NY Jets: 6 practice squad players who can contribute in 2021

2. Hamilcar Rashed Jr., DE, NY Jets

Now we get to two of the more surprising cuts the Jets made, both of whom play the same position. Undrafted rookie Hamilcar Rashed Jr. improved his stock tremendously in training camp and stepped up when Carl Lawson went down with a season-ending torn Achilles.

However, the addition of Shaq Lawson might have cost Rashed a roster spot that he pushed hard for. Still, don't think this is the last we've seen of the former Oregon State standout.

Rashed could easily be a player the Jets promote on game days if they're looking for a little extra pass-rush depth. On top of that, the Jets experimented with dropping the smaller Rashed back into coverage as a linebacker on occasion in the summer.

Rashed is very much a player the Jets would like to continue developing. Much like the undrafted Bryce Huff a year ago, don't be surprised if he carves out a role with the team.

1. Ronald Blair, DE, NY Jets

Ronald Blair was perhaps the most surprising cut the Jets made on final cut day. A favorite of Robert Saleh from their time together in San Francisco, Blair seemed like an obvious candidate for the pass-rush rotation, especially following Lawson's injury.

Instead, the Jets opted to claim Tim Ward off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs with the former Old Dominion standout taking Blair's roster spot.

Regardless, Blair is a player who should see plenty of playing time in 2021, especially as the Jets look to rotate many of their defensive ends.

Don't be surprised if he's one of the two players elevated for Week 1 or if he's promoted full-time to the active roster in the not-too-distant future.