After a long offseason that featured many players coming and going, the Jets are finally down to a 53-man roster.
It was a strenuous process, but Adam Gase and Joe Douglas settled on the best 53-man roster possible in their eyes following a training camp and preseason full of evaluating. Now, it’s on Gase and his coaching staff to formulate a depth chart that best puts the Jets in a position to win beginning in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.
So, how might New York’s depth chart look come Sunday? Let’s take a look.
Quarterback (2)
Starter: Sam Darnold
Backup: Trevor Siemian
As expected, the Jets elected to roll with only two quarterbacks on their 53-man roster.
Both Luke Falk and Davis Webb were shown the door when it came time for roster cutdowns. Falk remains with the organization as a member of the practice squad, while Webb has since signed with the Bills.
In the event of an injury, Falk will be the next quarterback to join New York’s active roster. Until then, Sam Darnold remains entrenched as the starter with Trevor Siemian backing him up.
Running Back (4)
Starter: Le’Veon Bell
Backups: Ty Montgomery, Bilal Powell, Trenton Cannon
The Jets elected to stick with veteran Bilal Powell over Elijah McGuire, making him the No. 3 running back on their depth chart behind Bell and Montgomery.
Bell and Montgomery will account for the bulk of the touches out of the backfield, leaving Powell to factor in whenever one needs a rest. Cannon will star mostly on special teams as a return man. In the event of an injury, Valentine Holmes is on the practice squad, as is the recently-signed Josh Adams.
Wide Receiver (5)
Starters: Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, Jamison Crowder
Backups: Josh Bellamy, Braxton Berrios
In a surprise move, the Jets released both Deontay Burnett and Greg Dortch prior to settling on their final 53-man roster. Burnett was released on cut-down day, while Dortch was waived following the addition of Braxton Berrios.
It’s also somewhat surprising that New York elected to begin the season with only five active receivers. Regardless, Anderson, Enunwa and Crowder will account for nearly all of Sam Darnold’s targets throughout the year. Bellamy and Berrios can also contribute when called upon.
In the event the Jets wish to add another wideout, Boston College product Jeff Smith is on the practice squad after an injury-riddled preseason. Dortch also re-signed with New York’s practice squad on Monday, giving the team another option at receiver should a roster spot open up.
Tight End (3)
Starter: Ryan Griffin
Backups: Trevon Wesco, Daniel Brown
With Chris Herndon suspended for the first four games of the regular season, Ryan Griffin assumes starting duties on a temporary basis. The Jets elected to go with Daniel Brown over veteran Eric Tomlinson, giving Sam Darnold another option in the passing game.
With Griffin and Brown functioning primary as receivers, rookie Trevon Wesco will be New York’s primary blocking tight end.
Offensive Line (9)
Starters: Kelvin Beachum, Kelechi Osemele, Ryan Kalil, Brian Winters, Brandon Shell
Backups: Chuma Edoga, Alex Lewis, Tom Compton, Jonotthan Harrison
New York’s offensive line unit has essentially been locked in since the acquisition of Alex Lewis. Everyone who was expected to make the 53-man roster did — even Brent Qvale, who missed the preseason with an injury and will begin 2019 on injured reserve.
Ryan Kalil will make his Jets debut in Week 1 against the Bills. Kelechi Osemele will also make his regular-season debut with the team against Buffalo.
Defensive Line (9)
Starters: Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams, Henry Anderson
Backups: Foley Fatukasi, John Franklin-Myers, Bronson Kaufusi, Steve McLendon, Kyle Phillips, Nathan Shepherd
The Jets have been set on the defensive line throughout the preseason, but the addition of John Franklin-Myers from the Rams gives New York some added depth at the position.
Franklin-Myers showed some promise as a rookie, which gives the Jets a potential depth piece moving forward.
Outside Linebacker (4)
Starters: Jordan Jenkins, Frankie Luvu
Backups: Tarell Basham, Harvey Langi
Jordan Jenkins is New York’s only established starting outside linebacker, but that doesn’t mean much considering how often defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will be rotating players in and out depending on the situation.
Jenkins will be on the field more often than not, but Luvu, Basham and Langi all figure to see near the same amount of reps on a rotational basis.
Inside Linebacker (4)
Starters: C.J. Mosley, Neville Hewitt
Backups: Blake Cashman, Albert McLellan
Neville Hewitt will begin the season starting next to C.J. Mosley, but don’t be surprised if Cashman grabs that spot sooner rather than later. If it weren’t for an injury that kept him sidelined for a chunk of the preseason, there’s a strong possibility he would’ve been starting to begin the season.
Regardless of starting status, both Hewitt and Cashman will play an integral role in New York’s defense with Avery Williamson sidelined for the season. Meanwhile, Albert McLellan will factor more into the special teams side of the operation after being re-signed on Monday.
Cornerback (5)
Starters: Trumaine Johnson, Darryl Roberts, Brian Poole
Backups: Nate Hairston, Arthur Maulet
Will Trumaine Johnson be ready to go against the Bills after missing an extended period of time due to a hamstring injury? The hope is that he is, giving New York its No. 1 cornerback back at a crucial time.
The Jets are relatively thin at corner with only five on the depth chart, but have faith in the likes of Nate Hairston and Arthur Maulet to get the job done. It might take Hairston a bit to get up to speed after coming over from the Colts, but both he and Maulet should contribute once the regular season kicks off.
Safety (5)
Starters: Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye
Backups: Matthias Farley, Rontez Miles, Bennett Jackson
The Jets have two new late additions in the mix at safety, as Matthias Farley came over from the Colts last week and New Jersey native Bennett Jackson joined the Jets after the Ravens waived him on Sunday.
Both Farley and Jackson provide quality depth, with Rontez Miles remaining a reliable backup and contributor on special teams as well. If all goes well, however, the reserve safeties will rarely see action on defense.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Kaare Vedvik
Punter: Lachlan Edwards
Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessey
After dealing with inconsistency from Taylor Bertolet throughout the preseason, the hope is that Kaare Vedvik can come in and solidify New York’s kicking game.
Vedvik showed potential with the Ravens the past two preseasons but missed all three of his field goal attempts with the Vikings this preseason. The Jets are relying on Vedvik to right the ship and revert back to the form he displayed with the Ravens.
Lachlan Edwards beat out Matt Darr at punter, while Thomas Hennessey’s spot at long snapper was never in question.
