~ ~ 53 - man roster projection ~ ~

[kelly]

The Jets will make their initial roster cuts after Saturday’s game against the Giants, trimming it from 90 players to 75 by Tuesday. Then, they will go to 53 by next Saturday at 4 p.m.

Coach Todd Bowles said the roster is mostly set in his mind, but there are still a few spots up for grabs.“I have a pretty good idea of what we have with the exception of about three or four guys,” Bowles said. “I have a good idea about everybody else. I understand what we can be, and I know what kind of work we have ahead of us, but I have a good idea of what we have.”

Bowles said it won’t be easy to tell players goodbye this week.“I mean it’s tough, it’s a tough business to try to tell someone they can’t play anymore,” Bowles said. “We’ve got a lot of good competition, so the cuts aren’t going to be easy. You just have to be honest with yourself. We have guidelines at certain positions and what we are looking for.“You either make those plays or you don’t make those plays, [make those] blocks or you don’t make those blocks. It comes down to that. It’s never anything personal.You hate to tell someone they can’t play anymore, but that’s the reality of the business.”

When the Jets do finalize their roster, Bowles believes it will be a good one.“I see we have potential to have a good team, but we have to jell and the chemistry has to come together,” he said. “It’s OK to have pieces, and I understand what those pieces are, but I know where we need to get to. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we do have the talent to get there.”

---

One of the most interesting battles for a roster spot is at wide receiver. It appears five spots are set: Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Devin Smith, Jeremy Kerley and Quincy Enunwa. But the sixth spot is up for grabs and maybe the Jets even keep a seventh.The competition is between Walter Powell, Chris Owusu, Shaq Evans and T.J. Graham. Powell has an advantage because he has been the team’s primary kick returner in training camp. Owusu (concussion), Evans (back sprain) and Graham (hamstring) all have missed time in camp because of injury, but all should play Saturday night against the Giants.

> http://nypost.com/2015/08/28/cut-day-is-on-the-horizon-but-jets-roster-is-pretty-much-set/

[kelly]

Among the many roster decisions the Jets' coaching staff must make in the next seven days is whether a fullback will be a part of their new-look spread offense under coordinator Chan Gailey.

Gailey, for his part, would give nothing away."We plan to keep enough blockers to be able to run our offense," he said earlier this month.

The fullback has increasingly become a casualty of the NFL's recent trend toward pass-oriented offenses. That more and more colleges are using spread systems also means there are fewer fullbacks for NFL teams to choose from.The Jets have two fullbacks on their 90-man roster this summer: Tommy Bohanon, a 2013 seventh-round pick who missed most of last season with a broken clavicle; and Julian Howsare, an undrafted free agent out of Division II Clarion (Pa.) University who began camp as an outside linebacker before being converted.Of the two, Bohanon appears to be the favorite. He's gotten the reps with the first team when formations have called for a fullback. But he's also won the praise of head coach Todd Bowles, who has referred to Bohanon as "a pleasant surprise."

It was Bohanon's block on linebacker Joplo Bartu that sprang running back Chris Ivory for a 33-yard touchdown run last week against the Falcons."Tommy's been doing a good job," Bowles said. "I'm pleased with Tommy."Bohanon said there are similarities and differences between Gailey's spread offense and the West Coast-style system the Jets used the last two seasons under coordinator Marty Mornhinweg."In this offense, I'm still doing a lot of lead blocking, and things like that," Bohanon told NJ Advance Media. "But I'm also running a little bit more [passing] routes and doing those types of things on the outside of the box, so I think that's a little bit of a change."By incorporating the fullback as a pass-catcher, the Jets would be trying to avoid tipping their hand that fullback formations call for running plays. But doing so would also play to one of Bohanon's strengths: As a senior at Wake Forest in 2012, he caught 23 passes for 208 yards and five touchdowns.

After Saturday night's Snoopy Bowl exhibition against the Giants, the Jets must reduce their roster to 75 players by Tuesday, and then be down to their 53-man regular-season limit by next Saturday. Whether to keep a fullback could factor into how many running backs the Jets decide to keep, too: They currently have four running backs—Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell, Zac Stacy, Daryl Richardson—plus Stevan Ridley, who's all but certain at this point to open the season on the physically unable to perform list (knee).The Jets' roster decision is also somewhat complicated by the likelihood of having to keep four quarterbacks, for reasons outlined here.

Bohanon said the Jets would "definitely" be "a run-first team" this season. He's obviously biased on the matter—it's his job at stake, after all—but he also feels there's a fit for a fullback in the new offense."This offense is in need of a fullback, just based on the run plays, and how we go about those types of formations," Bohanon said. "I think that it's definitely something that's very important in this offense, to kind of get the ball moving with the running back and everything."

 >   http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/08/will_jets_keep_a_fullback.html#incart_river

[CrazyCarl40]

Jets should try and move one of their corners to Dallas or another corner hungry team for a pick. Jut not enough spots there for everyone. 

[Larz]

powell is garbage.  last weeks KR's were among the worst I have ever seen.  hakim or owusu should make the team and posey is a maccagnan boy

[bealeb319]

powell is garbage.  last weeks KR's were among the worst I have ever seen.  hakim or owusu should make the team and posey is a maccagnan boy

I think if they keep 7 Receivers one of them will be Powell but I agree with you that Posey is a Macc guy and he will make the roster. If we only keep 6 WRs Powell will be cut and maybe Arenas will be the kick returner? they gave him a few shots last week if I am not mistaken.

[Larz]

I think if they keep 7 Receivers one of them will be Powell but I agree with you that Posey is a Macc guy and he will make the roster. If we only keep 6 WRs Powell will be cut and maybe Arenas will be the kick returner? they gave him a few shots last week if I am not mistaken.

I think you are correct about arenas.  7 WR's is too many, just stash one on the PS

the KR game has been awful so far.  I hope to see hakim get chances tonight

[Memore]

https://twitter.com/kmart_li/status/637994915839016960

[kelly]

The New York Jets released 12 players on Sunday, paring the roster to 78. A few thoughts on the moves  :

Most significant move  : None of the cuts was surprising, but the release of wide receiver DeVier Posey had to be disappointing for general manager Mike Maccagnan. He traded for Posey during the third round of the draft as part of a swap with the Houston Texans. Maccagnan is a former Houston executive and always was a Posey fan. He thought Posey would bolster the Jets' depth at the position, but Posey was outplayed by several receivers in camp. He made a late run, scoring last week against the Atlanta Falcons, but it wasn't nearly enough.

Trimming at receiver  : There is some clarity at the crowded wide receiver position. In addition to Posey, the Jets cut veterans TJ Graham and Saalim Hakim and rookies Austin Hill and Jonathon Rumph. So basically, they have five players vying for three, maybe four, spots: Jeremy Kerley, Quincy Enunwa, Chris Owusu, Shaquelle Evans and Walter Powell, who bought more time by scoring on a punt return Saturday. This, of course, is based on the premise that Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and rookie Devin Smith are locks.

What's next  : The Jets have three more moves to make before Tuesday's mandatory cutdown to 75.

The Jets' cuts  : CB Javier Arenas, OT James Brewer, CB Curtis Brown, C Dalton Freeman, WR TJ Graham, WR/KR Saalim Hakim, WR Austin Hill, WR DeVier Posey, WR Jonathon Rumph, LB Bryan Johnson, TE Matt LaCosse and CB Keith Lewis.

>   http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/53661/new-york-jets-cut-12-players-including-devier-posey

[kelly]

-- Taking stock of the New York Jets before the final preseason game. Feel free to disagree.

Quarterback (4) -- Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bryce Petty, Matt Flynn, Geno Smith. (Cut: Josh Johnson)

Analysis: Flynn probably will stick unless his balky hamstring continues to be an issue. It was smart to sign Johnson as an emergency QB. He hasn't thrown a regular-season pass since 2011, but at least he has some game experience -- unlike Petty.

Running back (4) -- Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell, Zac Stacy, Tommy Bohanon. (PUP: Stevan Ridley. Cut: Daryl Richardson, Julian Howsare)

Analysis: Ridley's injury makes this fairly cut and dried.

Wide receiver (6) -- Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Quincy Enunwa, Devin Smith, Jeremy Kerley, Chris Owusu. (Cut: Shaquelle Evans, Walter Powell)

Analysis: Owusu gets the edge over Powell because of his ability as a kickoff returner. Evans could land on the practice squad. Smith (ribs) won't be ready for Week 1. Kerley (concussion) is a question mark for the opener.

Tight end (3) -- Jeff Cumberland, Kellen Davis, Jace Amaro. (Cut: Arthur Lynch, Wes Saxton)

Analysis: No one in this group has shined in the preseason, but you can't cut everybody.

Offensive line (9) -- D'Brickashaw Ferguson, James Carpenter, Nick Mangold, Willie Colon, Breno Giacomini, Ben Ijalana, Wesley Johnson, Brian Winters, Jarvis Harrison. (Cut: Oday Aboushi, Brent Qvale, Charles Brown, Dakota Dozier)

Analysis: With Dalton Freeman gone, it looks like Johnson has wrapped up the No. 2 center spot -- unless they pick up someone on the final cuts. Ijalana (knee) is iffy for the opener.

Defensive line (6) -- Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison, Leonard Williams, Leger Douzable, Stephen Bowen, T.J. Barnes. (Suspended: Sheldon Richardson. Cut: Deon Simon, Ronald Talley, Kevin Vickerson, Jordan Williams).

Analysis: They have some flexibility because they have vested veterans who can be cut and re-signed after Week 1, when their salaries wouldn't be guaranteed -- Bowen, Douzable and Vickerson.

Linebacker (8) -- David Harris, Demario Davis, Quinton Coples, Calvin Pace, Lorenzo Mauldin, Jamari Lattimore, Jason Babin, Trevor Reilly. (Cut: Erin Henderson, Joe Mays, Taiwan Jones, Deion Barnes).

Analysis: Babin and Reilly aren't locks. Henderson's chances are being blown up by a knee injury. Mays remains in the picture, battling.

Secondary (10) -- Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Buster Skrine, Calvin Pryor, Marcus Gilchrist, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Marcus Williams, Darrin Walls, Dex McDougle, Rontez Miles. (Short-term IR: Dee Milliner. Cut: Durell Eskridge, Dashaun Phillips, Keon Lyn)

Analysis: Putting Milliner on short-term IR makes sense. They can put him on the shelf for eight games because they're deep at corner.

Specialists (3) -- Nick Folk, Ryan Quigley, Tanner Purdum

Analysis: They keep on keeping on.

>    http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/53703/new-york-jets-roster-projection-4-0-version

[kelly]

We enter the final preseason game tomorrow night. It is the last chance for players to make an impression on the coaching staff before the team cuts from 75 to 53. Sheldon Richardson will begin the season suspended. Stevan Ridley will probably begin the season on the PUP list so they don't count.Monday Todd Bowles said this when asked how many roster spots are locked in.It has to be in the forties. I couldn’t tell you if it was upper or lower, but it has to be in the forties.

Let's be conservative and say it is forty. I would guess the following players.

Quarterback

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick

2. Geno Smith

3, Bryce Petty

The winner of tomorrow's duel between Matt Flynn and Josh Johnson takes the fourth spot and the right to serve as Fitzpatrick's backup until Geno Smith returns. Then that player will be promptly cut.

Running Back

4, Chris Ivory

5. Zac Stacy

6. Bilal Powell

The question is whether they decide to keep a fullback, Tommy Bohanon.

Wide Receiver

7. Brandon Marshall

8. Eric Decker

9. Jeremy Kerley

10. Quincy Enunwa

11. Chris Owusu

12. Devin Smith

Does Walter Powell have another big punt return in him? The team could keep him, but Kerley is the fallback option.

Tight End

13. Jeff Cumberland

Offensive Line

14. D'Brickashaw Ferguson

15. James Carpenter

16. Nick Mangold

17. Willie Colon

18. Breno Giacomini

I'm not listing anybody else as a lock because the rest presumably had a chance to win the right guard spot.

Defensive Line

19. Muhammad Wilkerson

20. Damon Harrison

21. Leonard Williams

22. Leger Douzable

Richardson is suspended because he doesn't count. I think T.J. Barnes makes it because the team will need a backup nose tackle. Deon Simon can be snuck onto the practice squad. I think the Jets would keep one to two of the remaining linemen.

Linebacker

23. David Harris

24. Demario Davis

25. Calvin Pace

26. Quinton Coples

27. Lorenzo Mauldin

28. Jason Babin

I'm not certain which backup inside linebackers stick.

Cornerback

29. Darrelle Revis

30. Antonio Cromartie

31. Buster Skrine

32. Marcus Williams

33. Dee Milliner

34. Dexter McDougle

I'd be really surprised if this was not the group of corners the Jets took into the season.

Safety

35. Calvin Pryor

36. Marcus Gilchrist

37. Jaiquawn Jarrett

I think Rontez Miles makes it too.

Special Teams

38. Nick Folk

39. Ryan Quigley

40. Tanner Purdum

Obviously.

>    http://www.ganggreennation.com/2015/9/2/9252581/new-york-jets-who-are-the-locks?ref=yfp

[kelly]

The final audition is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. at MetLife Stadium. Eagles at Jets.

The Jets' roster is at 75 players, and by Saturday at 4 p.m., that number must be down to 53. Head coach Todd Bowles said this week his number of roster locks is already somewhere "in the forties." For 22 players, then, this is it: A last chance to prove to their merits to the Jets' coaching staff.Bowles also said earlier this week that some starters may play Thursday, but that he hadn't yet made up his mind. Bowles probably doesn't want to risk injury to any starters, especially after all the injuries the Jets sustained during training camp. Which is why we're more likely to see the roster's fringe guys get one last dress rehearsal instead.

We've said it before, but it bears repeating: The Jets' coaching staff has its own criteria for judging whether a player at the bottom of the roster has what it takes. Same with how many players the coaches will keep at a given position, since depth will be critical, even if the starters get most of the playing time during the regular season.Also, while the Jets can place one player on the PUP list this weekend (running back Stevan Ridley is a candidate) and one player on injured reserve/designated for return (possibly cornerback Dee Milliner), they would have to carry those players on the 53-man roster by final cuts on Saturday before making those other designations on Sunday. So that complicates things further.

Now, then. The bubble guys. Scroll through the gallery above for glimpse at which players have plenty to play for Thursday night. And, please, drop your own observations in the comments below. They are always welcome.

>   http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/12_jets_on_roster_bubble_heading_into_eagles_game.html#incart_river

[kelly]

With the preseason in the books, it's time to reflect on what we've seen. Some guys have made the case for a roster spot that might not have been available to them a few weeks ago. Others have made us question whether or not they belonged. I thought I'd take a look at the cumulative tape and decide which 3 players topped each list. Note: This doesn't include players like Erin Henderson. Henderson impressed in limited action, but was injured and didn't have 4 games of tape. It also doesn't include players with guaranteed roster spots like Leonard Williams or Darrelle Revis. This is all about the bubble players who shined over and over again.

Roster Spot Earned

1) Rontez Miles

After the first preseason game, I was calling for Miles' head. I have honestly never seen so many missed tackles by one player in a single game, never mind a preseason game with limited snaps. But what I did notice was that Miles was in on just about every play. Over the next 3 weeks, Miles continued to appear in just about every frame of defensive tape. The guy is everywhere. Miles just has the natural instincts that you can't teach. He also has great closing speed and is solid at diagnosing plays. The downside is that Miles' tackling technique appears to be something I call "The Torpedo." Miles throws his body at the target, typically at their legs or waist. Though this leads to a lot of missed tackles, it does appear correctable, and he showed better technique in the final preseason game. He actually had some really impressive stuffs. At 26, he probably won't see much more improvement in his NFL career, but he showed more than enough to warrant a roster spot after a rough outing in game 1. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Miles ended up earning considerable snaps during the season despite starting out far from a lock to make the roster. Miles' ability to fly to the ball on every single play this preseason won me over (sorry for my harsh criticism week 1, Miles!) I went from wanting to cut Miles in week 1 to wanting him to get some limited time as a starter by week 4. Preseason accomplished.

2) Walter Powell

Powell was a longshot to make this roster. He was a holdover of the former general manager who sniped him from the Cardinals when they attempted to stash him on their practice squad. He had never shown anything as a receiver and had mixed results as a returner in 2014. With Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Jeremy Kerley, and Devin Smith all guaranteed roster spots, receiver spots were few and far between entering camp. With the injury to Amaro, Enunwa suddenly appeared to be a lock to make the roster as a H-back hybrid. Powell was on the outside looking in. How did he respond? Several very impressive returns, including a punt return for a touchdown, and an excellent showing as a receiver in the final preseason game. Powell started off slowly, but after the 3rd and 4th preseason games, I don't see how the Jets can let him go. Powell is a guy who really changed my mind with his effort this preseason.

3) Zac Stacy

Though Stacy was far from guaranteed to make the roster, I really thought that he could win a spot. He proved that my trust was warranted, impressing in every game he played in. Stacy's upside is limited, but the guy gives you 110% and always, always falls forward. If your blocking gets him 10 yards, he'll get 11. If your blocking gives him nothing, he'll get 1. To top it off, Stacy has the low center of gravity and thick-bodied frame that scream durability and reliability. He even flashed some hands and run after the catch ability with multiple touchdown receptions in the final 2 preseason games. Stacy has earned a roster spot, plain and simple.

Honorable Mention

Chris Owusu, Trevor Reilly, Jamari Lattimore

 

Roster Spot Jeopardized

1) Dexter McDougle

I actually expect McDougle still makes the roster. That said, this was an abysmal preseason for McDougle. After a so-so game against the Lions in which he flashed with a very impressive pass defensed after getting lit up like a tiki torch earlier in the game, McDougle showed very little to like. If anything, there was a pretty clear downward trajectory into failure. Mixed results degraded game by game until it all fell apart in game 4. McDougle was burnt repeatedly and victimized by substandard receivers and Tim freaking Tebow. He missed tackles. He ate dust. He gave up a touchdown on a play in which he had possibly the worst coverage I've ever seen at any level of football. This was a guy I was pulling for coming into camp and considered for my "breakout player of the year." Based on preseason games alone, I'm not even sure you could justify handing him a roster spot.

2) Kellen Davis

The Jets' clear starting TE is Jeff Cumberland. Let that sink in. Sorry, I shouldn't have ruined your day. The Jets probably have the weakest tight end group in the entire NFL. Davis entered camp as arguably the most experienced tight end and the most likely to win the #3 TE spot. Fast forward and Jace Amaro is on IR and Cumberland is the only known commodity at the position with last minute additions like Lynch and Maneri becoming the only competition at the position. Even Cumberland got blown up when blocking and had a drive murdering drop in the first preseason game. And yet, Davis looked the worst of the bunch to me. His blocking was atrocious. He repeatedly whiffed or got thrown back into the backfield, causing immediate TFLs. Meanwhile, he did nothing to impress as a receiving threat despite a totally bare cupboard at the position. How bad is it? Cumberland will probably be our blocking tight end while it seems as though an unproven receiver (who dropped multiple balls in preseason) converts into the H back role. Davis may well have played himself out of the easiest roster spot on the team this preseason. If he makes the roster, it certainly had nothing to do with his preseason tape.

3) Every Right Guard Candidate

I just couldn't decide who to pick. There were so many disappointments to choose from. This roster spot was open for the taking and heck, the starting RG position was open to anyone who could reach the lofty goal of below average. Yet Willie Colon won this competition for the 3rd consecutive year, despite being one of the lowest rated run blocking guards in the NFL last season (and the worst for penalties.) Aboushi, Winters, Qvale, Dozier, and about 9000 other prospects had every opportunity to prove themselves. Aboushi managed to fall from grace with a suspension and a poor offseason, though he didn't look too bad in limited preseason action. Winters continued to be Winters, probably the most noticeable guard I've ever seen (and not in a good way.) Winters had a decent final game against inferior competition, but he'd have to keep his fingers crossed to be a backup at this point. Qvale looked pretty bad and will likely be a practice squad candidate. Dozier looked so bad this preseason that I honestly can't see how he could be on any roster in the NFL after cuts. If any group of players disappointed this preseason, it was the interior offensive linemen. It's amazing to think that despite the number of draft picks used by Idzik to bolster the OL, Willie Colon is still the best man for the job.

Dishonorable Mention

Daryl Richardson, Shaq Evans

Final Notes

Owusu didn't make the cut because he missed a lot of time and actually had a decent shot at a roster spot coming into camp after a strong finish to 2014. He had an excellent preseason, though. Richardson was such a long shot to make the roster that he didn't really move the dial much, but his preseason was pretty disastrous. He closed out on a high note statistically (especially compared to his previous -0.3 YPC, 25% fumble rate outing), but I didn't see anything at all to like about the former practice squad back. Evans also narrowly missed the cut after a pretty uninspiring preseason. So there you have it. Those are my top and bottom 3 preseason performers. Who are yours  ?

>     http://www.ganggreennation.com/2015/9/4/9259905/ny-jets-preseason-winners-and-losers?ref=yfp

[kelly]

Here is a position-by-position look at who stays, who goes when the New York Jets makes their final cuts :

QUARTERBACK (3)

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Bryce Petty

Geno Smith

The Jets face an interesting decision, and it's not just a Matt Flynn-Josh Johnson decision. If one of them is on the opening-day roster, the Jets are on the hook for their entire salary -- $870,000 for Flynn, $745,000 for Johnson. That's because they're both vested veterans. That's a fair amount of money for a No. 2 quarterback who probably will be released when Smith is healthy around Week 5. The guess here is that Johnson will be released on the final cutdown, with Flynn getting cut on the eve of the opener -- re-signing two days later when his salary isn't guaranteed. It's risky, making Petty -- a rookie -- the No. 2 in Week 1. A similar situation occurred two years ago with the previous regime. They cut Brady Quinn, rolled the dice with Matt Simms as the only backup for a week and re-signed Quinn.

RUNNING BACK (4)

Chris Ivory

Bilal Powell

Zac Stacy

Tommy Bohanon

How many teams can say they have three backs who once led a team in rushing? The Jets have that with Ivory, Powell and Stacy, whom Todd Bowles called "Mr. Consistency." Daryl Richardson is a tough cut because he played well, especially in the finale. The fullback doesn't have a prominent role in Chan Gailey's offense, but Bohanon also brings special-teams value to the table. Stevan Ridley (knee), still not cleared to practice, probably will end up on the physically unable to perform list. That means he'll be on the shelf for six weeks.

WIDE RECEIVER (6)

Brandon Marshall

Eric Decker

Quincy Enunwa

Jeremy Kerley

Chris Owusu

Devin Smith

Enunwa was the biggest surprise in training camp, leap-frogging a handful of receivers to grab the No. 3 job. That job was earmarked for Smith, but the rookie broke ribs early in camp -- a serious setback. He won't be ready for the opener. The big question is Kerley, who slid on the depth chart. Could he be released? Not likely, but there's always a surprise or two with a new regime. Owusu gets the edge over Shaquelle Evans and Walter Powell because of his kickoff-returning ability.

TIGHT END (3)

Jeff Cumberland

Kellen Davis

Arthur Lynch

With Jace Amaro out for the season, the Jets are in the market for a third tight end. Lynch could get some consideration, but look for them to pick up somebody on the waiver wire. This isn't an all-star group, but tight end isn't a featured position in Gailey's passing offense.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9)

D'Brickashaw Ferguson

James Carpenter

Nick Mangold

Willie Colon

Breno Giacomini

Ben Ijalana

Brian Winters

Wesley Johnson

Jarvis Harrison

No one among the bottom four is considered a lock. Ijalana had a solid camp, but his situation hinges on his injured knee. Winters is the most experienced guard on the bench, so he gets a slight edge over Dakota Dozier and Oday Aboushi -- former fourth- and fifth-round picks, respectively. Johnson is the only reserve with experience at center, his meal ticket. Harrison will sneak in because he's a current draft pick and we all know teams hate to cut their picks.

DEFENSIVE LINE (6)

Muhammad Wilkerson

Damon Harrison

Leonard Williams

Leger Douzable

Stephen Bowen

T.J. Barnes

Richardson will go on the suspended list for the first four games, creating an opening. It's a tough call between Douzable, Bowen and Ronald Talley, but Douzable gets an edge because he has special-teams value. Bowen practiced with the second string for most of camp, so that may bode well for him. Barnes gets the edge over seventh-round pick Deon Simon, but don't rule out an outside addition.

LINEBACKER (9)

David Harris

Demario Davis

Quinton Coples

Calvin Pace

Lorenzo Mauldin

Jamari Lattimore

Jason Babin

Trevor Reilly

Joe Mays

The top six are sure things, but Mauldin -- a rookie -- isn't ready for a role on defense. He missed time due to a knee injury, hurting his development. That bodes well for Babin, who began camp on the roster bubble. Babin, 35, isn't the pass-rusher he once was, but there are no experienced outside 'backers on the roster beyond Pace and Coples. Mays edges Erin Henderson, who was having a solid camp before suffering a knee injury.

CORNERBACK (6)

Darrelle Revis

Antonio Cromartie

Buster Skrine

Darrin Walls

Marcus Williams

Dex McDougle

 

The big story is former No. 1 pick Dee Milliner (wrist surgery), who's still about a month away from returning. With the depth at corner, it makes sense to stash Milliner on short-term injured reserve (eight games). The other option is to carry him on the 53, eating up a roster spot. The rules require them to wait until Sunday to make the IR move, so they would have to carry him for a day on the 53. Consider this: A year ago, the Jets opened with Walls and converted safety Antonio Allen as their starting corners. My, how times have changed.

SAFETY (4)

Marcus Gilchrist

Calvin Pryor

Jaiquawn Jarrett

Rontez Miles

Miles had a terrific camp, capitalizing on the opportunity created by the season-ending injury to Antonio Allen. Something is wrong if Miles doesn't make the team. Durell Eskridge, one of the feel-good stories in camp, could stick on the practice squad.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Nick Folk

Ryan Quigley

Tanner Purdum

Don't see any changes here. It'll be the same trio as last season.

>     http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/53807/to-save-money-jets-could-take-quarterback-gamble-on-final-roster

[kelly]

Rich Cimini ESPN Staff Writer 

It'll be interesting to see what happens over the next two days with the Idzik 12 -- the 2014 draft class of former Jets GM John Idzik. It was supposed to be a watershed draft for the Jets, but there's a good chance only four will be on the 53 -- Calvin Pryor (1st round), Dex McDougle (3rd), Quincy Enunwa (6th) and Trevor Reilly (7th).

That's a lot of swinging and missing.

>  http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/nyj/new-york-jets

[kelly]

— The Jets' starters didn't play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Eagles. Almost all of their backups got into the game. One backup did not: Jason Babin, who is Quinton Coples' understudy at the rush outside linebacker position. 

So what does this mean for Babin's chances of making the Jets' 53-man roster, which must be determined by Saturday afternoon   ? 

Well, not a whole lot. 

Jets coach Todd Bowles said he sat Babin because he wanted to get a long look at Deion Barnes, an undrafted rookie linebacker who is on the roster bubble. Barnes played well. He was on the field for every defensive snap. 

"I haven't seen [Barnes] play [extensively], and I really wanted to get a good look at him before I made a decision on him," Bowles said.Babin said he wasn't scheduled to play in the game, so he wasn't surprised when he didn't get in. The fact that he didn't play — and instead stood on the sidelines with the starters — probably bodes well for Babin's roster chances.If he was in serious danger of being cut, he probably would've played in Thursday's game, with other roster-fringe players.

The 35-year-old pass rusher is entering his 12th NFL season. He is the oldest player currently on the Jets' roster."I don't worry about what I don't control," Babin said. "But I am not at all concerned about my abilities to rush the passer or do any other things they need me to do. I can get the job done in a very effective way. So I'm not concerned, either way."It sounds like Babin feels pretty optimistic heading into cuts weekend. And he has good reason to be hopeful about his roster chances, even though he projects more as a situational pass rusher than a starter — unless Coples get hurt, or struggles and loses his job. 

Could the Jets retain both Babin and outside linebacker Trevor Reilly? It's possible, even though they offer similar skills as backups.Reilly is currently No. 3 on the depth chart at the strong-side linebacker spot, behind Calvin Pace and rookie Lorenzo Mauldin. Pace is recovering from a groin strain, but should be ready for Week 1. Mauldin has a sprained knee, and his status for Week 1 is unclear. The Jets open the regular season in nine days.The Jets might need to retain Reilly this weekend, just in case Mauldin isn't healthy for the opener. But Reilly could also have a role, even after Mauldin heals, as a situational pass rusher — similar to what Babin offers. Bowles got a long look at Reilly on Thursday, as well. He played all 57 defensive snaps. 

It functioned as a test, on several levels, for Reilly, who did some encouraging things in training camp. He hadn't played an entire game in a while, so Bowles needed to see if he was physically capable of lasting for all four quarters — in case, for some reason, the Jets need him to do that. "I think the coaches probably wanted to see, too: Can this guy do it?" Babin said. "Because you're only one injury away from getting in the mix." 

>  http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/09/jason_babin_jets_roster.html#incart_river

[Spoot-Face]

This is my first ever 53 roster projection, so I'll very likely be wrong in a few areas. And it's influenced more by what I hope it'll be and not what I think it'll realistically be.

QB (3) -- Fitz, Petty, Geno

OL (8) -- Brick, Carpenter, Mangold, Colon, Giacomini, Johnson, Harrison, Ijalana.

RB (3) -- Ivory, Powell, Bohannon [Ridley on PUP]

TE (2) -- Cumberland, Saxton

WR (6) -- Marshall, Decker, Kerley, Smith, Enunwa, Owusu

DL (7) -- Wilkerson, Richardson, Harrison, Williams, Bowen, Douzable, Barnes

OLB (5) -- Pace, Coples, Babin, Mauldin, Reilly

ILB (5) -- Harris, Davis, Lattimore, Mays, Henderson

S (4) -- Pryor, Gilchrist, Jarrett, Miles

CB (6) -- Revis, Cromartie, Skrine, Walls, Williams, McDougle [Milliner on IR]

ST (3) -- Folk, Quigley, Purdum

I can't decide on the final roster spot. Either Stacy at RB, or Powell at WR

Practice Squad: Deon Simon, Durell Eskridge, Taiwan Jones, Deion Barnes

[Gaffneycatch]

This is my first ever 53 roster projection, so I'll very likely be wrong in a few areas. And it's influenced more by what I hope it'll be and not what I think it'll realistically be.

QB (3) -- Fitz, Petty, Geno

OL (8) -- Brick, Carpenter, Mangold, Colon, Giacomini, Johnson, Harrison, Ijalana.

RB (3) -- Ivory, Powell, Bohannon [Ridley on PUP]

TE (2) -- Cumberland, Saxton

WR (6) -- Marshall, Decker, Kerley, Smith, Enunwa, Owusu

DL (7) -- Wilkerson, Richardson, Harrison, Williams, Bowen, Douzable, Barnes

OLB (5) -- Pace, Coples, Babin, Mauldin, Reilly

ILB (5) -- Harris, Davis, Lattimore, Mays, Henderson

S (4) -- Pryor, Gilchrist, Jarrett, Miles

CB (6) -- Revis, Cromartie, Skrine, Walls, Williams, McDougle [Milliner on IR]

ST (3) -- Folk, Quigley, Purdum

I can't decide on the final roster spot. Either Stacy at RB, or Powell at WR

Practice Squad: Deon Simon, Durell Eskridge, Taiwan Jones, Deion Barnes

You've got 22 guys on offense (23 once you choose between stacy and powell), and 27 on defense. No way they do that. Maybe ... and it's unlikely ... they go with a 26/24 split, but if so it would be more likely to be tilted towards the offense because of 4 QBs or 7 WRs. 10 LBs is 2 too many.

[Gaffneycatch]

You've got 22 guys on offense (23 once you choose between stacy and powell), and 27 on defense. No way they do that. Maybe ... and it's unlikely ... they go with a 26/24 split, but if so it would be more likely to be tilted towards the offense because of 4 QBs or 7 WRs. 10 LBs is 2 too many. And only 2 half backs ...? I don't think so.

[Spoot-Face]

You've got 22 guys on offense (23 once you choose between stacy and powell), and 27 on defense. No way they do that. Maybe ... and it's unlikely ... they go with a 26/24 split, but if so it would be more likely to be tilted towards the offense because of 4 QBs or 7 WRs. 10 LBs is 2 too many.

Yeah, I've never done this before, and had little idea about what the balance should be.

If I had to pick two LBs to be the odd men out, I'd have to think Henderson and Babin. I suppose, if they wanted, the could also have Coples as an unofficial "D-linemen" and cut Bowen, having 9 LBs and 6 D-linemen with Coples in a duel role, which would look like

DL (6) -- Wilkerson, Richardson, Harrison, Williams, Douzable, Barnes, Coples (unofficially)

LB (9) -- Pace, Coples, Babin, Mauldin, Reilly, Harris, Davis, Lattimore, Mays

And in replace of Bowen (or Babin) and Henderson, they could have two of:

Powell or Stacy (whichever one was the odd man out)

OL -- Dozier

TE -- Davis (cringe) or someone cut from another team

Thanks for the input!

[JETSfaninNE]

This is my first ever 53 roster projection, so I'll very likely be wrong in a few areas. And it's influenced more by what I hope it'll be and not what I think it'll realistically be.

QB (3) -- Fitz, Petty, Geno

OL (8) -- Brick, Carpenter, Mangold, Colon, Giacomini, Johnson, Harrison, Ijalana.

RB (3) -- Ivory, Powell, Bohannon [Ridley on PUP]

TE (2) -- Cumberland, Saxton

WR (6) -- Marshall, Decker, Kerley, Smith, Enunwa, Owusu

DL (7) -- Wilkerson, Richardson, Harrison, Williams, Bowen, Douzable, Barnes

OLB (5) -- Pace, Coples, Babin, Mauldin, Reilly

ILB (5) -- Harris, Davis, Lattimore, Mays, Henderson

S (4) -- Pryor, Gilchrist, Jarrett, Miles

CB (6) -- Revis, Cromartie, Skrine, Walls, Williams, McDougle [Milliner on IR]

ST (3) -- Folk, Quigley, Purdum

I can't decide on the final roster spot. Either Stacy at RB, or Powell at WR

Practice Squad: Deon Simon, Durell Eskridge, Taiwan Jones, Deion Barnes

I'd move Henderson to PS and put Stacy and Powell in.  Can't see us carrying 10 LBs.  Actually probably would need to drop Babin maybe as well?  And put Flynn in at QB as well.

Nice job overall on your first ever roster projection!

[joewilly12]

Walter Powell WR is the most explosive kick returner we've had in awhile dont know why so many leaving him off the final roster. 

[Jethead]

I'd move Henderson to PS and put Stacy and Powell in.  Can't see us carrying 10 LBs.  Actually probably would need to drop Babin maybe as well?  And put Flynn in at QB as well.

Agree with edits except keep Babin over Mays.

[JETSfaninNE]

Agree with edits except keep Babin over Mays.

I like Mays a lot.  Maybe we could sneak him on the PS.

[Spoot-Face]

I'd move Henderson to PS and put Stacy and Powell in.  Can't see us carrying 10 LBs.  Actually probably would need to drop Babin maybe as well?  And put Flynn in at QB as well.

Nice job overall on your first ever roster projection!

Henderson has been in the NFL for 7 seasons. He's not PS eligible, but I'd drop him and Babin to cut down the LBs.

And do you mean Flynn instead of Geno, or do you think they'll carry 4 QBs? I actually wouldn't be too surprised if they end up cutting Geno for either Flynn or Johnson.

Thank you! Your input and praise is appreciated!

[Spoot-Face]

Walter Powell WR is the most explosive kick returner we've had in awhile dont know why so many leaving him off the final roster. 

I think if he's cut, it'll be a hard decision. There simply may not be enough room for him. He isn't better than anyone else as a receiver (at this point in time), and even though I value his skills on special teams, Owusu does it, too, in addition to being valuable on offense. I think it's Owusu vs Powell, and Owusu wins. The X-factor in that equation, though, is Owusu's concussion history, and if the coaches trust think it'll be a problem. If so, they could elect to keep Powell over Owusu, or keep both as insurance.

But I get it, I do like me some Walt "Heisenberg" Powell.

[Spoot-Face]

Agree with edits except keep Babin over Mays.

I like Mays a lot.  Maybe we could sneak him on the PS.

Mays has 8 seasons, so I doubt he's PS eligible. And I don't think they'd keep Babin over Mays. Two different positions. Right now, Mays and Lattimore are the backup ILBs. We need him. The only guy they might keep over Mays is Henderson, whom I think they had penciled in as one of the primary backups before he was fighting an injury. Mays has stepped up and contributed both on defense and on special teams.

[joewilly12]

Cut Babin keep Mays 

[JETSfaninNE]

Henderson has been in the NFL for 7 seasons. He's not PS eligible, but I'd drop him and Babin to cut down the LBs.

And do you mean Flynn instead of Geno, or do you think they'll carry 4 QBs? I actually wouldn't be too surprised if they end up cutting Geno for either Flynn or Johnson.

Thank you! Your input and praise is appreciated!

I think we will carry 4 QBs for the first 4 weeks of the season.  Johnson will be cut, Flynn will be cut on the eve of the first game to then be signed again 2 days later, nullifying the guaranteed 870k vet salary for the year and we will release him after week 4.  Jets seem pretty adamant about not even chancing Petty as the #2 this year.

Totally forgot how long Henderson has been in the league!  Yeah at that point I wouldn't mind just cutting him as youth isn't on his side.

EDIT:  I need to correct this post.  I've never seen a contract like this but it looks like Flynn isn't guaranteed his vet salary if on the roster day one.  Jets may not need to cut him at all.

 

Matt Flynn said on his first day of work at One Jets Drive that the Jets had given him "no guarantees" he'd be on the roster for Week 1 of the regular season.

Turns out he did get a small guarantee worked into his contract.

Flynn's deal, which he signed Wednesday, is a one-year, minimum-salary benefit contract, according to an individual who has seen the contract details. That individual spoke to NJ Advance Media on condition of anonymity.

If Flynn, a quarterback, were to remain on the roster for the entire season—an unlikely outcome, since he's likely only on board until Geno Smith's broken jaw heals, likely in the first few weeks of the season—Flynn will earn a base salary of $870,000.

---

PLUS: What getting punched by a teammate says about Geno Smith

---

None of that $870,000 is guaranteed. What is guaranteed is a $60,000 signing bonus Flynn agreed to, which means his total compensation (and the Jets' total cash spend) could reach $930,000.

 

New Jets quarterback Matt Flynn practice highlightsNew York Jets quarterback Matt Flynn (5) at his first day of practice after signing with the Jets. New York Jets hold training camp practice at Florham Park training facility. Florham Park ,NJ 8/19/15 (Amanda Marzullo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Flynn had already collecteda $20,000 signing bonus from the Patriots before they cut him earlier this month.

Because Flynn's deal is an MSB, he would only count $645,000 against the salary cap—again, assuming he's on the roster for the entire season. If he were to get cut before the start of the season, Flynn would only get his $60,000 signing bonus. If he were to get cut at any point during the season, his $870,000 in base pay would be pro-rated based on the number of weeks he's on the roster.

And if Flynn were to be released after Week 1, he would be ineligible for termination pay, since he already collected it after the Raiders cut him two years ago. Players are only eligible to receive termination pay one time.

Flynn's deal also includes as split salary of $438,000, which is what he would receive if he were to land injured reserve.

Flynn has a hamstring injury and is not expected to be a full practice participant until sometime next week, at the earliest. He is also not expected to play in Friday night's preseason game against the Falcons.

LINK

Macc is a genius.

[JETSfaninNE]

 

Mays has 8 seasons, so I doubt he's PS eligible. And I don't think they'd keep Babin over Mays. Two different positions. Right now, Mays and Lattimore are the backup ILBs. We need him. The only guy they might keep over Mays is Henderson, whom I think they had penciled in as one of the primary backups before he was fighting an injury. Mays has stepped up and contributed both on defense and on special teams.

Holy crap, Mays is a vet?  I totally thought he was a young dude in the league.  Wow, this one totally went over my head.  Dude plays like he's 23.

[JETSfaninNE]

I think if he's cut, it'll be a hard decision. There simply may not be enough room for him. He isn't better than anyone else as a receiver (at this point in time), and even though I value his skills on special teams, Owusu does it, too, in addition to being valuable on offense. I think it's Owusu vs Powell, and Owusu wins. The X-factor in that equation, though, is Owusu's concussion history, and if the coaches trust think it'll be a problem. If so, they could elect to keep Powell over Owusu, or keep both as insurance.

But I get it, I do like me some Walt "Heisenberg" Powell.

I almost feel like if you take Owusu you need to take Powell.  Its like they are insurance for each other lol

[joewilly12]

QUARTERBACKS (4)

Retained: Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Josh Johnson, Bryce Petty
Cut: Matt Flynn
Analysis: Look, if Fitzpatrick gets hurt before Smith (broken jaw) comes back, the Jets are screwed anyway. Flynn was OK the other night against the Eagles, but Johnson's ability to take off and run was more impressive. 

[section314]

QUARTERBACKS (4)

Retained: Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Josh Johnson, Bryce Petty
Cut: Matt Flynn
Analysis: Look, if Fitzpatrick gets hurt before Smith (broken jaw) comes back, the Jets are screwed anyway. Flynn was OK the other night against the Eagles, but Johnson's ability to take off and run was more impressive. 

I was a little disappointed in Flynn' horrible decision to throw the pass  on that part of the field . To me, that says more than the 2 TD passes.  I was impressed with how strong an arm Johnson has. Flynn is way more accurate which is very important in Chan's scheme, but Johnson  is a dual threat, much like Geno, and Chan may feel he fits in better. Will be interesting decision, and I can definitely see it going your way. Any surprise cuts you see coming?  I think McDougle may be in trouble. Was also surprised on how much Reilly played...could he really be on bubble?

[joewilly12]

Are we really going to cut 2 young promising LBs Deion Barnes, Taiwan Jones and keep old and slow Pace and Babin.

[section314]

Are we really going to cut 2 young promising LBs Deion Barnes, Taiwan Jones and keep old and slow Pace and Babin.

Good point. I would keep Pace over Babin. Really like Jones...all he does is make tackles. Is he a factor on specials? I' m starting to feel it may be Barnes or Reilly.Could see Jones as the new Bellore .

[kelly]

saw this..

~ ~   How can the Jets get stronger through cutdowns  ?

September 4th, 2015 3:07 pm

This is the toughest weekend of the NFL calendar, during the next two days over 700 NFL players will lose their jobs as the 32 NFL teams begin to trim their rosters down yet again from 75 to 53.  With names from all NFL teams starting to trickle out, here’s some positions the Jets might be considering, along with some suggested players, to monitor for the New York Jets as players are cut or pass through waivers.

Safety

The season-ending injury to safety Antonio Allen was a blow to the safety group, but Rontez Miles has done a yeoman’s job in playing his way onto the roster and shown up well on film in the preseason.  The issue with Miles is that the safety groups skills weigh heavily towards the run-defense side and lighter in the coverage area.  If the Jets should see a player pass through waivers who has some good scouting grades in coverage, the Jets could be willing to put in a claim.
Names to monitor: Chris Prosinski (Eagles – waived),  Corey Moore (Texans – waived), Tavon Wilson (Patriots – bubble)

Fullback / Tight End / H-Back

It’s hard to know if the Jets were trying to fit a square peg in a round hole regarding Jace Amaro prior to his season ending shoulder injury.  Regardless, the Jets are left with veteran two-way tight end Jeff Cumberland, who is serviceable against the run and pass. Kellen Davis is a blocking TE and there is also undrafted rookie West Saxton. In addition, fullback Tommy Bohanon is a holdover from the Idzik regime.  The team might be looking for ways to upgrade their skill position blockers and pass catchers through the waiver process as a result.
Names to monitor: FB John Conner (Bills – cut), TE E.J. Bibbs (Cleveland – bubble), TE Tim Semisch (Dolphins – bubble), TE Michael Hoomanawanui (Patriots – bubble) 

Punter

Ryan Quigley has been a decent punter for the Jets but can struggle with inconsistency.  We don’t expect the Jets would be willing to trade for a specialist like some other teams have in recent weeks (Lions, Steelers) but should a waived player pique their interest I could definitely see this as a distinct possibility.
Names to monitor: Steve Weatherford (Giants – cut), Brandon Fields (Dolphins – cut), Dave Zastudil (Cardinals – cut)

> http://thejetsblog.com/nyjets/how-can-the-jets-get-stronger-through-cutdowns/