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

NY Jets linebackers (5)

• C.J. Mosley
• Quincy Williams
• Jamien Sherwood
• Zaire Barnes
• Chazz Surratt

If you were to pinpoint the thinnest position on this Jets' roster, it probably has to be the linebacker position. C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams return as the unquestioned starters, while former fifth-round pick Jamien Sherwood steps into the third linebacker role.

There isn't much depth behind them, though. Rookie sixth-round pick Zaire Barnes flashed at points this summer and figures to be a core special-teamer. Many have the Jets only carrying four linebackers, but I gave an extra spot to Chazz Surratt.

Surratt is everything Robert Saleh looks for in a linebacker. He hits hard, is extremely athletic, and plays with a red-hot motor. Much like Barnes, Surratt could be a key player on special teams for the Jets.

Surratt was the final player on my 53-man roster, so his inclusion is far from a lock. I think his value on special teams is enough to earn him a spot.

NY Jets cornerbacks (5)

• Sauce Gardner
• D.J. Reed
• Michael Carter II
• Jimmy Moreland
• Justin Hardee

A reminder that Brandin Echols will begin the season on the suspended list, so he will not be on the initial 53-man roster. There is a possible surprise brewing at the cornerback position, though.

Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II aren't going anywhere. The same is true for special-teams ace Justin Hardee. The real roster battle here is between Bryce Hall and Jimmy Moreland.

Hall is a former fifth-round pick who, at one point, seemed like a potential building block of the future. Unfortunately, he was simply outplayed by Moreland this summer, and his lack of special-teams versatility doesn't help him here.

Moreland has legitimate NFL experience and, quite frankly, deserves the roster spot over Hall. He also has more experience on special teams, which only serves to strengthen his case.