NY Jets: 4 players who need a strong finish to the preseason

4. Hamsah Nasirildeen, LB, NY Jets

Hamsah Nasirildeen may not be a name that first springs to mind with something like this, but he, like others on this list, is fighting to establish a role with the team.

Nasirildeen's roster spot is secure — that much is obvious. Rather, his starting job — the one that he has seemingly held down for most of the offseason — is much less certain.

The former Florida State standout entered OTAs and minicamp as the de facto starting WILL linebacker. With Blake Cashman sidelined with another injury, Nasirildeen was given first crack at the starting job.

And he seemingly did a good job seeing as he was still penciled in as the starter when training camp began. Even with Cashman healthy again and Jamien Sherwood impressing, Nasirildeen was the unquestioned starter.

But recently, his status hasn't been so clear.

Former undrafted linebacker Noah Dawkins received the surprising start at WILL linebacker in last Saturday's game leaving some scratching their heads. Dawkins was once again running with the first-team defense in practice following the game.

Since then, both players have received time with the starters indicating that it's very much an open competition going into the final week of the preseason.

Nasirildeen is going to make the final roster. But if he wants the starting job, he's going to have to show the Jets what he's showed them all summer.

That he deserves a starting role.