NY Jets: Predicting the 53-man roster and 16-player practice squad

NY Jets defensive backs

• Bryce Hall, Blessuan Austin, Javelin Guidry, Michael Carter II, Jason Pinnock, Brandin Echols, Justin Hardee, Marcus Maye, Lamarcus Joyner, Sharrod Neasman, J.T. Hassell (11)

The Jets are expected to open the season without safety Ashtyn Davis, who is a candidate to start the year on the PUP. The Jets defensive coaching staff could carry only one backup safety, but Neasman and Hassell both provide excellent special teams value.

The team could carry as many as seven players at cornerback on the active roster. Justin Hardee is a lock as the Jets elite gunner for Brant Boyer's special teams. Locking in the other cornerbacks is no simple feat, and those who lose their main roster spot could be headed to the team's practice squad. 

In this projection, Isaiah Dunn and Lamar Jackson just miss the cut.

Hall, Austin, and Guidry are expected to be the team's top three starters in Week 1 on the outside at cornerback and in the slot.

Waiting in the wings behind them are three rookie draft picks in Michael Carter II, Jason Pinnock, and Brandin Echols. By the time the season progresses, anyone of all of the players in this group could be starting. It all depends on how the projected starters perform.

The Jets staff would love more time to define who their best starting group is at cornerback, but they may not know for that for quite some time until the real games start and the season progresses.

The final breakdown of the NY Jets active roster: 26 offense, 24 defense, and 3 on special teams.