Cimini: The (Almost) Final 53

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Jets roster projection: The (almost) final 53

 

 

August, 29, 2013

 

Aug 29

 

 

12:20

 

 

PM ET

 

 

By  Rich Cimini | ESPNNewYork.com

 

 

 

Here you go, our last stab at the Jets' 53-man roster:

 

 

QUARTERBACK

 

 

In: Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Matt Simms

 

 

On the bubble: Greg McElroy, Graham Harrell

 

 

Analysis: Two players have to go. Simms, who starts Thursday night, has a chance to grab McElroy's No. 3 spot. Harrell, a late arrival, could be one and done.

 

 

RUNNING BACK

 

 

In: Bilal Powell, Chris Ivory, Tommy Bohanon, Kahlil Bell

 

 

On the bubble: Mossis Madu

 

 

Analysis: Mike Goodson won't count on the 53-man roster during his four-game suspension. Who is the third-down back until Goodson returns? Powell did it last season, but he's had a couple of drops and pass-protection issues. Keep an eye on former Jets RB/KR Leon Washington; he's on the bubble in New England.

 

 

WIDE RECEIVER

 

 

In: Santonio Holmes, Stephen Hill, Jeremy Kerley, Clyde Gates, Ryan Spadola, Ben Obomanu

 

 

On the bubble: Mohamed Massaquoi, Zach Rogers, Michael Campbell

 

 

Analysis: There should be an investigation if Spadola doesn't make the team. If they try to sneak him through waivers, it won't work. I already know of one team that would claim him. Because of Holmes' uncertainty, they have to keep six.

 

 

TIGHT END

 

 

In: Jeff Cumberland, Kellen Winslow, Konrad Reuland

 

 

On the bubble: Chris Pantale

 

 

Analysis: Surprisingly, Winslow has the highest blocking grade in the preseason on the offense, according to ProFootballFocus.com. For a position with major question marks, it seems fairly cut and dried in terms of the 53-man roster.

 

 

OFFENSIVE LINE

 

 

In: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Vladimir Ducasse, Nick Mangold, Willie Colon, Austin Howard, Brian Winters, Jason Smith, Oday Aboushi, Caleb Schlauderaff

 

 

On the bubble: Will Campbell, Erik Cook, J.B. Shugarts

 

 

Analysis: Smith, Aboushi and Schlauderaff aren't locks, but they'll probably stick. Aboushi has been spotty at best, but it's hard to imagine GM John Idzik cutting a fifth-round pick.

 

 

DEFENSIVE LINE

 

 

In: Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, Damon Harrison, Kenrick Ellis, Antonio Garay, Leger Douzable

 

 

On the bubble: Tevita Finau, Lanier Coleman, Junior Aumavae.

 

 

Analysis: Douzable is quietly having a strong preseason. He has the highest grade of any player on defense, per PFF. Ellis may have been Wally Pipp-ed by Harrison for the starting job at nose tackle.

 

 

LINEBACKER

 

 

In: David Harris, Demario Davis, Calvin Pace, Garrett McIntyre, Quinton Coples, Antwan Barnes, Ricky Sapp, Nick Bellore, Danny Lansanah

 

 

On the bubble: Josh Mauga, Jacquies Smith, JoJo Dickson, Troy Davis.

 

 

Analysis: They could take a 10th linebacker because Coples (ankle) is expected to miss at least two games, probably more. Mauga (back) is a tough call because of his injury. Smith has impressed.

 

 

SECONDARY

 

 

In: Antonio Cromartie, Dee Milliner, Kyle Wilson, Dawan Landry, Antonio Allen, Darrin Walls, Ellis Lankster, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Josh Bush, Isaiah Trufant

 

 

On the bubble: Rontez Miles, Mike Edwards, Royce Adams

 

 

Analysis: Miles got off to a slow start because of an injury, but he's making a late push. He has high special-teams value. There could be some surprises here. After the top six, there are no guarantees.

 

 

SPECIALISTS

 

 

In: Robert Malone (P), Nick Folk (PK), Tanner Purdum (LS)

 

 

On the bubble: Dan Carpenter (PK)

 

 

Analysis: Folk-Carpenter is a toss-up. The Jets have been eyeing Carpenter for a couple of weeks, but I'll give the edge to Folk because he's the incumbent.

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Couple of surprises here, that I actually like.

 

It's up to Simms tonight, 

 

Leon Washington.  Oh boy, did he get divorced?

 

Winslow had a great camp.  Going to be a great help if he can stay healthy.

 

Has Aboushi as in. Spotty?   Even as a 5th round pick I'd cut this guy before he gets someone killed.  Horrible

 

Besides Spadola, and Simms Douzable has been one of the top surprises of camp.  Kid has really played well