New York Jets release first unofficial depth chart of the season

Ahead of the New York Jets first preseason game on Thursday, the Jets released their first unofficial depth chart of the season. You can view it in its entirety below:

It’s here. Our first unofficial depth chart of #JetsCamp. Take a look → http://t.co/kcmmY1VKNM pic.twitter.com/b3QsqbpI22

— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 11, 2015

There was a mixed bag from the depth chart: some roster positioning was as expected, but there were some shocking players a little farther down the chart than anticipated. Let’s break down the biggest takeaways from the release of the first depth chart.

One of the biggest surprises from the depth chart was seeing former 2nd round pick from last season Jace Amaro occupying the 3rd spot at tight end behind Jeff Cumberland and backup Kellen Davis. Though as noted in the NewYorkJets.com article by Senior Reporter Randy Lange, there is no separating line between ‘H-back’ and tight end on the depth chart. But regardless seeing Amaro that low makes some Jets fans wonder.

The quarterback rep splitting was as expected before the shocking news on Geno Smith and his broken jaw injury. This now leaves Ryan Fitzpatrick leading the first team unit, followed by rookie 4th round pick Bryce Petty, and then free agent acquisition Jake Heaps. Expect a similar work load as follows for the Jets first preseason action with the team more than likely signing another quarterback soon.

The other elephant in the room is the battle for right guard on the Jets’ offensive line. Willie Colon is fresh off the PUP list and is currently listed as the starter. The backups are Brian Winters and rookie Jarvis Harrison splitting reps behind Colon. We’ll see how fresh Colon looks with all the rest he got throughout the Jets off season.

Jul 30, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Devin Smith (84) during first day of training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

The ‘new-look’ Jets’ receiving corps have been getting a lot of praise over the off season, for good reason. But with a host of players battling the injury bug a little over a week into training camp is a bit concerning. Chis Owusu is still going through the NFL mandated concussion protocol. Devin Smith is out with broken ribs at least through the rest of training camp if not the start of the regular season. On top of that some key special teamers for the Jets Walt Powell and T.J. Graham are both battling hamstring injuries.

This unofficial depth chart is a bit of a measuring stick of sorts for how this new coaching regime views its 90-man roster. Another deep positional unit for the Jets is there defensive secondary, who’ve been no stranger to injuries this off season. The list is growing longer by the day but Antonio Allen appears to be out for the season and Dee Milliner is out the next month and change.

Luckily for the Jets this depth is incredible and waiting in the wings are former starters from last season Darrin Walls and Marcus Williams who gained invaluable experience from last season. A guy to keep an eye on in the cornerback battle is Dexter McDougle who was an Idzik-pick from last season. If he can stay healthy, a huge if considering his injury history dating back to college, this could put the Jets over-the-top in terms of top secondary’s in the league.

After the first preseason game this depth chart will inevitably change and adapt to the players that step up in the spotlight of NFL preseason action. Some more guys to keep an eye on that are flying a bit under the radar are Bilal Powell emerging from the backfield with ample opportunities on the way. Another guy is Rontez Miles, with the injury to Allen which now gives him more reps to prove his worth. Miles slides into 2nd on the chart behind starter Calvin Pryor. With an impressive run through the rest of training camp and preseason action he could solidify his spot on the team.

Overall, expect to see changes over the next week or so, especially at quarterback.

Next: New York Jets: Is Stevan Ridley the odd man out?

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