New York Jets 53 Man Roster Projection 2013

Scott had a go at this last week and on the whole I agreed, but now that we are down to 75, I'm going to put down the 53 players who I believe should make the 2013 New York Jets:

Quarterbacks (3): Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Matt Simms

Mark will make it as the most experienced man on the roster and the fact it makes no financial sense to cut him. Obviously Geno Smith is the highly touted rookie coming in so he's in. I've gone with Matt Simms over Greg simply because I think Simms has more upside. I like Greg, and think he'll catch on somewhere but with him battling injuries and Simms really coming through, it makes sense to try and develop the guy with more upside as your number 3. Matt has a cannon arm and although he's been playing against back-ups, he's earned a spot on this roster in my opinion.

Running Backs (4): Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell, Tommy Bohanon and Kahlil Bell

Mike Goodson won't be on the initial 53 as he is suspended but he'll take Bell's place after week 4. Right now this group picks itself, we have five backs on the roster and there isn't a chance that Mossis Madu takes a spot from any of the four listed above. Tommy has had a good camp and good pre-season and I'm looking forward to seeing him this season. A lot is expected of Ivory, and the way Bilal has been running this summer he'll have good support. When we put Goodson in there as a change of pace guy, I don't mind our back situation at all.

Wide Receivers (6): Santonio Holmes, Jeremy Kerley, Stephen Hill, Ryan Spadola, Ben Obomanu, Clyde Gates

There are a whole load of question marks on that list. I think the only reliable name is Jeremy Kerley who wants 60 receptions this year. Santonio is a health issues, it looks as though he'll be back early but will he be at the same standard? Hill needs to make that jump and I personally do think he'll be significantly better this year. Gates is a decent player. Spadola and Obamanu have been the two best receivers this pre-season, they both deserve a spot on this roster.

Tight End (3): Jeff Cumberland, Kellen Winslow and Konrad Reuland

This is another position that basically picks itself. Cumberland will get plenty of reps this season. Although Kellen isn't the guy he used to be, I've actually thought he's looked pretty good. Konrad is another guy who's just solid, he's not great but he can come in and spot the other two and he can do a job in the blocking game. I remember him throwing a couple of vital blocks last season and he'll be expected to do more of the same this year.

Offensive Line (8): Nick Mangold, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Austin Howard, Willie Colon, Vladmir Ducasse, Brian Winters, Caleb Schlauderaff and J.B Shugarts

The starting five is pretty much set, at least for week one. So then we are left with who to use as the back-ups. Brian Winters is an early draft pick so of course he is going to make it. I really don't rate Caleb but as he offers some versatility on the line playing both center and guard, I had to put him in. The final spot was a showdown between the former Ohio State man J.B Shugarts and Jason Smith. I think J.B has looked OK this pre-season and I did rate him when he was at Ohio State. I think he's more nimble than Smith. I could see either player getting the final spot, but I'll be hoping for J.B over JS!

Defensive Line (5): Muhammad Wilkerson, Kenrick Ellis, Sheldon Richardson, Damon Harrison and Leger Douzable

I was contemplating putting 6 players here on the defensive line, but when you see the linebackers you'll see why I've gone for just 5. Wilkerson, Ellis and Richardson are cemented, they won't be going anywhere. Damon Harrison has had a good pre-season and snacks will stick for the season. Final spot goes to Leger Douzable who has really impressed me this off-season with great athleticism and a good motor. He's definitely earned a spot on this roster. Garay has done nothing to suggest he should stick on this team, which is why I've elected to go for just 5 here.

Linebackers (10): Quinton Coples, David Harris, Demario Davis. Calvin Pace, Antwan Barnes, Ricky Sapp, Josh Mauga, Danny Lansanah, Garrett McIntyre, Troy Davis

Usually I would go for 10 linebackers, and I'm going to just that by putting Troy Davis in as I think he just offers more upside than Garay. He had a great senior season at central Florida and I like his ability in space. I like the thought of having coples stand up, but he can move back to the line if needed. We have Ricky Sapp at cover outside, Rex has been raving about him all summer. I really like Danny Lansanah and feel he's performed well enough to earn a spot. There is some serious cover inside, but that is a position with a lot of question marks so I want a lot of cover. Mauga also has a tendency to get injured a lot.

Defensive Backs (11): Antonio Cromartie, Dee Milliner, Kyle Wilson, Darrin Walls, Isaiah Trufant, Ellis Lankster, Rontez Miles, Josh Bush, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Antonio Allen, Dawan Landry

Rex loves his corners and I think he has a good bunch here. Cromartie is an All-Star and although Dee will have some early problems I have high hopes for him. Wilson moved back inside will perform better than when on the outside. Darrin Walls has been one of the most impressive players this off-seasn and Trufant and Lankster do a job. There are a ton of question marks at the safety spot, I still don't know the best tandem. I've gone with the usual gang but with Rontez Miles thrown in. He has serious talent and with Landry likely a one year stop gap, I want to develop a guy. Miles is that man and he hits like a ton of bricks so he'll work on specials.

Special Teams (3): Dan Carpenter, Robert Malone, Tanner Purdum

I really think that it was a stroke of luck that Carpenter fell into our laps. When he was with the Dolphins I always rated him as a pretty good kicker. He has a strong leg and is as reliable as they come up to 40 yards. Over 40 he is a little inconsistent but I think he's better than Folk who has been dodgy for a couple of years now. Malone wins the competition by default and Tanner is well, the long snapper so he's all good.