Good posting. I’ve been waiting for a projected depth chart and analysis of training camp battles by unit since the Jets finished their draft. It’s nice to see how much the Jets’ depth and talent have improved in just 2 years.
I agree with most of your analysis but have several quibbles:
- I can’t see the Jets keeping 7 WRs. 5 is more likely, with Mims being the 5th. If he doesn’t show the Jets that he belongs on the final 53-man roster, I expect them to pick up a vet who’s waived during preseason to be the 5th wideout.
- Recently signed Nate Herbig should be in the Likely category on the O-line, which will probably carry 9 players – the 5 starters, plus Herbig, Mitchell, Feeney (backup center by default), and either McDermott or an upgrade from a waiver pickup at OT.
- I’d put Jacob Martin in the Likely group on the D-line. He and Solomon Thomas were signed in free agency, and JD is not likely to waste the money by cutting them this year, unless they show nothing in training camp and preseason. The D-line group will probably carry 9-10 players, and the Jets will end up cutting some players who will be picked up by other teams. It’s become a very strong group – and will need to be very good for Saleh’s defense to be effective.
- Rankins might be at risk. He's in the last year of his 2-year deal, and if JFM will be playing more at DT than DE, Rankins figures to play less this season. Vets like Rankins and Curry could get pushed out if some of the younger defensive lineman play very well.
- Clemons should not be in the Likely group on the D-line. He’s got the talent to stick but probably carries the most risk on the team, given his history of injuries and off-the-field incidents.
- I think they’ll carry only 5 LBs. Saleh’s defense plays only 1-2 LBs on most downs. They need the extra roster slot for the D-line or secondary. After Mosley and Quincy Williams, the other slots are up for grabs, so D.Q. Thomas might well win one if he plays well. I expect the Jets to add a vet to this group soon too.
- The secondary is deep. I see the Jets keeping 11 DBs, with some players likely to be picked up by other teams after they are cut. I like Elijah Riley’s chances to make the team at safety; the Jets seem to like his upside. The Jets might be content to keep Guidry as the backup nickel corner, but they also might look to replace him with a waived vet to back up and mentor Carter II.
Overall, this team has the most talent and depth since the 2010 squad – very encouraging for the future!
Don’t you think Jacob Martin is a lock - JD gave him a fairly large contract
Good posting. I’ve been waiting for a projected depth chart and analysis of training camp battles by unit since the Jets finished their draft. It’s nice to see how much the Jets’ depth and talent have improved in just 2 years.
I agree with most of your analysis but have several quibbles:
- I can’t see the Jets keeping 7 WRs. 5 is more likely, with Mims being the 5th. If he doesn’t show the Jets that he belongs on the final 53-man roster, I expect them to pick up a vet who’s waived during preseason to be the 5th wideout.
- Recently signed Nate Herbig should be in the Likely category on the O-line, which will probably carry 9 players – the 5 starters, plus Herbig, Mitchell, Feeney (backup center by default), and either McDermott or an upgrade from a waiver pickup at OT.
- I’d put Jacob Martin in the Likely group on the D-line. He and Solomon Thomas were signed in free agency, and JD is not likely to waste the money by cutting them this year, unless they show nothing in training camp and preseason. The D-line group will probably carry 9-10 players, and the Jets will end up cutting some players who will be picked up by other teams. It’s become a very strong group – and will need to be very good for Saleh’s defense to be effective.
- Rankins might be at risk. He's in the last year of his 2-year deal, and if JFM will be playing more at DT than DE, Rankins figures to play less this season. Vets like Rankins and Curry could get pushed out if some of the younger defensive lineman play very well.
- Clemons should not be in the Likely group on the D-line. He’s got the talent to stick but probably carries the most risk on the team, given his history of injuries and off-the-field incidents.
- I think they’ll carry only 5 LBs. Saleh’s defense plays only 1-2 LBs on most downs. They need the extra roster slot for the D-line or secondary. After Mosley and Quincy Williams, the other slots are up for grabs, so D.Q. Thomas might well win one if he plays well. I expect the Jets to add a vet to this group soon too.
- The secondary is deep. I see the Jets keeping 11 DBs, with some players likely to be picked up by other teams after they are cut. I like Elijah Riley’s chances to make the team at safety; the Jets seem to like his upside. The Jets might be content to keep Guidry as the backup nickel corner, but they also might look to replace him with a waived vet to back up and mentor Carter II.
Overall, this team has the most talent and depth since the 2010 squad – very encouraging for the future!
Excellent analysis. Thx. Curious you think Solomon Thomas is on the outside looking in but Bryce Huff is not?