
Safety (4)
Starters: Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye
Backups: Ashtyn Davis, Bennett Jackson
Cuts: Matthias Farley, Anthony Cioffi
Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye and third-round pick Ashtyn Davis are all in line for major roles in New York’s secondary this upcoming season. The fourth spot is up for grabs and will likely come down to either Bennett Jackson or Matthias Farley.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Brett Maher
Punter: Braden Mann
Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessey
Cuts: Sam Ficken, Ian Berryman
Braden Mann was one of the best punters in college football last season and is likely to overtake Ian Berryman as the starter after the Jets spent a sixth-round pick on him. Brett Maher is a safe bet to beat out Sam Ficken for the kicking job, but odds are next year’s starting kicker is not on the roster yet.
