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

NY Jets defensive ends (6)

• Carl Lawson
• John Franklin-Myers
• Jermaine Johnson
• Will McDonald
• Bryce Huff
• Micheal Clemons

The Jets proved this summer what many fans already believed — they have the deepest defensive line in the NFL. It wasn't fair to see players like Jermaine Johnson, Will McDonald, and Bryce Huff dominating backup offensive lines.

Johnson seems primed for a monster season and should take on a larger role this year. The Jets will be forced to get creative to give all of these guys snaps, but there isn't much drama with this room.

All six of the players listed above are roster locks. The only question pertains to Carl Lawson and his health ahead of Week 1. Lawson has been dealing with a back injury and could land on the IR to start the season.

Much like with Carter Warren, Lawson will be a part of the initial 53-man roster. It's possible the Jets move him to the IR shortly after if they aren't optimistic about his current status.

NY Jets defensive tackles (4)

• Quinnen Williams
• Al Woods
• Quinton Jefferson
• Solomon Thomas

There are isn't really much drama here. Quinnen Williams is one of the best defensive players in football and will look to put together another outstanding season, especially not that he has his new contract.

Al Woods gives the Jets a big-bodied run-stuffer in the middle of their defense to pair with fellow free-agent addition Quinton Jefferson. Solomon Thomas rounds out one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFL.

A player to watch here is Tanzel Smart. The Jets' coaching staff loves Smart and has kept him around on the practice squad for the last few years.

He made a case for a roster spot this summer, but it's tough to justify carrying 11 defensive linemen. I think Smart just misses the cut again and ends up back on the practice squad if he isn't picked up by another team.