5 NY Jets firmly on the roster bubble entering the summer

2. Micheal Clemons, DL, NY Jets

Micheal Clemons probably has the best chance of any player on this list to make the 53-man roster, but he's not a lock. Even after trading John Franklin-Myers, Clemons still has a lot to prove this summer.

The former fourth-round pick was genuinely an important and impactful part of the Jets' defensive line rotation as a rookie in 2022, but his numbers and efficiency declined across the board in 2023.

Clemons finished with fewer pressures, sacks, run stops, and tackles despite playing more snaps. His missed-tackle rate went from 0 percent as a rookie to over 16 percent this past season. Needless to say, his PFF grades plummeted as well.

Clemons is the most obvious direct replacement for Franklin-Myers' role, but the Jets have quite a few intriguing undrafted defensive linemen who could push for a roster spot. Keep an eye on rookie Eric Watts — he might just steal Clemons' job.

1. Israel Abanikanda, RB, NY Jets

The Jets made it abundantly clear that they didn't have faith in Israel Abanikanda when they selected two running backs in this year's draft. Suddenly, Abanikanda not only finds himself fighting for a role on offense, but he also finds himself fighting for his job.

Rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis are much better complements to Breece Hall and offer short-yardage versatility that Abanikanda simply doesn't. They're also better fits in the power-run scheme the Jets are expected to switch to.

Abanikanda was left riding the bench for most of his rookie season due to concerns about his ball security, pass blocking, and pass-catching abilities. It's hard to earn a role when the coaching staff can't trust you to do those things.

Abanikanda's fate isn't sealed just yet, but he'll need to show significant signs of improvement over the next few months to save his roster spot and earn a role on offense. He faces an uphill battle.