With training camps now in full swing, predicting the final cuts could be a tough chore. Here’s what the New York Jets roster will look like.
By Robby Sabo
First and foremost, the progression of quarterback Geno Smith is hot-button issue number one. The third-year pro out of West Virginia has been, well, less stellar with the New York Jets.
Starting 30-games, Smith possesses a dreadful 25-34 TD/INT ratio as well as eight lost fumbles. This incredible number of 42 turnovers wouldn’t even allow the 1985 Chicago Bears a chance to succeed.
So, although Maccagnan produced mini-miracles during the offseason with the acquisitions of Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Buster Skrine and Brandon Marshall, the nagging question of who would fill the void at the most important position of all of professional sports remains hotly contested.
That was, until, training camp got underway.
Everything coming out of Florham Park, NJ has Smith’s resume glowing. His play on the field has been solid, his leadership has seemingly taken a step forward, and teammates such as Eric Decker are speaking highly about the 24-year old QB.
Everything Bowles and Chan Gailey preach revolves around command of the offense. Only time will tell whether Rex Ryan is that true quarterback-killer many Jets fans think he is.
Still, despite how critical Smith’s play will be in 2015, there are 53 jobs up for audition. Starters will shake out at those positions of concern, but livelihoods will be made or broken based on special teams and depth.
Here is our prediction on the New York Jets final 53-man depth chart:
Backs & Receivers
Quarterback
- Geno Smith
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Bryce Petty
At quarterback we all know the deal. There are four in camp, but the three who’ll make the cut are clear. The Job will be Geno’s until, or if, he slips up and gives way to the ultra streaky Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Running Back
- Chris Ivory (Goalline)
- Bilal Powell (3rd Down)
- Zac Stacy
- Stevan Ridley
The one issue with cutting Daryl Richardson at the running back spot is that he represents the lone guy who can kick it into a super high gear. While Chris Ivory is firmly planted as the starter, he mirrors Zac Stacy and Stevan Ridley (all power backs). Bilal Powell will be the undisputed third-down back, but he also lacks top-flight speed. The Jets will have to make due with these four despite their similarities.
Fullback
- Tommy Bohanon
Second-year pro Tommy Bohanon returns after a solid rookie campaign in 2014. He’s the ultimate fullback’s fullback – blocking his way to a job.
Tight End
- Jace Amaro (Y)
- Jeff Cumberland
- Kellen Davis
- Steve Maneri (Goalline)
The tight-end position has unfortunately created all the wrong kind of buzz this camp. Jace Amaro hasn’t turned heads and after Jeff Cumberland there’s very little there. Kellen Davis does provide a veteran presence and Steve Maneri is strictly a blocking tight-end. The wild card here will be undrafted rookie Wes Saxton. Can he steal one of these spots?
Wide Receiver
- Brandon Marshall (Z)
- Eric Decker (X)
- Jeremy Kerley (Slot)
- Devin Smith
- Shaq Evans
- T.J. Graham
Thanks to the arrival of five-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker now slides into his more fitting No. 2 spot on the depth chart. Jeremy Kerley needs to stay healthy to provide Geno with that comfortable, shifty slot presence. One the guys making a ton of noise this camp has been Shaq Evans. Evans, who was drafted in the fourth round last year out of UCLA, missed his entire rookie season due to injury.
According to Kristian Dyer of Metro New York, Evans has impressed to a level that could knock DeVier Posey or T.J. Graham off the team. With Devin Smith out due to broken ribs/punctured lung, These three guys have a giant opportunity to impress.
The Ohio State rookie will need to get back soon as he represents Geno’s only real deep threat on the squad. While Marshall and Decker do make a nice one-two pair, both guys are relatively similar in their talent-base (possession guys who lack top-end speed).
Notable Cuts: DeVier Posey (WR), Walter Powell (WR), Daryl Richardson (RB), Wes Saxton (TE)
Offensive Line
Tackle
- D’Brickashaw Ferguson (LT)
- Breno Giacomini (RT)
- Oday Aboushi
Most of the talk coming into camp has everything to do with everybody except the offensive line. This shouldn’t be the case based on a below average effort last season (tied for 24th with 47 sacks allowed).
Both D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold, 31-years old, cannot suddenly get old in 2015. They’ll both need to stay healthy in order for the offense to breath some success. The Jets youngsters on the line aren’t ready to provide significant contributions. Furthermore, the 2016 NFL Draft will be a big spot for Maccagnan to draft some big-heavies up front.
Giacomini easily starts at the right side opposite Ferguson, with the very versatile Oday Aboushi backing up.
Guard
- James Carpenter (RG)
- Dakota Dozier (LG)
- Brian Winters
Speaking of Aboushi, he can also play the guard position. This will ultimately push 32-year old Willie Colon out of the door, representing the Jets most shocking cut of camp.
Look for 2014 fourth-round pick Dakota Dozier to steal the left guard spot, the Jets shakiest offensive line position.
Center
- Nick Mangold
- Dalton Freeman
The center spot is as stable as any in Jets camp. Six-time Pro Bowler Nick Mangold is still one of the very best in the game.
Notable Cuts: Willie Colon (G), Charles Brown (T)
Front Seven
Nose Tackle
- Damon Harrison
- Deon Simon
The man they call “snacks,” Damon Harrison, remains one of the top run stoppers in the game.
Defensive End, Interior Line
- Muhammad Wilkerson (LDE)
- Leonard Williams (RDT)
- T.J. Barnes (Sub Interior)
- Kevin Vickerson
With Sheldon Richardson now most likely out more than just four-games, USC rookie Leonard Williams shifts to an immediate starting role. It’s nothing he can’t handle, but T.J. Barnes suddenly has a chance to shine as a sub-guy. The last spot will come down to veterans Kevin Vickerson and Stephen Bowen.
Middle Linebacker
- Demario Davis (RILB)
- David Harris (LILB)
- Joe Mays
- Jamari Lattimore
Although David Harris was re-signed to a pretty hefty 3-year, $21.5 million deal ($15 million guaranteed), it is now time for Demario Davis to assume the top leadership role on this defense. Davis’s arsenal is equipped with lightning fast mobility and a punch that can knock anybody on their backside. In addition, he can also do a little pass covering in space, something Harris struggles with mightily.
Signings such as Joe Mays and Jamari Lattimore bring depth to the inside linebacker position New York hasn’t seen in years. Undrafted rookie Taiwan Jones will really have to show something in order to make Todd Bowles keep five inside backers.
Outside Linebacker, Edge Rusher
- Quinton Coples (ROLB)
- Lorenzo Mauldin (LOLB)
- Jason Babin (Sub Rusher)
- Calvin Pace
If there’s one spot on defense that’ll make or break their greatness, it’s the edge pass rushers. Quinton Coples is solid (16.5 sacks in three years), but he profiles more as a No. 2 guy.
The guy to watch will be rookie Lorenzo Mauldin. Although Calvin Pace is still running with the first-team in practice, he won’t be starting once the season comes. In fact, he might even get cut in favor for Trevor Reilly. Mauldin can be that big-time X-Factor the Jets need along the edge.
Suspended: Sheldon Richardson (DL)
Notable Cuts: Stephen Bowen (DL), Davon Walls (NT), Taiwan Jones (MLB), Trevor Reilly (OLB)
Secondary
Cornerback
- Darrelle Revis
- Antonio Cromartie
- Buster Skrine (Nickel)
- Marcus Williams (Dime)
- Dee Milliner
- Dexter McDougle
As Terrell Owens once flagrantly proclaimed, “get your popcorn ready.”
The reason? Well, the Jets crop of cornerbacks has perhaps went from the worst in the league in 2014 to the absolute best. Everybody knows about the return of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, but very few people understand how good Buster Skrine is.
Furthermore, Marcus Williams as their Dime-back is an incredible embarrassment of riches. The only question with this position is whether Dexter McDougle or Darrin Walls make the cut as the No. 6 guy. Bowles could keep seven though, avoiding that issue.
Safety
- Calvin Pryor (SS)
- Marcus Gilchrist (FS)
- Antonio Allen (Sub Safety)
- Jaiquawn Jarrett
Granted it’s difficult to think the first round pick on Calvin Pryor last season was spent wisely, but judge him based on 2015 first. Due to the secondary’s horrors, he played out of position for most of the season. He is strictly a box safety, not a center-fielder. With the smart, under-the-radar signing of former Charger Marcus Gilchrist, Pryor can now sneak up in the box and rattle some heads.
Antonio Allen is also back playing his normal spot of safety. Having him playing the sub-safety position – a spot of versatility in passing downs – will be fun to watch.
Notable Cuts: Darrin Walls (CB), Rontez Miles (S)
Special Teams
Kickers
- Nick Folk (Place Kicker)
- Ryan Quigley (Punter)
The best player for the Jets in 2014, kicker Nick Folk, returns in 2015.
Long Snapper
- Tanner Purdum
Returners
- Jeremy Kerley (PR)
- T.J. Graham (KR)
- Shaq Evans
- Devin Smith
- Antonio Cromartie
If Daryl Richardson doesn’t make the team, there will be one less kick returner on the squad. For him to make it, however, either Stevan Ridley or Zac Stacy need to pack their bags.
Another possible option here is DeVier Posey, but he’ll have a tough time making the squad with Shaq Evans tearing it up.
Special Teams Specialists
- Joe Mays
- Jamari Lattimore
- Jaiquawn Jarrett
- Dexter McDougle
Watching Joe Mays, Jamari Lattimore and Jaiquawn Jarrett try to hit everything in sight while sprinting down on special teams this season, will be, well, special. The Jets finally have the depth to construct a pretty solid special teams in all areas.