In less than two weeks, the 2022 New York Jets roster will be down to 53 players. Cuts started yesterday afternoon as the Jets got down to 85 players. They released DE Tim Ward, WR Rashard Davis, OL Derrick Kelly, and CB Luq Barcoo, along with officially placing Mekhi Becton on injured reserve.
With three weeks of training camp and the first preseason game completed, we have somewhat of an idea of where players stand. Let’s take a look at what the Jets’ final 53 could look like.
New York Jets 53-man roster prediction:
Quarterback (3)
- Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White
No surprises or updates here. Chris Streveler could wind up on the practice squad. The big news is that Zach Wilson will not miss significant time.
Running Back (3)
- Breece Hall, Michael Carter, Tevin Coleman
The Jets will have some tough players to let go of here. Ty Johnson has reportedly done well in camp. Undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight scored a touchdown in his first preseason game. He could land on the practice squad. La’Mical Perine is another young player and a recent fourth-round pick in the middle of this competition.
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The one-two punch of Breece Hall and Michael Carter looks to be exciting. Tevin Coleman provides a veteran presence for the first and second-year players and still offers good speed.
Wide Receiver (5)
- Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson, Corey Davis, Braxton Berrios, Jeff Smith
These top five are basically set in stone. With limited roster spots, there was not enough room to keep a sixth receiver. Denzel Mims is the obvious headliner. He is hard to leave off, but it is hard to get a read on where he truly stands with Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur. Undrafted rookies Calvin Jackson and Irvin Charles could end up on the practice squad.
Tight End (4)
- Tyler Conklin, CJ Uzomah, Jeremy Ruckert, Lawrence Cager
The first three here are easy final roster locks. Between Trevon Wesco, Kenny Yeboah, and Lawrence Cager, it is a fascinating battle if the Jets elect to go with four tight ends on the 53. In the first preseason game, Cager was one of the big winners for the Jets. His athletic upside and mismatch potential at the tight end position may make him difficult for the Jets to let go of.
Offensive Line (8)
- OT: George Fant, Duane Brown, Max Mitchell
- iOL: Laken Tomlinson, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Connor McGovern, Nate Herbig, Dan Feeney
Inserting Duane Brown for the injured Becton is the only update here. The starters and depth on the interior give the Jets something to feel comfortable in. Tackles Conor McDermott and Chuma Edoga have both gotten banged up over the last week and a half. It leads to the fourth tackle being Grant Hermanns, who has gotten some work with the starters as a result. He seems more likely to finish on the practice squad, though.
Edge (6)
- Carl Lawson, Jermaine Johnson, Jacob Martin, Bryce Huff, Micheal Clemons, Jabari Zuniga
With Vinny Curry missing some time over the last two weeks and Jabari Zuniga having a strong camp and first preseason game, he gets the nod here. The rest of this group is loaded with talent and potential, to say the least.
Defensive Tackle (5)
- Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers, Sheldon Rankins, Solomon Thomas, Tanzel Smart
The first four here are straightforward. The battle for the fifth spot between Tanzel Smart, Nathan Shepherd, and Jonathan Marshall is an intriguing one. In the end, Smart built on his strong 2021 preseason last week and seems deserving of the spot. Marshall could be kept on the practice squad.
Linebacker (5)
- C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams, Kwon Alexander, Jamien Sherwood, Hamsah Nasirildeen
The big addition here from the last final roster projection is Kwon Alexander. Despite being listed with the first team on the first depth chart, Marcell Harris gets caught in a numbers game here. Jamien Sherwood showed some things in the first preseason game. Hamsah Nasirildeen has made progress in camp. Ultimately, the youth gets the advantage. Del’Shawn Phillips should be a top practice squad priority, and DQ Thomas may land on it as well.
Cornerback (7)
- Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, Michael Carter II, Bryce Hall, Brandin Echols, Javelin Guidry, Justin Hardee
Second-year players Isaiah Dunn and Rachad Wildgoose are tough cuts who seem like probable practice squad candidates. The special teams value Justin Hardee provides lands him on the roster. The speed, slot capabilities, and special teams upside give third-year player Javelin Guidry a strong chance to be on the team.
Safety (4)
- Jordan Whitehead, Will Parks, Jason Pinnock, Ashtyn Davis
Will Parks filled in alongside Jordan Whitehead to start the first preseason game Friday night. Lamarcus Joyner has missed some time throughout the summer, giving Parks a chance. Elijah Riley is a player the Jets like and a tough cut. Riley should be on the practice squad.
Special Teams (3)
- Greg Zuerlein, Braden Mann, Thomas Hennessy
No changes from the first projection. So far, Greg Zuerlein seems to have the upper hand over Eddy Pineiro. In Zuerlein, the Jets would have experience and a terrific pedigree in their kicker.