3 NY Jets players on roster bubble after 2024 NFL Draft

The NY Jets didn't have a ton of ammunition to address some of their biggest holes in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they managed to come out of this affair with a strong class headlined by Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu and Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley with their first two picks.

The Jets are going all-in on chasing a championship in the 2024 season, and that will take the combined effort of every player on that roster. After last year's comical injury luck, Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas are well aware of how necessary it is to use all 53 roster sports as wisely as possible.

In the name of building a deep team with developmental upside, these three players from last year's team could be looking for a new team if they are unable to impress the coaching staff before the season begins. The Jets' draft plans certainly put some pressure on some of their more inconsistent veteran players.

3 NY Jets veterans on roster bubble after the 2024 NFL Draft

3. RB Israel Abanikanda

After running for 20 touchdowns during his final season at Pitt, the Jets selected Abanikanda in the fifth round with the hope he could eventually become a backup to Breece Hall. After failing to unseat Dalvin Cook and Michael Carter until both were released, Abanikanda's poor showing in 2023 prompted the Jets to address running back twice in the draft.

The Jets added Wisconsin power back Braelon Allen, who made his mark as a strong pass blocker and consistent churner who thrives between the tackles. The Jets added another power back in South Dakota State's Isaiah Davis during the fifth round, who profiles as a more powerful runner with better vision than Abanikanda has.

Israel Abanikanda could be cut by the NY Jets

Abanikanda had just 22 carries for 70 yards last season and didn't have a single touch from scrimmage longer than 13 yards. With ball security issues and an inability to set himself apart as a pass protector, Abanikanda is struggling to find a path to playing time with Hall vacuuming up so much playing time.

It wouldn't be outrageous if Abanikanda holds off Davis for RB3 duties, but he is firmly behind Allen on the depth chart. With how frequently this front office churns through backup running backs, Abanikanda's one-dimensional style of play could be the death knell on his brief Jets career with a lackluster preseason.

2. CB Brandin Echols

Echols has been a respectable backup and special teams player, but it's tough to break into one of the best cornerback rooms in the league. Echols is not only staring down a future in which his best case scenario is becoming the starting dime back, but he now faces competition at the back end of the roster.

On top of CFL star Qwan'tez Stiggers coming to town via the draft, the Jets brought back Tae Hayes while adding two safety/cornerback hybrids in 2023 draft pick Jarrick Bernard-Converse and undrafted free agent Jarius Monroe. Echols will need to fight for his roster spot this season.

NY Jets cornerback Brandin Echols could compete for playing time

With how often the Jets have proven they can develop young defensive back talent, and their ability to beat teams like the Eagles after literally signing players off the street to start, any slip-up in play could have serious consequences. Bryce Hall went from a regular presence to getting buried on the depth chart and signing with Tampa Bay.

Echols is a quality special teamer, but he played just 8% of snaps on defense in 2022 and 15% of snaps last season. Stiggers emerging as a quality player might be all it takes to unseat Echols from his spot as the No. 4 cornerback on this roster and put his spot in jeopardy.

1. WR Allen Lazard

Lazard is nominally going to compete with Corley for the No. 3 wide receiver role, but the Western Kentucky product will likely have the upper hand. The Jets are essentially paying Lazard more than $10 million this season to be the No. 4 wide receiver on the depth chart, which is a bad investment.

Lazard might not be cut outright due to the financial implications, but the Jets might be willing to find a trade partner if someone gets hurt in the preseason. Lazard has been a massive disappointment, so much so that Xavier Gipson should be considered a legitimate threat to take the No. 4 wide receiver job away.

The NY Jets could get rid of Allen Lazard

Lazard finished with just 311 yards and one touchdown last season, getting benched for poor performance. The change from Zach Wilson to Aaron Rodgers will obviously improve things, but there's almost no shot that Lazard will become the No. 2 receiver next to Garrett Wilson many believed he would be.

Between ominous comments from Robert Saleh in the past, the Jets' aggression in signing Williams, and the decision to trade up for Corley, Lazard is already on borrowed time. If an opportunity to ditch him presents itself, the Jets will likely pounce at the chance to clear his contract.