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While things are subject to change, here is my best shot at a current Jets 53 man roster projection.
Quarterbacks (3): Josh McCown, Christian Hackenberg, Bryce Petty
Whether Petty has shown enough to justify a continued developmental roster spot is open to debate, the Jets have indicated they will likely opt to keep three quarterbacks.
Running Backs (4): Bilal Powell, Matt Forte, Elijah McGuire, Anthony Firkser
Just from the early preseason games, I get the sense the Jets are going to want to utilize the fullback in the passing game. Firkser is a more natural pass catcher than Julian Howsare.
Wide Receivers (6): Robby Anderson, Charone Peake, ArDarius Stewart, Chad Hansen, Chris Harper, Frankie Hammond
At this point, I have Hammond with a slight edge as the return guy so he narrowly grabs the last spot here.
Tight Ends: (3): Jordan Leggett, Eric Tomlinson, Jason Vander Laan
Vander Laan likely has a ticket to the practice squad after the return of Austin Seferian-Jenkins from suspension.
Offensive Linemen (8): Kelvin Beachum, James Carpenter, Wesley Johnson, Brian Winters, Brent Qvale, Brandon Shell, Ben Ijalana, Jonotthan Harrison
The positional versatility offered by Ijalana, Qvale, and Harrison means the Jets don’t have to keep more than eight offensive linemen.
Defensive Linemen (6): Leonard Williams, Sheldon Richardson, Muhammad Wilkerson, Steve McLendon, Lawrence Thomas, Deon Simon
I think this is likely set. A Richardson trade might be the most plausible way we see something different.
Edge Rushers (6): Jordan Jenkins, Freddie Bishop, Dylan Donahue, Lorenzo Mauldin, Josh Martin, Corey Lemonier
Mauldin sticks around for now, but I am starting to get the sense his roster spot is in legitimate danger. He could fall out by the next projection.
Inside Linebackers (4): Darron Lee, Demario Davis, Julian Stanford, Bruce Carter
I went back and forth between giving the last spot to Carter and Connor Harris. By the time the preseason ends, I could backtrack on this.
Cornerbacks (6): Morris Claiborne, Buster Skrine, Juston Burris, Marcus Williams, Dexter McDougle, Darryl Roberts
I have sixth round pick Derrick Jones to the practice squad, but Williams and Roberts could lose their spots to him. McDougle seems like he is playing his way onto the team.
Safeties (4): Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye, Rontez Miles, Ronald Martin
Doug Middleton’s injury is Ron Martin’s opportunity.
Specialists (3): Ross Martin, Lac Edwards, Tanner Purdum
It feels like something dramatic would need to happen over the next week for Martin to not open the season as the placekicker for the Jets.
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Suspended (2): Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jalin Marshall
Injured Reserve (1): Lucky Whitehead
NFI List (1): Jeremy Clark
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Practice Squad (10): Claude Pelon, Connor Harris, Gabe Marks, Romar Morris, Derrick Jones, Alex Balducci, Frank Beltre, Javarius Leamon, Xavier Coleman, Ben Braden