Quarterback
- Sam Darnold
- Josh McCown
- Teddy Bridgewater
Flip on SportsCenter, check out the NFL Network, nothing will change all summer long—Sam Darnold will be the entire New York Jets narrative.
The early reports from OTAs indicate Darnold is far behind Josh McCown and the others. It’s not due to raw talent. Rather, it’s simply NFL readiness.
The USC product will far and away represent the best option for the group by the time the Snoopy Bowl rolls around. Whether or not the Jets allow him to start Week 1 is the question.
We say yes, but he could easily sit for a week or two prior to finding himself in NFL game action.
With the trades of both Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, the three arms on the roster are completely safe. Considering Darnold’s rawness and McCown’s injury history, there’s no chance they’d keep just two.
Running Back
- Bilal Powell
- Isaiah Crowell
- Elija McGuire
- Trenton Cannon
There are no studs. The Jets haven’t fielded a 1,000-yard rusher since Chris Ivory in 2012. In fact, this organization hasn’t showcased a 1,100-yard rusher since the reliable Thomas Jones back in 2009 with the NFL’s best offensive line.
The beat goes on at the running back spot for the Jets.
The good news comes by way of depth. All four backs will receive time and, unlike many teams that like to carry just three at the spot, the Jets will probably carry four due to Trenton Cannon’s return abilities.
Cuts: Thomas Rawls
Fullback
- Dimitri Flowers
This one’s easy. Despite his undrafted free agent tag, Oklahoma’s Dimitri Flowers will represent the Jets starting fullback in 2018. As great a story as converted defensive lineman Lawrence Thomas is, he’s not agile enough to catch balls out of the backfield and get it done in an overall fashion.
It’d be extremely tough to carry two fullbacks.
Cuts: Lawrence Thomas
