NY Jets 53-man roster prediction following the 2023 NFL Draft

NY Jets defensive linemen (10)

• Carl Lawson (DE), John Franklin-Myers (DE), Jermaine Johnson (DE), Will McDonald (DE), Bryce Huff (DE), Micheal Clemons (DE), Quinnen Williams (DT), Quinton Jefferson (DT), Solomon Thomas (DT), Isaiah Mack (DT)

The Jets will almost definitely carry more defensive linemen on their 53-man roster than any other position group. That's just the way Robert Saleh likes to operate.

The addition of Will McDonald leaves the Jets six-deep at defensive end. I don't expect any of those six listed above to be fighting for roster spots this summer.

There's a little more intrigue at defensive tackle, however. The Jets very well could sign someone like Al Woods before the season starts, but for now, I'll give that fourth and final defensive tackle spot to waiver-wire claim Isaiah Mack.

Mack was a perpetual summer standout for the Ravens, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if he was one of the standouts from Jets training camp this year.

The Jets could also opt to carry only three true defensive tackles, given the versatility of Franklin-Myers and Clemons, but when in doubt, always assume they'll carry more.

NY Jets linebackers (5)

• C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams, Kwon Alexander, Jamien Sherwood, Zaire Barnes

This is the only position group on this list where I will project the Jets to sign a player. The Jets remain interested in re-signing Kwon Alexander, and after opting not to address the position in a significant way in the draft, I fully expect it to happen.

C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams will be the Jets' two nickel linebackers. The competition for that third linebacker spot in the base defense is wide-open, though.

The job should be Alexander's if he's re-signed. If not, the Jets will turn to youngsters Jamien Sherwood, Hamsah Nasirildeen, Zaire Barnes, and Chazz Surratt.

With Alexander on the roster, I project the Jets to carry five linebackers, leaving Nasirildeen and Surratt to compete for practice squad spots. Sherwood and Barnes offer more on special teams.