NY Jets: Predicting the team’s 53-man roster post-2020 NFL Draft

The offseason is winding down, and there are plenty of new faces on this NY Jets team. Here’s a 53-man roster prediction following the 2020 NFL Draft.

With the 2020 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to look ahead to September. Obviously, with everything going on in the world today, it’s no guarantee we have football in September, but the hope is the NY Jets will take the field at MetLife Stadium on time.

The team made some splashes in free agency this year, but Joe Douglas kept it conservative for the most part. He added pieces to holes on the roster that needed to be filled.

Douglas added to the offensive line with the additions of Connor McGovern and Greg Van Roten. He also made various additions throughout the roster, in the likes of Pierre Desir, Breshad Perriman, and Patrick Onwuasor.

On top of the new additions, some familiar faces were brought back on short term “prove it” deals. cornerback Brian Poole, offensive guard Alex Lewis, and outside linebacker Jordan Jenkins were all essentially brought back on one-year deals.

Lewis’ deal is for three years but the contract is structured so that it’s essentially a one-year deal.

The team is no doubt improved from 2019, and there’s plenty of depth to go around for the Jets right now. I figured I’d take a shot at predicting what the Jets 53-man roster will look like come Week 1.

Next: 1. Offense

1. Offense

Easily the Jets’ weakest link in 2019, the offense is poised to take a step forward with the additions the team made.

Quarterback (2):

• Sam Darnold
• James Morgan

I expect Morgan to win the backup job over David Fales and Mike White. There’s a chance Adam Gase wants to carry three quarterbacks, which would favor Fales over White. However, I think the team goes with just two signal-callers for 2020.

Running Back (3):

• Le’Veon Bell
• La’Mical Perine
• Trenton Cannon

The running back room is as much of a lock for me as any position on the roster. La’Mical Perine is expected by most to be the backup to Bell, and unless Josh Adams or Kenneth Dixon shine in camp, Trenton Cannon should have the final RB spot locked up.

Wide Receiver (6):

• Breshad Perriman
• Denzel Mims
• Jamison Crowder
• Vyncint Smith
• Braxton Berrios
• Josh Doctson

A position the Jets need to get production out of after losing Robby Anderson, wide receiver depth is as full as ever right now. It’s hard to predict what the wid receiver room will look like after Jamison Crowder, but I expect Vyncint Smith and Braxton Berrios to stay on and help in the return game.

I also expect the team to part ways with Quincy Enunwa. It’s a tough decision to make, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Gase and company decide it’s best to move on. That move would free up a spot for either Josh Doctson or undrafted free-agent signing Lawrence Cager.

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Tight End (4):

• Chris Herndon
• Ryan Griffin
• Daniel Brown
• Trevon Wesco

I expect the tight end room to look the same as it did in 2019. The team didn’t make any new additions to the position this offseason, and even with the return of Chris Herndon, the Jets will most likely hang onto four tight ends.

Tackle (5):

• Mekhi Becton
• George Fant
• Chuma Edoga
• Cameron Clark
• Conor McDermott

The tackle position will feature two new faces in Mekhi Becton and Cameron Clark. Clark and Conor McDermott can play either tackle or guard, so it’s really a guess on what Gase will decide to do with them.

Guard (3):

• Alex Lewis
• Greg Van Roten
• Josh Andrews

As I said, the guard position may also feature Clark and/or McDermott. I’d expect the Jets to keep three true guards on the roster, including the two newest members in Greg Van Roten and Josh Andrews.

In this scenario, Brian Winters would also be released.

Center (2):

• Connor McGovern
• Jonotthan Harrison

Center is as much of a lock as running back in my opinion. The Jets will end up carrying two centers like they did last year.

Next: 2. Defense/Special Teams

2. Defense/Special Teams

Defense was a strong suit for the Jets last season. With Gregg Williams at the helm, the team soared on the defensive side of the ball.

Jamal Adams continued to play at an elite level, while younger depth guys like Blessaun Austin and Kyle Phillips played better than expected. After adding a few new pieces to the secondary, I’m excited to see how the defense plays in 2020.

Defensive Line (6):

• Quinnen Williams
• Steve McLendon
• Henry Anderson
• Kyle Phillips
• Folorunso Fatukasi
• Nathan Shepherd

The defensive line got some unexpected production from guys lower on the depth chart. The production of Kyle Phillips, Folorunso Fatukasi, and Nathan Shepherd will guarantee them a spot on the 2020 roster.

Linebacker (9):

• Jordan Jenkins
• CJ Mosley
• Avery Williamson
• Neville Hewitt
• James Burgess
• Blake Cashman
• Tarell Basham
• Jabari Zuniga
• Patrick Onwuasor

Arguably the Jets’ deepest defensive position, predicting who makes it at linebacker is tough. I expect the team to cut Harvey Langi, B.J. Bello, and Frankie Luvu in favor of some of the newer guys on the roster.

Cornerback (6):

• Pierre Desir
• Blessuan Austin
• Brian Poole
• Bryce Hall
• Arthur Maulet
• Quincy Wilson

Another position that the Jets have depth at, I’d expect the depth chart to look close to how I listed the players above. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams may decide to shuffle around a few guys, but I’d be shocked if the cornerback room looked much different than this.

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Safety (4)

• Jamal Adams
• Marcus Maye
• Ashtyn Davis
• Matthias Farley

The Jets will carry four safeties, with Ashtyn Davis and Matthias Farley backing up Adams and Maye at their respective positions.

Special Teams (3):

• Brett Maher, K
• Braden Mann, P
• Thomas Hennessy, LS

The punter and long snapper position are as good as set right now, the only question is who’s going to kick for the Jets. I’d expect a battle in camp between Sam Ficken and Brett Maher, who the team signed to a futures deal last season.

There will be plenty of surprise cuts throughout the next four months, but I do have full faith in Adam Gase, Gregg Williams, and Joe Douglas to make the right moves while narrowing down the 53-man roster.

I’m looking forward to seeing what bubble players make the cut.