Going into training camp, the New York Jets have some exciting starting talent and even quality depth at multiple positions offensively. Without any official confirmation on whether it will be George Fant or Mekhi Becton at left tackle, we do not yet know exactly how the starting unit will look. Nonetheless, the main personnel on the starting offense, we have a clear idea of. The significantly improved starting talent should translate to some better offensive football for the Jets for the first time in a while.
In terms of backup roles currently on this offense, there are some key battles set to take place this training camp. At some positions, it will impact final roster decisions.
Backup quarterback
Who the backup quarterback to Zach Wilson will be for the 2022 season is still unknown. The competition is set to take place in training camp and the preseason between Mike White and Joe Flacco. With White, there is youth which leads to more long-term backup potential to Wilson. Also, he showed some upside in two of his starts against the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts last year. Flacco provides a wealth of experience for Wilson as a young player. Flacco also has a strong arm. It will be fascinating to see who ends up as the number two here.
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The fourth running back
The Jets’ top three running backs are in place with Breece Hall, Michael Carter, and Tevin Coleman. If the Jets opt to keep four running backs on the final 53-man roster, there will be a battle. The three players in the competition will be Ty Johnson, Zonovan Knight, and La’Mical Perine. Johnson has home run hitting speed and the most experience from this bunch. Knight was an exciting, undrafted free agent signing. He fits Mike LaFleur’s zone running scheme with his patience, vision, and burst. Knight can also help himself with his special teams value as a returner. With Perine, he was a recent fourth-round pick by Joe Douglas. He adds an element of size and power to this group which helps his chances.
Fullback/TE
The Jets currently have two physical blockers at skill positions in Nick Bawden and Trevon Wesco. Bawden is more of a traditional fullback. His position is one LaFleur’s scheme utilizes. Wesco is a big, tough, tight end who has taken reps at fullback for the Jets. Wesco is now entering year four with the team. Keeping both of these players may be a challenge. Value on special teams may play a factor in who makes the team. Both Bawden and Wesco can offer the Jets’ running game a strong presence with their physicality.
It is worth noting if Bawden makes the final roster, will the Jets have room for just three or a fourth half back?
The fourth offensive tackle
Up front, the interior of the Jets’ offensive line is in a fantastic place with the five players who will be on the roster, Laken Tomlinson, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Connor McGovern, Nate Herbig, and Dan Feeney. At tackle, the Jets’ two starters are very talented players in Fant and Becton. Rookie fourth-round pick Max Mitchell has the potential to become a good player down the road and will likely be the third tackle this season.
The final offensive tackle spot will be a competition between two players, Conor McDermott and Chuma Edoga. Both players have been with the Jets since 2019. They each have accumulated over 500 snaps throughout the last three years. As of now, it seems McDermott has a better chance of being on the final roster.