Analyzing 5 new additions to the NY Jets practice squad

The NY Jets have officially filled out their initial 16-player practice squad ahead of the 2023 season. Many of the players on the squad should already be familiar to Jets fans.

Summer standouts such as undrafted rookie Trey Dean and "Hard Knocks" legend Tanzel Smart are both still with the team. Seventh-round pick Zack Kuntz is back on the practice squad as well.

In total, 11 of the 16 players on the Jets' practice squad spent the summer with Gang Green. The other five, however, were scooped up from other teams.

Those are the players we're going to be discussing today. Let's take a closer look at each of the five new additions to the Jets practice squad.

5. Tyreque Jones, S, NY Jets

The Jets added some safety depth to their practice squad in the form of undrafted rookie Tyreque Jones. Jones spent the summer with the Tennessee Titans after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Boise State.

The 24-year-old is an experienced college player, having appeared in nearly 60 games with 38 career starts over six years at Boise State. He's a two-time honorable mention All-MWC selection with the versatility to play either safety spot as well as nickel cornerback.

Jones was seen as a Day 3 NFL Draft prospect, but his inconsistent 2022 season — due partially to a full-time move to nickel corner — led to him going undrafted. He has the versatility and physical makeup to be an intriguing developmental project, though.

At 6-foot-2, 196 pounds, Jones ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He projects best as a box safety in the NFL, where he can best utilize his toughness and straight-line speed.

4. Jason Poe, OL, NY Jets

Jason Poe's unconventional journey to the NFL ended with him signing an undrafted deal with the San Francisco 49ers following the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent his entire rookie season on the 49ers' practice squad, quickly becoming a fan favorite in the process.

Poe is a former JUCO standout who spent a few years at Division II Lenoir-Rhyne before transferring to FCS school Mercer for his senior year. At just 6-foot, 300 pounds, Poe has been described as a bowling ball by some.

He primarily played guard in college but worked extensively at guard, center, and even fullback with the 49ers. Poe has said that he is willing to play anywhere he could provide value to his team.

The Jets always keep a close eye on 49ers roster cuts, and this year was no different. Check out our interview with Poe from before the 2022 draft for a more detailed account of his football journey.

RELATED: Exclusive interview with Mercer OL Jason Poe: Small school journey, playing FB, and more

3. Xazavian Valladay, RB, NY Jets

The Jets opted not to bring back either of their recently-waived running backs — Zonovan Knight (Lions) and Travis Dye (free agent) — instead deciding to sign undrafted rookie Xazavian Valladay to their practice squad.

Valladay was a productive four-year contributor at Wyoming, serving as the team's leading rusher for three straight seasons before transferring to Arizona State in 2022.

His lone season with the Red Devils was another productive one, as he finished with 1,192 yards and 16 touchdowns on a healthy 5.5 yards per carry. Valladay spent this summer split between the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers before signing with the Jets.

Although he's already 25 years old, Valladay has excellent straight-line speed and was an effective pass-catcher in college. He's a better scheme fit than Knight and Dye and could be developed as a future third-down back in the NFL.

2. Ryan Swoboda, OT, NY Jets

The Jets clearly have a thing for oversized offensive tackles, and undrafted rookie Ryan Swoboda fits the bill. Swoboda stands at over 6-foot-9 and weighs in at 319 pounds. He's one of the tallest players in the entire NFL.

A former Virginia recruit, Swoboda transferred to UCF ahead of his senior season, and he would go on to start all 14 games at right tackle, earning first-team All-AAC honors in the process.

Swoboda signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent, and despite making some waves this summer, he didn't do enough to earn a 53-man roster spot. He has an opportunity to continue his development with the Jets.

Swoboda possesses rare size for the position, although his tall frame often works against him. He's a significant work in progress, but the physical upside is there.

1. Marcelino McCrary-Ball, LB, NY Jets

Robert Saleh loves his converted safeties at the linebacker position, and former 49ers summer standout Marcelino McCrary-Ball is the exact archetype that the Jets' head coach typically looks for.

McCrary-Ball is a former college safety who converted to linebacker and spent his entire rookie season on the 49ers' practice squad last year. He returned this summer and seemed to be making a strong push for a roster spot.

In fact, McCrary-Ball was working as the first-team SAM linebacker early last month. Unfortunately, he became the victim of an extremely deep 49ers linebacker room and was unable to make the 53-man roster.

He has a real chance to stick around in New York, though. McCrary-Ball is one of my favorite new additions for this Jets team. Don't be surprised if he gets a look on the active roster at some point this season.