Jets' roster breakdown: Which position groups are strong and which still need work?
Cade Klubnik of the Jets hands off during the second quarter against the Giants at MetLife Stadium on Friday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Jets addressed one need before Sunday’s deadline to trim their roster to 53 players, but they definitely have more work to do.
General manager Darren Mougey acquired center Jordan Meredith and a 2029 seventh-round pick from the Raiders for a 2027 sixth-rounder. Meredith, who started 11 games last year when Geno Smith was the Raiders’ quarterback, also has played guard.
Improving the depth on the interior of the offensive line was important, but the Jets’ real needs remain an experienced veteran to back up Smith and a kicker. They should tackle those positions on Monday when teams can claim or sign players who were cut. The Jets are No. 2 in the waiver order.
Rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik doesn’t look ready to be QB2 and kicker Jason Sanders struggled throughout camp and in the Jets’ last preseason game on Friday. He missed his only two kicks — an extra point and a 54-yard field goal.
Sanders is on the first iteration of the roster, but for how long?
Quarterbacks who were let go include former Titans starter Will Levis, Nick Mullens, Jake Browning and the well-traveled Josh Johnson, a former Jet who has spent time with 14 other teams. Several teams have four quarterbacks on their initial 53. Mougey could try to swing a deal with one of them.
Former Colt Blake Grupe and former Saint Charlie Smyth are among the kickers available.
Meredith will slide into the backup center spot formerly occupied by Xavier Newman. The Jets released Newman on Sunday, perhaps their only real surprise cut. He had some snapping issues during training camp.
Edge rusher Nate Lynn, who had three sacks in two preseason games, was cut but could be signed to the practice squad. Rookies Anez Cooper and VJ Payne will open the season on injured reserve, but they’re designated to return.
Here is a closer look at the Jets’ initial 53-man roster (actually 52 because Meredith wasn’t on it, but he will be added).
OFFENSE
QUARTERBACKS: Smith, Klubnik
OUR TAKE: With the Jets expected to draft a quarterback next year, Smith is a one-year bridge. If he takes care of the football, the offense should be able to score points. They need to add to this room, though.
RUNNING BACKS: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Kene Nwanwgu, Andrew Beck (fullback)
OUR TAKE: A solid, diverse group. Hall is the bell cow three-down back, Allen is a quality backup who will be used in short-yardage situations, and Davis provides a change of pace and pass-catching ability.
TIGHT ENDS: Jeremy Ruckert, Mason Taylor, Kenyon Sadiq, Jelani Woods
OUR TAKE: They have potential and their different skill sets will be utilized. Taylor and Sadiq could be high-volume receivers. Ruckert is a good blocker. The 6-7 Woods is a big red-zone target. Sadiq might be limited early because of a core muscle injury.
WIDE RECEIVERS: Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, Omar Cooper Jr., Tim Patrick, Arian Smith
OUR TAKE: They’re versatile and could be explosive, but other than Wilson, they’re also unproven. Mitchell and Williams will have expanded roles and Cooper, a rookie, is a physical runner capable of racking up yards after the catch.
OFFENSIVE LINE: Armand Membou, Joe Tippmann, Josh Myers, Dylan Parham, Olu Fashanu, Max Mitchell, Chukwuma Okorafor, Kohl Levao
OUR TAKE: The starting O-line should be a strength. The second group has some serviceable players, but they had tough moments in camp and the preseason.
DEFENSE
TACKLES: Harrison Phillips, T’Vondre Sweat, David Onyemata, Jowon Briggs, Darrell Jackson Jr.
OUR TAKE: Phillips has more help on the interior. Sweat and Onyemata should help the run defense, which was bad last season.
EDGE RUSHERS: David Bailey, Will McDonald, Joseph Ossai, JJ Enagbare, Braiden McGregor
OUR TAKE: Bailey, the No. 2 overall pick, looks the part as a pass rusher. Enagbare and Ossai missed time but both flashed. McDonald might be a situational pass rusher unless his run defense improves.
LINEBACKERS: Demario Davis, Jamien Sherwood, Kiko Mauigoa, Marcellino McCrary-Ball
OUR TAKE: Davis is the leader of the defense and still is very productive at 37. He will call the defense, allowing Sherwood to play more freely. Neither has been great in coverage. There’s a drop-off at the position after the two of them.
CORNERBACKS: Brandon Stephens, Azareye’h Thomas, Nashon Wright, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., D’Angelo Ponds, Qwan’tez Stiggers
OUR TAKE: Stephens and Thomas are improving, but overall, this group of cornerbacks has a lot to prove — and needs to get an interception.
SAFETIES: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Dane Belton, Andre Cisco, Malachi Moore
OUR TAKE: Fitzpatrick may have lost a step, but he’s still a ballhawk who can play different spots on the defense, Belton and Cisco also have a nose for the football. Like the cornerbacks, this group has something to prove.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PUNTER: Austin McNamara; LONG SNAPPER: Thomas Hennessey; KICKER: Jason Sanders
OUR TAKE: The Jets’ strongest unit last year took a hit by not re-signing Nick Folk.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
