5 NY Jets players who need to impress against the Buccaneers

The NY Jets are a little over three weeks away from the start of the 2023 season, and with two preseason games already in the books, time is running out for players to make a final impression.

Preseason games aren't necessarily important for the established players on the roster. The goal is for teams to get a closer look at the bottom-of-the-roster players ahead of final cuts later this month.

There are quite a few players on the Jets' roster vying for roster spots or starting jobs. The final two preseason games will be integral in their attempts to convince the Jets they deserve a role.

Let's take a look at five Jets players who are in need of a big game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday.

5. Zack Kuntz, TE, NY Jets

The Jets drafted Zack Kuntz with the understanding that he would be a work in progress. The 6-foot-7 tight end was quite literally the most athletic player at his player in NFL Combine history, but despite his physical gifts, there's a reason he fell to the seventh round.

Kuntz has failed to make much of an impact this summer, even with a number of Jets tight ends missing time. He did pop up on the score sheet last Saturday, scoring on a four-yard touchdown in the final minutes of the Jets' second preseason game.

Still, Kuntz is likely on the outside looking in when it comes to the Jets' roster at this stage. He needs to string together some positive performances over the final few weeks if he's to earn a roster spot.

The Jets are aware of Kuntz's upside, but right now, he's behind Kenny Yeboah on the depth chart. A strong game against the Buccaneers would go a long way toward helping him carve out a role with the team.

4. Joe Tippmann, C, NY Jets

Three weeks ago, Joe Tippmann was taking snaps exclusively with the third-team offense, and it seemed as though the Jets had no plans to see him start his rookie season. Plans changed, evidently.

Following a pair of impressive preseason performances, Tippmann has started splitting reps with Connor McGovern as the first-team center. He also worked as the first-team left guard on Wednesday with Laken Tomlinson sidelined.

Tippmann has managed to force his way into the starting conversation, but the Jets still prefer a veteran center to pair with Rodgers. That leaves McGovern as the favorite for the job.

The fact that the Jets are giving Tippmann first-team reps, though, suggests they see him as a viable starting candidate. Another impressive showing against Tampa Bay could push the Jets to reconsider their plans for their rookie second-round pick.

3. Jason Brownlee, WR, NY Jets

Jason Brownlee quickly established himself as the early training camp darling following a series of impressive practices and highlight-reel catches. It's been tough sledding for him as of late, though.

Brownlee's momentum has slowed down in practice, and he hasn't been able to make much of an impact in either preseason game. He caught just two passes for 10 yards against the Panthers.

Meanwhile, Malik Taylor has seen his stock rise, and fellow undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson has made waves on special teams. Both players are competing with Brownlee for the sixth wide receiver spot.

Even if the Jets carry six wide receivers, which isn't a guarantee, Brownlee might not be the favorite at this stage. He needs a big game against the Bucs to remind everyone what the early hype was all about.

2. Zonovan Knight, RB, NY Jets

The addition of Dalvin Cook gives the Jets arguably the best running back room in the NFL, but it also means the team will likely be forced to make a difficult decision. Cook, Breece Hall, and Israel Abanikanda are locks for the 53-man roster.

That leaves Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight fighting for one roster spot. Knight has outplayed Carter for most of camp, but the latter showed flashes of his rookie self in the Jets' preseason win over the Panthers.

Meanwhile, Knight struggled to the tune of just 13 yards on four carries — an average of 3.2 yards per attempt. Carter and Abanikanda both looked better than Knight in that second preseason game.

Again, Knight has been more impressive than Carter for the majority of the summer, and he has more special-teams experience, but he could really use a standout game against the Bucs to help solidify his roster spot.

1. Mekhi Becton, OT, NY Jets

Mekhi Becton is the X-factor on a Jets' offensive line that has struggled mightily this summer. The Jets planned to have veteran Billy Turner compete with the returning Max Mitchell for the starting right tackle job, but both players have disappointed this summer.

It's become increasingly clear that the Jets can't afford to trot out either Turner or Mitchell as their starting right tackle come Week 1. That's part of the reason the team is finally giving Mekhi Becton an opportunity to play some right tackle.

Head coach Robert Saleh has insisted that the Jets don't want to give Becton first-team reps until they're convinced he can play a full game. Saturday will be another opportunity for Becton to prove he's healthy.

It still seems unlikely that the Jets view Becton as a legitimate starting candidate, but the same was true about Joe Tippmann just two weeks ago. Plans can change. Becton is hoping to make the Jets reconsider their approach to the offensive line.