NY Jets: Braxton Berrios making strong case for a roster spot

The NY Jets made an effort to revamp their wide receiver depth chart this offseason, but one returning player who's determined not to get lost in the shuffle is Braxton Berrios.

Berrios has become somewhat of a forgotten man in the wide receiver room this offseason following the additions of Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, and Keelan Cole.

Despite this, few players have been more impressive throughout OTAs. And if the season were to begin tomorrow, it would be difficult to justify not giving him a roster spot.

Berrios has just been that good. And he's quickly established a rapport with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson — something that should serve him well moving forward.

The NY Jets might be forced to give Braxton Berrios a roster spot

Berrios has been a useful player for the Jets since joining the team as a waiver claim in September of 2019. While he was primarily used on special teams in his first season, he received a significant opportunity in 2020 as a result of various injuries.

The 25-year-old would end up playing nearly 30 percent of offensive snaps as he played in all 16 games (three starts) and hauled in 37 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns.

Only Jamison Crowder finished with more catches for the Jets and Berrios' 67.3 percent catch rate was the highest among all wide receivers on the roster. He was effective and efficient with his touches, and that's carried over into this spring.

With Crowder out dealing with his contract situation, Berrios has once again received an extended look. And he's made the most of his opportunity.

The former Miami standout hauled in a team-leading seven passes during Tuesday's practice and managed seven more on Thursday. He's quickly established himself as Zach Wilson's security blanket.

While Moore has received most of the praise, Berrios is maximizing his touches and establishing chemistry with his new quarterback.

He also remains in the mix for the starting punt returner job as he's been splitting touches with Moore and rookie running back Michael Carter. Of the three, Berrios is the only one with much experience as a returner.

The battle for the depth wide receiver roles on the roster will be fierce with the top-five seemingly guaranteed roster spots, barring any unexpected move with Crowder.

That leaves the likes of Berrios, Vyncint Smith, Lawrence Cager, Jeff Smith, Matt Cole, Josh Malone, D.J. Montgomery, and Manasseh Bailey all competing for what might be one roster spot.

Of them all, Berrios has easily been the most impressive.

Berrios still faces an uphill battle with the Jets having an abundance of slot receiver depth. Moore and Crowder figure to take up most of the slot receiver snaps and Cole has plenty of experience playing in the slot too.

But it might be difficult to justify cutting ties with Berrios if he continues to play this well.

The undersized slot receiver is forcing his way on to the roster.