7 takeaways from the NY Jets first unofficial depth chart

The NY Jets released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of their first preseason game, the Hall of Fame Game, this Thursday.

This, of course, is unofficial and might not mean that much after cuts and players come back from injury, but there are still some interesting takeaways.

Let’s take a look at some takeaways from the Jets unofficial depth chart.

1. NY Jets WR3

The Jets have excellent wide receiver depth. Between Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Corey Davis, Mecole Hardman, and Randall Cobb, they are at least five-deep.

After an offseason full of rumors, including a potential Odell Beckham Jr. signing, many thought Davis would not be on the team this season as he does not have much-guaranteed money left on his deal. Well, not only is Davis still on the team, but he is listed as one of the starting receivers along with Wilson and Lazard.

Cobb was still injured when this was created, but you have to imagine he would be behind Hardman, who was listed as the fourth receiver.

Hardman’s speed and Cobb’s connection with Aaron Rodgers will certainly get them on the field, but Davis is a really good receiver, and some fans seem to have forgotten that. This is a good sign that he will not be overlooked in this deep position group.

2. NY Jets offensive tackles

Looking at this depth chart, I am reminded of just how talented and deep many of the positions on this team are. Then we get to the offensive tackles.

Although probable starting left tackle Duane Brown is injured, it is still not a great sight to see Billy Turner and Max Mitchell as the starting tackles, especially when you remember the injuries that occurred last season.

It is looking less and less like Mekhi Becton will be on this team come Week 1, as he is listed as the backup left tackle — and that's with Brown out.

The more I look at this group, the more you have to question why Joe Douglas did not get more insurance at the position if Becton was not going to be given a look with the starters.

When roster cuts and waiver claims come, Douglas should be all over any somewhat decent tackle that becomes available. When it gets to the games that matter, it will most likely be Brown at left tackle and Turner or Mitchell at right tackle, and that should hopefully be good enough to suffice.

3. NY Jets starting center

Many, including myself, thought that rookie Joe Tippman would have a real shot at winning the starting center job, but that does not seem to be realistic. McGovern is listed as the starting center on the depth chart, and Tippman is his backup.

However, according to reports, it’s actually been Wes Schweitzer working with the second team and Tippmann with the third team.

Either way, with a veteran signal-caller like Rodgers, it’s probably for the best that they start a veteran center like McGovern and let Tippmann ease his way into the role.

4. NY Jets running back

This should not matter that much unless the Jets do wind up signing Dalvin Cook. If they don’t sign Cook, they will have enough room to keep Breece Hall, Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, and rookie Israel Abanikanda.

If they do sign Cook, one of those players will have to go, and that won’t be Hall, and it doesn’t seem likely that it will be Abanikanda. They will most likely be picking between Carter and Knight, and in this depth chart, they give Carter the advantage.

5. NY Jets third linebacker

After Kwon Alexander signed with the Steelers, it became clear that Jamien Sherwood would take over his role as the third linebacker behind C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams. The Jets like Sherwood a lot, and he seems to be playing well in training camp.

There is not much depth behind them with the likes of Chazz Surratt, Hamsah Nasirildeen, and rookie Zaire Barnes. A veteran backup would be a nice addition at some point before the season.

Another option could be safeties Jordan Whitehead or Adrian Amos taking up a hybrid linebacker role.

6. NY Jets free safety

Speaking of safeties, one of the breakout stars of Jets training camp, Tony Adams, is listed as the starting free safety alongside Whitehead. That could open up Amos to play that hybrid linebacker role.

The Jets coaching staff loves Adams, and he gives the safety room the range that nobody else currently has and will most likely take over the Lamarcus Joyner role from the past few seasons.

7. NY Jets kick/punt returner

Braxton Berrios had been the Jets' returner for the last four seasons and was even awarded All-Pro honors in 2021. Hardman is another former All-Pro returner, but there were questions that he would have too big of a role on offense to risk as a returner.

That does not seem to be the case, as he is listed as the starting kick and punt returner on the depth chart.

Brant Boyer has coached some great returners during his time as the Jets' special teams coordinator, including Berrios and Andre Roberts. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say Hardman has the potential to be the best of the bunch because of his speed.