NY Jets 53-man roster and 16-player practice squad prediction

NY Jets tight ends

• Tyler Conklin
• C.J. Uzomah
• Jeremy Ruckert
• Lawrence Cager

The three locks here are Tyler Conklin, C.J. Uzomah, and Jeremy Ruckert. In fact, with Nick Bawden down on the practice squad, the Jets could even use Ruckert a little at fullback if need be.

The Jets probably went into the summer expecting to carry three tight ends, but Lawrence Cager is making it very difficult to leave off the 53-man roster. I don't expect him to pass through waivers which means the Jets may have no choice but to award him with a roster spot.

The converted wide receiver has flashed in practice and excelled in both preseason games to this point. He's still a bit of a developmental project, but his upside makes him worth keeping around.

NY Jets offensive linemen

• Duane Brown
• Laken Tomlinson
• Connor McGovern
• Alijah Vera-Tucker
• George Fant
• Dan Feeney
• Nate Herbig
• Max Mitchell
• Conor McDermott***

There are eight offensive linemen with solidified roles on the roster. The starting offensive line of Duane Brown, Laken Tomlinson, Connor McGovern, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and George Fant are safe as well as top backups Dan Feeney, Nate Herbig, and rookie Max Mitchell.

Feeney will be the designated backup center who could also pitch in at guard while Herbig primarily backs up Tomlinson and Vera-Tucker. Right now, the Jets see Mitchell as the backup right tackle.

I fully expect the Jets to carry another offensive tackle to back up Brown on the left side, but that player might not be on the roster. Conor McDermott is one option, but it seems more likely that he starts the year on the injured reserve until he's healthy.

The safe bet here is to assume that the Jets scour the waiver wire in search of their backup left tackle. For now, though, McDermott can be used as a placeholder.