With training camp and the 2020 offseason now in the books, the Jets’ depth chart has somewhat of a new look to it.
New York parted ways with 27 players on Saturday in order to cut its roster down to 53. Some of those players reverted back to the practice squad and have a chance to begin the year on the active roster, while others are now seeking greener pastures elsewhere.
Let’s take a look at how the Jets’ depth chart reads after cut day and some potential changes that could be in store before Week 1.
Note: There are more than 53 players listed below, as the Jets have yet to determine who is going on injured reserve.
Quarterback
Starter: Sam Darnold
Backups: Joe Flacco, James Morgan
Flacco is on the 53-man roster, but will miss New York’s first couple of games as he works his way back from offseason neck surgery. James Morgan is not ready to serve as Sam Darnold’s backup, which leaves practice squad signal-callers David Fales and Mike White duking it out for the No. 2 spot to begin 2020. Fales has the advantage here.
Running Back
Starter: Le’Veon Bell
Backups: Frank Gore, La’Mical Perine
Perine’s ankle injury is not thought to be serious, but if he is forced to miss any action, Josh Adams will be called up from the practice squad to take his place. Either way, the Jets are in good shape at running back with Bell and Gore leading the charge.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Breshad Perriman, Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder
Backups: Vyncint Smith, Chris Hogan, Braxton Berrios, Jeff Smith
Perriman missed the end of training camp because of a knee injury, but he is expected to be ready for Week 1. Vyncint Smith is still likely to miss New York’s season opener but is ahead of schedule in his return from core surgery and could be ready earlier than originally expected.
Assuming Smith is out to begin 2020, the Jets could call up a wideout from the practice squad to take his place. They could also elect to carry only six receivers and call up a player from another position.
Tight End
Starter: Chris Herndon
Backups: Ryan Griffin, Trevon Wesco, Daniel Brown
The Jets are set with Herndon, Griffin and Wesco filling out their tight end depth chart. Barring an injury, this unit will remain intact throughout 2020. New York re-signed Daniel Brown to its 53-man roster on Sunday, but it’s unlikely it carries four tight ends for the entire season.
Offensive Line
Starters: Mekhi Becton, Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant
Backups: Chuma Edoga, Cameron Clark, Conor McDermott, Josh Andrews
The decision to cut Jonotthan Harrison came as a surprise, but Andrews and Clark have the positional versatility to play multiple spots on the line. McDermott can also play either guard or tackle, giving New York a piece it can plug in almost anywhere in the trenches if needed.
Defensive Line
Starters: Quinnen Williams, Steve McLendon, Henry Anderson
Backups: Foley Fatukasi, John Franklin-Myers, Bryce Huff, Kyle Phillips, Nathan Shepherd, Jordan Willis
The Jets opted to carry nine defensive linemen to begin 2020, which is an awfully large rotation compared to what New York has featured in the past. Expect all nine players to get their fair share of playing time, though, as there is an opportunity for the taking in the trenches.
Linebacker
Starters: Jordan Jenkins, Avery Williamson, Blake Cashman, Tarell Basham
Backups: Jabari Zuniga, Patrick Onwuasor, Neville Hewitt, Harvey Langi, Frankie Luvu
Onwuasor is going to miss the beginning of the regular season with an injury, which opened the door for Hewitt and Langi to secure their roster spots. Like the defensive line, inside linebacker is a position the Jets will fill on a rotational basis, so there is plenty of playing time available in the middle of New York’s defense.
Cornerback
Starters: Pierre Desir, Bless Austin, Brian Poole
Backups: Quincy Wilson, Arthur Maulet, Nate Hairston
The Jets’ No. 2 corner has yet to be determined, but this is still a deeper group than what New York ran with in 2019. The Jets also have a potential bargain pick in Bryce Hall, who will start the year on the Reserve/NFI list.
Safety
Starters: Marcus Maye, Bradley McDougald
Backups: Ashtyn Davis
The Jets went with just three safeties on their initial 53-man roster, but they have a trio that can do it all in Maye, McDougald and Davis. None of those players are Jamal Adams, but this is a versatile, gritty group. Should reinforcements be needed, Bennett Jackson is ready and waiting on the practice squad.
Specialists
Kicker: Sam Ficken
Punter: Braden Mann
Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessy
Ficken won the kicking job in training camp, but any regular-season hiccups will likely result in the Jets going in a new direction at the position. Until then, Ficken will suit up for New York.
