With the 2020 NFL Draft now in the books, the Jets’ depth chart has a new look to it.
New York added nine new players, including cornerback Quincy Wilson in a trade with the Colts, over three days. Some, like first-round selection Mekhi Becton, are a lock to either start or contribute from day one. Others will have to scratch and claw to prove their worth and make the roster.
With a number of quality players still available in free agency, Gang Green’s depth chart could change in the coming weeks. For now, let’s take a look at how things stand after the draft.
Quarterback
Starter: Sam Darnold
Backups: David Fales, James Morgan, Mike White
There is a new backup in town with the selection of Florida International quarterback James Morgan in the fourth round. David Fales is currently New York’s No. 2 signal caller, but that could easily change in training camp.
Running Back
Starter: Le’Veon Bell
Backups: La’Michal Perine, Trenton Cannon, Kenneth Dixon, Jalin Moore
Fourth-round pick La’Michal Perine is in as Le’Veon Bell’s new backup. Expect New York to add another tailback or two before training camp for depth purposes.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Breshad Perriman, Quincy Enunwa, Jamison Crowder
Backups: Denzel Mims, Josh Bellamy, Braxton Berrios, Jehu Chesson, Josh Doctson, Keon Hatcher, Josh Malone, Jeff Smith, Vyncint Smith
Second-round pick Denzel Mims will likely make an instant impact in New York, but he will have to beat out veteran Quincy Enunwa in training camp for a starting job. Jamison Crowder and Breshad Perriman are entrenched as Gang Green’s other two starters at the position.
Tight End
Starter: Ryan Griffin
Backups: Chris Herndon, Daniel Brown, Ross Travis, Trevon Wesco
Chris Herndon is going to have to give it his all in order to take back the starting job he lost to Ryan Griffin while he spent 2019 either suspended or injured. Either way, both players are in line for a large chunk of playing time next season.
Offensive Line
Starters: Mekhi Becton, Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant
Backups: Brian Winters, Chuma Edoga, Josh Andrews, Ben Braden, Cameron Clark, Jonotthan Harrison, Corbin Kaufusi, Leo Koloamatangi, Brad Lundblade, Conor McDermott, James Murray
First-round pick Mekhi Becton is a lock to start at left tackle while George Fant and Chuma Edoga battle for the starting spot on the right side. Brian Winters is likely to be cut, but even if the Jets keep him around, it’s hard to see him starting over Greg Van Roten, who New York just invested $10.5 million in.
Defensive Line
Starters: Quinnen Williams, Steve McLendon, Henry Anderson
Backups: Kyle Phillips, Nathan Shepherd, Foley Fatukasi, John Franklin-Myers, Jordan Willis, Bronson Kaufusi, Wyatt Ray
New York’s starting defensive line is pretty much set in stone. If Quinnen Williams is suspended to begin the 2020 season, though, one of Kyle Phillips, Nathan Shepherd or Foley Fatukasi could temporarily step into a starting role.
Linebacker
Starters: Jordan Jenkins, C.J. Mosley, Avery Williamson, Tarrell Basham
Backups: James Burgess, Blake Cashman, Neville Hewitt, Patrick Onwuasor, Jabari Zuniga, Frankie Luvu, Harvey Langi, B.J. Bello, Ahmad Gooden
Third-round pick Jabari Zuniga will have a good chance to win a starting job opposite Jordan Jenkins at outside linebacker, but he will have to impress throughout training camp in order to accomplish that.
Cornerback
Starters: Pierre Desir, Bless Austin, Brian Poole
Backups: Bryce Hall, Quincy Wilson, Kyron Brown, Nate Hairston, Arthur Maulet
Bless Austin has an inside track at winning the No. 2 spot on the cornerback depth chart, but don’t be surprised if fifth-round pick Bryce Hall pushes him for the job. The same goes for Quincy Wilson, who is better fit to succeed in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ man-heavy defense instead of the zone-heavy defense the Colts transitioned to in 2019. Third-round defensive back selection Ashtyn Davis could also factor into the equation, although it seems like the Jets might start him out in more of a swiss army knife role.
Safety
Starters: Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye
Backups: Ashtyn Davis, Anthony Cioffi, Matthias Farley, Bennett Jackson
New York’s starting safety duo is one of the best in the league, but third-round pick Ashtyn Davis will certainly play some sort of role in Gregg Williams’ secondary next season.
Specialists
Kicker: Brett Maher
Punter: Ian Berryman, Brett Mann
Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessey
Thomas Hennessey is the only specialist a lock to begin the season in his current role. Ian Berryman will have to fight off sixth-round pick Brett Mann in training camp, while Brett Maher’s camp competition has yet to be signed.
