NY Jets: 4 surprise cuts the team could make this summer

4. Jabari Zuniga, DE, NY Jets

Jabari Zuniga is probably the most likely of the four players on this list to fall short of the 53-man roster. Nonetheless, it would still be a slight surprise to see the Jets release the former third-round pick after just one injury-riddled season.

In reality, Zuniga was never really given a fair chance as a rookie.

The former Florida standout was hampered by a quadriceps injury that kept him sidelined for pretty much all of training camp. That same injury would land him on the injured reserve for more than half of the year.

When he returned, he struggled to find a consistent role on defense playing just 103 defensive snaps in his rookie season. His stat sheet — just five tackles — was consistent with his impact.

But given a healthy offseason to develop, Zuniga has a chance to live up to the potential he showed in college. That same potential led the former coaching staff to compare him to the likes of Justin Tuck and Brandon Graham.

Unfortunately, Zuniga will be competing for playing time in a stacked defensive line and isn't guaranteed a roster spot. He'll likely have to beat out players like Kyle Phillips and Ronald Blair if he is to earn his way onto the roster.

It's certainly possible, and one would think that the Jets coaching staff wants to see Zuniga play with a full offseason of development. But a poor showing in training camp could force their hand.