NY Jets final 53-man roster prediction: Many tough cuts were made

The Jets have some very difficult decisions to make

NY Jets, Alex Erickson
NY Jets, Alex Erickson | Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
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NY Jets running backs (5)

  • Breece Hall
  • Dalvin Cook
  • Michael Carter
  • Israel Abanikanda
  • Nick Bawden (FB)

The addition of Dalvin Cook shook up the Jets' running back room in a big way, and it's the reason why 2022 undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight misses out here.

Knight and 2023 undrafted free agent Travis Dye are victims of a crowded Jets running back room. Expect the Jets to bring back at least one (probably both) on their practice squad, although Knight feels likely to be claimed by another team.

The other decision the Jets have to make revolves around the fullback position. Nick Bawden has been regularly featured in the Jets' offense this summer, which makes me think that he has a spot on the 53-man roster.

It's also worth noting that Israel Abanikanda is still sidelined with a thigh injury and might not be ready for Week 1. I don't think he lands on the short-term IR, but it's not out of the question.

NY Jets wide receivers (6)

  • Garrett Wilson
  • Allen Lazard
  • Randall Cobb
  • Mecole Hardman
  • Xavier Gipson
  • Malik Taylor

This is probably the hardest position group to predict. The top four spots are all set in stone. Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Mecole Hardman are all guaranteed roster spots. Things get tricky after that.

The surprising retirement of Corey Davis potentially opens the door for two additional roster spots. Undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson made a strong case for one of those spots with his performance in the preseason finale.

Gipson has also worked as the Jets' primary kick and punt returner this summer, which gives him the edge. Malik Taylor has been sidelined with an injury, but he outplayed Jason Brownlee prior to his injury and has experience with Aaron Rodgers and Nathaniel Hackett.

The Jets would love to sneak Brownlee onto their practice squad as a developmental player. I wouldn't be shocked if the Jets made an addition here before Week 1, but for now, I have both Gipson and Taylor making the team.

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