Analyzing New York Jets' initial 53-man roster after cutdown deadline
The New York Jets whittled their way down to 53 players on Saturday, reaching the league-mandated 4 p.m. deadline. As is the case with most teams, the final roster isn't without a few surprises. Let's take a closer look at the Jets' roster as it currently stands.
Note: This is the initial 53-man roster. The backend of the rosters are fluid, and subject to change by Sunday afternoon.
Quarterbacks (2) [2]: Sam Darnold, Trevor Siemian
Analysis: This one is pretty cut and dry. Look for Luke Falk on the practice squad, provided he clears waivers.
Running backs (4) [6]: Le'Veon Bell, Ty Montgomery, Bilal Powell, Trenton Cannon
Analysis: Bilal Powell hangs on as the team's primary third-down option. Cannon's special teams prowess earned him a spot for his second year in a row. Keep an eye on former Eagles running backs Josh Adams and Wendell Smallwood.
Wide receivers (5) [11]: Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, Jamison Crowder, Josh Bellamy, Greg Dortch
Analysis: Aside from Deontay Burnett, this group rounded out as expected. Anderson, Enunwa, and Crowder sit atop the depth chart. Dortch makes the team as an undrafted free agent, and will serve as the teams punt returner. Look for the team to add another pass catcher in the coming days.
Tight end (3) [14]: Ryan Griffin, Trevon Wesco, Daniel Brown
Analysis: For now, Griffin will be the Week 1 starter. Brown and Wesco provide upside behind the veteran. Expect another addition.
Offensive line (10) [24]: Kelvin Beachum, Kelechi Osemele, Ryan Kalil, Brian Winters, Brandon Shell, Chuma Edoga, Alex Lewis, Jonotthan Harrison, Tom Compton, Brett Qvale
Analysis: Keeping 10 offensive lineman twice over the past three seasons, Douglas has historically placed an added emphasis on solidifying the trenches.
Defensive line (8) [32]: Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams, Henry Anderson, Steve McLendon, Bronson Kaufusi, Foley Fatukasi, Nathan Shepherd, Kyle Phillips
Analysis: The only real surprise here is Phillips. The undrafted free agent put together a stellar performance in the finale, and his film would have likely prompted teams to place a claim.
Linebackers (8) [40]: C.J. Mosley, Jordan Jenkins, Neville Hewitt, Blake Cashman, Harvey Langi, Frankie Luvu, Albert McClellan, Terrell Basham
Analysis: Third-round pick Jachai Polite's stunning release shocked the airwaves on Saturday. His pre-draft concerns carried over into training camp, and things began to snowball from there. McClellan gives them a veteran presence and a special teams dynamo. The team is high on Basham, who shined throughout the summer.
Cornerbacks (5) [45]: Trumaine Johnson, Nate Hairston, Darryl Roberts, Brian Poole, Arthur Maulet
Analysis: Expect this much-maligned group to be addressed in the coming hours. Kyron Brown's omission was the biggest surprise, as he was held out of the preseason finale. My hunch is that Gase didn't want more film out on Brown, ensuring he can get him to the practice squad.
Safeties (5) [50]: Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye, Matthias Farley, Rontez Miles, Doug Middleton
Analysis: Farley was added on Friday, ahead of cutdown day. The 27-year-old adds starting experience and special teams prowess to the secondary. Late summer addition Derrick Kindred was kept off the roster in favor of staff favorite Middleton. This is a pretty formidable group, and one I expect them to roll with all season, barring injury.
Punter (1) [51]: Lachlan Edwards
Analysis: Edwards has the bigger leg and was more consistent than Matt Darr.
Kicker (1) [52]: Taylor Bertolet
Analysis: Though he received support from Gase despite his inconsistencies, don't be surprised if they kick the tires on a few kickers next week.
Long snapper (1) [53]: Thomas Hennessy
Analysis: No need to upset the apple cart here. Hennessy has been the model of consistency over the past few seasons.
