The New York Jets open the 2022 NFL regular season against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 11 at MetLife Stadium.
A perennial doormat in the AFC East -- five last-place finishes in the last six years -- the Jets face plenty of tough roster decisions. That's a positive; it suggests the talent base has improved.
The final cuts are a referendum on general manager Joe Douglas' first draft (2020), which includes a handful of players on the bubble. The biggest name is wide receiver Denzel Mims, a second-round pick who has requested a trade because he's unhappy with his role as a backup. Mims wasn't drafted by this coaching staff, setting the stage for a potential organizational debate on his roster worthiness. Douglas could probably get a late-round draft pick if he decides to cut bait via trade.
Other 2020 draft picks in danger are safety Ashtyn Davis (third round), defensive end Jabari Zuniga (third) and running back La'Mical Perine (fourth).
The Jets have a surplus of defensive linemen, which creates the possibility of a trade. They have 17 linemen on the roster, most of whom are roster worthy. One name who would attract interest is pass-rusher Bryce Huff, one of six defensive ends on our initial 53. Some of the castoffs should attract interest on the waiver wire.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (3): Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White
The Jets were leaning toward three quarterbacks before Wilson's knee injury; now it's an absolute must. The 37-year-old Flacco will start until Wilson is ready to return, which probably won't be until two or three weeks into the regular season. They're taking an ultra-cautious approach with Wilson, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 16. White, who achieved folk-hero status last season, ended the preseason with a strong performance after a lackluster camp. Journeyman Chris Streveler has gone from afterthought to practice-squad candidate.
RUNNING BACK (3): Michael Carter, Breece Hall, Ty Johnson
It's the Carter and Hall show; the trick is determining the supporting players. To accomplish that, it could take some roster gymnastics. It might mean cutting Tevin Coleman and bringing him back. As a vested vet, he won't be exposed to waivers. The real odd-man out is Perine, whose reps have been limited. He isn't a great fit in the wide-zone running scheme. Rookie Zonovan Knight, an undrafted free agent, has flashed at times and could land on the practice squad.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson, Braxton Berrios, Jeff Smith, Denzel Mims
The top four are set, so it really comes down to Smith (excellent on special teams), Mims (not-so-excellent on special teams) and the question of whether they carry five or more. Mims has improved as a receiver, no question, but he's still down in the pecking order. If they keep him, he might not dress on game day and he's already frustrated. It's a fascinating decision for the organization, especially after a big game on Sunday (seven catches, 102 yards, one TD). Douglas won't cut him and won't give him away for pennies on the dollar. Rookie Calvin Jackson, undrafted, impressed in camp and could land a role on the practice squad.
TIGHT END (4): C.J. Uzomah, Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert, Trevon Wesco
This is the most improved position group on offense; there's no excuse for the Jets to finish 31st in tight-end receptions, which happened in 2021. Uzomah, Conklin and Ruckert are roster locks. Ruckert isn't ready for a role on offense, so they need to keep Wesco, who fills a hybrid role as a tight end/fullback.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Duane Brown, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker, George Fant, Max Mitchell, Dan Feeney, Chuma Edoga, Conor McDermott
Mekhi Becton's season-ending injury, coupled with Brown's late arrival, puts this group in serious catch-up mode. The starting five had no game reps together until Sunday's preseason finale against the New York Giants, which is concerning. Another issue is the depth. The only backup assured a roster spot is Mitchell, and that's because he's a fourth-round pick. They have to carry tackle McDermott (ankle) on the initial 53 to put him on regular-season injured reserve (minimum of four games).
DEFENSIVE LINE (10): Carl Lawson, Quinnen Williams, John Franklin-Myers, Sheldon Rankins, Jermaine Johnson, Micheal Clemons, Jacob Martin, Solomon Thomas, Jonathan Marshall, Bryce Huff
Ten defensive linemen? That's a lot, even for a 4-3 defense, but the Jets believe this is the strength of the team and we all know how they like to rotate eight players every week. If the salary cap drives decisions, the most vulnerable are Nathan Shepherd, Marshall, Huff and Thomas, none of whom would have a large cap hit. Our guess is they release Shepherd, a vested vet, and bring him back. Vinny Curry is an agonizing decision. He's a revered leader in the locker room, but his age (34) and injury (hamstring) are working against him. They could keep him on injured reserve or the practice squad.
LINEBACKER (5): C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams, Kwon Alexander, Jamien Sherwood, Hamsah Nasirildeen
Alexander was a terrific late addition. He's a sparkplug who could join Mosley in the nickel package, replacing Williams, who plays out of control at times. Sherwood, who backs up Mosley in the middle, has made nice strides in his second year.
CORNERBACK (6): Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, Michael Carter II, Bryce Hall, Brandin Echols, Javelin Guidry
This is the most improved area on defense, thanks to the additions of Reed and Gardner, the No. 4 overall pick in 2022. Hall and Echols, last year's starters, are relegated to backup duty. Hall's stock has dipped, but would they release a young corner with starting experience? Doubt it, especially since Reed has been dealing with a hamstring issue. Carter and Guidry are the slot guys.
SAFETY (4): Jordan Whitehead, Lamarcus Joyner, Jason Pinnock, Ashtyn Davis
It's Whitehead and a lot of question marks. Pinnock is intriguing. The converted cornerback has exciting potential, but he's still learning his position. That's why they have to keep Joyner as a hold-the-fort guy. Well-traveled vet Will Parks has outplayed Davis, but do you really think Douglas will dump all his 2020 draft picks?
SPECIALIST (3): Greg Zuerlein (K), Braden Mann (P), Thomas Hennessy (LS)
Zuerlein won the kicking competition, beating out Eddy Pineiro. Hardee has big value on special teams, but doesn't play defense. Can they afford to carry a specialist like Justin Hardee with so many other needs? Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer will stand on the table for Hardee, a terrific special-teamer. Maybe they can bring him back after the initial cutdown.