5 surprise NY Jets players on the roster bubble this summer

3. Jason Pinnock, S, NY Jets

The Jets were impressed with what they saw from rookie defensive back Jason Pinnock last season. The 2021 fifth-round pick began the year as a cornerback but made the switch to safety after a string of injuries at the position.

Pinnock made the most of his opportunity and then some.

Over the final three weeks of the season, Pinnock's 80.7 Pro Football Focus grade was the fourth-highest among all safeties. It's a small sample size, sure, but it's safe to say that he exceeded all expectations.

Now with a full offseason and summer to acclimate to his new position, the Jets are very high on his future. In fact, there's even a chance he could push for the starting free safety job if not by Week 1, then by the end of the season.

However, there's also a chance that he doesn't even survive final roster cuts. ESPN's Rich Cimini even predicted such a development in his recent 53-man roster projection.

The Jets are going to have to make some difficult roster decisions, and with an abundance of talented young defensive backs, even Pinnock's roster spot isn't safe.

Jordan Whitehead, Lamarcus Joyner, and Ashtyn Davis are all expected roster locks. If the Jets carry a fourth safety, Pinnock will be competing with the likes of Elijah Riley, Will Parks, and others. It's no guarantee they carry four safeties, however, especially with their overloaded cornerback room.

Ultimately, there's definitely a better chance of Pinnock making the Week 1 roster than him not, but it's isn't a guarantee.