Jets Whose Stock Plummeted Against the Giants

Eric Tomlinson - If you’ve followed this site since the start of last season, you would know that I have long been a staunch supporter of Eric Tomlinson, even toying with placing him on my top ten roster power rankings at a point during the 2017 season.

However, that relationship has sadly crumbled to dust. I would not like for Tomlinson to make this roster. Known solely for his blocking ability, Tomlinson has struggled to produce in that area throughout the preseason, standing out most terribly against the Giants. He compiled two false start penalties, and added this gem in pass protection:

Every tight end struggled against the Giants, but Tomlinson is no longer thriving with his one tool that made him a viable player. Chris Herndon, Clive Walford, and Neal Sterling all possess far more upside as receivers and have been comparable if not much better as blockers. It would be a shame in my eyes if one of those three players missed the final 53 in favor of Tomlinson.

Trenton Cannon - After muffing two punts against the Falcons, Cannon fumbled away a kick return on Friday night. He has eliminated himself from consideration at either returner spot, all but securing Andre Roberts’ roster spot.

However, Cannon did add 4 receptions for 30 yards and 5 carries for 24 yards against the Giants. Though he hasn’t found that big play yet, he’s flashed some quick change of direction ability and been efficient given his surroundings. Through three games, Cannon has 63 rushing yards on 16 carries, a 3.94 yards per carry average that while mediocre easily tops the other four backs that have carried the rock for the Jets so far. Cannon’s 7 receptions also lead the team.

While he has certainly not helped himself with these muffs, it seems that Cannon still has a solid shot of sticking on the roster with the way the final 53 is shaping out.

Juston Burris - Burris struggled in his relief appearance and has done nothing to help himself earn a roster spot at the bottom of the cornerback depth chart.

Chad Hansen - ArDarius Stewart finally showed up and made a couple of plays in the receiving game, while Hansen continues to straggle for playing time and fail to make plays.

Dimitri Flowers - The undrafted free agent who was once considered to have a great chance at a roster spot has been outperformed by Lawrence Thomas and relegated to small portions of snaps with the backups throughout the preseason. Against the Giants, Flowers compiled only 3 snaps. It doesn’t seem like he has a shot at the roster anymore.

Brent Qvale - While the rest of the first team offensive line actually had an improved game, Qvale continues to struggle mightily week after week in both the run and pass games. It’s puzzling as to why the team continues to feature him as a primary backup instead of giving some other competitors a bit of burn just to see what they’ve got. Qvale is clearly a far below replacement level backup. As has already been the case in recent seasons, the Jets will be in trouble if their starting offensive line cannot stay healthy, as if that starting unit wasn’t already stacked with question marks when they are healthy.

Lorenzo Mauldin - Hopeful projection was probably the only trait that might have given Mauldin a case for the roster as he has failed to both stay healthy and produce throughout the offseason. Now, with the far younger Frankie Luvu showing up with a sack, in addition to Mauldin failing to gain any playing time, Mauldin’s time seems to be running out. Draft pedigree is his only hope, but it certainly should not be enough to save him, even in this barren position group.