WATCH: Predicting New York Jets' 53-man roster on eve of cut-down day
New York Jets GM Joe Douglas gets his first taste of cutdown day as the lead man in the front office. Douglas will have to reduce a roster of 90 Jets down to 53 players by the 4 p.m. (EST) deadline on Saturday.
An unenviable task but undeniably crucial to the depth of the Jets. After throughly assessing the roster, here's my projection of how Douglas will proceed:
(First number is the amount per position. Second number is the countdown to 53)
Quarterbacks (2) [2]: Sam Darnold, Trevor Siemian
Analysis: This one is pretty cut and dry. Darnold is the face of the franchise and Siemian is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the NFL, having started 24 games in his four seasons. The team could always elect to add a third arm via waivers, but they'll likely go with two for now. Look for Luke Falk to join the practice squad.
Running backs (4) [6]: Le'Veon Bell, Ty Montgomery, Bilal Powell, Trenton Cannon
Analysis: The offense is likely to run through Bell, and Montgomery adds a dynamic pass-catching element to the backfield. A former receiver, his versatility should allow offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains to open up the playbook. I kept Cannon on primarily for his special teams contributions. One of the units top performers, he excels as a gunner and doubles as the team's top kick returner.
Wide receivers (6) [12]: Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, Jamison Crowder, Josh Bellamy, Deontay Burnett, Greg Dortch
Analysis: Anderson, Enunwa and Crowder sit atop the depth chart as Darnold's top pass-catchers -- but beyond that -- it's anyone's guess. The lone veteran among the receiving corps, Bellamy's special teams prowess keeps him on. The team's primary punt returner, Dortch is all but assured a roster spot. The sixth spot could just have easily have gone to veteran Deonte Thompson, but I went with Burnett for his upside. The 21-year-old gets another year in the system and could develop into a vital piece on offense.
Tight end (4) [16]: Ryan Griffin, Trevon Wesco, Daniel Brown, waiver addition
Analysis: Aside from a possible waiver addition, this is the group that will take the field on Sept. 8. Griffin will start as Chris Herndon serves a four-game suspension. The seventh-year pro has 136 catches for 1,491 yards and seven touchdowns on his resume.
Offensive line (9) [25]: Kelvin Beachum, Kelechi Osemele, Ryan Kalil, Brian Winters, Brandon Shell, Chuma Edoga, Alex Lewis, Jonotthan Harrison, Tom Compton
Analysis: The starting five is set with Beachum, Osemele, Kalil, Winters and Shell. Harrison is a tentative lock as the backup center, but I'd expect Joe Douglas to scour the waiver wire for an upgrade behind 34-year-old Ryan Kalil. Compton and Lewis offer versatility along the interior, and Edoga is a rookie that can play both tackle spots.
Defensive line (7) [32]: Leonard Williams, Quinnen Williams, Henry Anderson, Steve McLendon, Bronson Kaufusi, Foley Fatukasi, Nathan Shepherd
Analysis: I went seven here, knowing Gregg Williams' propensity for coveting depth along the defensive line. Overshadowed a bit by Leonard Williams and Quinnen Williams, McLendon will be a player to watch this season. His presence in the middle of the Jets' defensive line should create opportunities for teammates. Though he hasn't done much of note, I kept Shepherd on for depth purposes. I highly doubt the team cuts bait with a second-year player who was a third-round pick -- even though he was selected by the previous regime.
Linebackers (8) [40]: C.J. Mosley, Jordan Jenkins, Neville Hewitt, Blake Cashman, Harvey Langi, Frankie Luvu, Jachai Polite, Anthony Wint
Analysis: Given the Jets' No. 3 spot in waiver priority, the backend of this group is extremely fluid, and they'll have plenty of talent to sift through should they look to add reinforcements. Hewitt should still be the favorite to start alongside Mosley for Week 1, but Cashman is poised to take on a bigger role this season. He could wind up in the starting lineup before long. Luvu and Langi are special teams standouts with upside and Polite will continue to be brought along gradually as the third-rounder continues to develop.
Cornerbacks (6) [46]: Trumaine Johnson, Nate Hairston, Darryl Roberts, Brian Poole, Kyron Brown, waiver/trade acquisition
Analysis: Johnson's hamstring injury could linger and leave his Week 1 availability in question, so I went with six here. It's feasible to think that Hairston could be an opening day starter. Poole's role as a hard-nosed nickel defender is locked in. He'll match up well with some of the small, quicker receivers in the AFC East. Based on head coach Adam Gase's postgame comments about not playing him in the finale, I think rookie Kyron Brown is a safe bet to make the initial cut. I don't believe the sixth corner is currently on the roster. This is where Joe Douglas works his magic.
Safeties (4) [50]: Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye, Rontez Miles, Derrick Kindred
Analysis: Adams and Maye make up a formidable starting tandem. If Maye can manage to stay healthy, he should enjoy a breakout campaign. Miles is a lock as the third safety. The 30-year-old serves as a veteran presence on the backend and is a core special teams player. Kindred, who was acquired off waivers last week, adds versatility and experience. The fourth-year safety has appeared in 42 career games (17 starts).
Punter (1) [51]: Lachlan Edwards
Analysis: Edwards has the bigger leg and has been more consistent than Matt Darr. He stays.
Kicker (1) [52]: Taylor Bertolet
Analysis: Write this one in with pencil, folks. Missing three kicks in a game is never a good thing, but certainly not when auditioning for a job. Though he received support from Gase, 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.
