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

NY Jets practice squad

• Chris Streveler
• Ty Johnson
• Zonovan Knight
• Nick Bawden
• Irvin Charles
• Calvin Jackson
• Grant Hermanns
• Ross Pierschbacher
• Jabari Zuniga
• Bradlee Anae
• Tanzel Smart
• Del'Shawn Phillips
• DQ Thomas
• Isaiah Dunn
• Rachad Wildgoose
• Ashtyn Davis

Putting together the Jets' 16-player practice squad was arguably even harder than figuring out the 53-man roster. Before we break down each selection, let's first rehash the newest practice squad rules.

Not only has the practice squad size increased from 14 to 16 players, but teams are now able to elevate a player from the practice squad a total of three times before they must be signed to the active roster.

Teams are also still allowed to protect up to four players on the practice squad per week and there is no limit to the number of times a player can be protected. Now on to our selections.

The Chris Streveler dream stays alive, at least for the time being, as he's an easy practice squad addition with Zach Wilson still sidelined. It's unclear if he'll remain with the team after Wilson returns.

I stashed both Ty Johnson and Zonovan Knight on the practice squad. Given that the Jets only carry three running backs in this scenario, I'd imagine Johnson (if not both) will be elevated a few times. The same goes for fullback Nick Bawden who was stashed on the practice squad as well.

Undrafted rookie wide receivers Irvin Charles and Calvin Jackson are able to continue their development down on the practice squad. Both players flashed this summer and will be the first ones promoted if an injury strikes the Jets' receiver room.

I only kept two offensive linemen on the practice squad and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Jets add another player here, but for now, I retained developmental tackle Grant Hermanns and center Ross Pierschbacher.

All three of Jabari Zuniga, Bradlee Anae, and Tanzel Smart were kept on the practice squad, but I'd expect at least one of them to be claimed if they were exposed to waivers.

At linebacker, Del'Shawn Phillips and DQ Thomas make the cut. Phillips has received some first-team reps this summer and played all 17 games with the Jets last year. He's a dark horse to make the 53-man roster.

The Jets keep Isaiah Dunn, last year's highest-paid undrafted rookie, on their practice squad along with Rachad Wildgoose who appeared in a few games with the team last year.

Finally, Ashtyn Davis sticks around on the practice squad with the Jets wanting to keep a fifth safety under contract. There's always the possibility that he gets claimed off waivers, but this scenario assumes he sticks around.