Joe Caporoso on the New York Jets looking to improve by targeting other teams early September cuts…

On or by September 2nd every team in the NFL must trim their roster from 90 to 53 players. This means a potential 1,184 players (!) will be hitting the market at once. Arguably more than any team in the NFL, the New York Jets need to add talent. If they are smart, they will be ready to pounce to improve the depth and talent at multiple positions on their roster. Where should they look to add and who could be targets?

Playmakers

The Jets desperately need more of them. It doesn’t matter if they are running backs, receivers, tight ends or returners. They need players who can make something out of a less than desirable situation and help create points. Outside of Robby Anderson and Bilal Powell , everything is basically up for grabs at this point in terms of targets and opportunities.

DJ Foster – Unlikely to stick on the Patriots roster with Dion Lewis, James White, Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead around. Foster is 23 years old and was picked up in 2016 as a UDFA. He has 115 yards and 2 touchdowns already this preseason and would provide value both as a runner and pass catcher out of the backfield.

Austin Carr – Another member of the Patriots who will have a tough time making a loaded roster. Carr is a 2017 UDFA who is 6’1, 195 pounds. He leads New England in receptions so far this preseason and caught a touchdown.

Philip Dorsett/Allen Hurns – Two “big” names that are potentially on the trade market. Dorsett has a substantially cheaper contract but has less production. Both players fit the bill of young receivers with long term upside. The Jets should be hoarding as many picks as possible but if they could find a way to move a player they are looking to get rid of (Buster Skrine, Sheldon Richardson, Steve McLendon, Matt Forte) or only have to part with a 6th round pick or later, these two could be worth kicking the tires on.

On the roster bubble in New Orleans and has experience with Jets current offensive coordinator, John Morton. Coleman is a former UDFA (2014) and has 735 yards with 5 touchdowns in his career. He is 6’6 and 220 pounds and would provide a needed red zone target.

Sammie Coates – Remember him running by Marcus Williams for a 80 yard touchdown last season? Coates could be on the outs in Pittsburgh because of his inconsistent route running and issues with drops but would provide another vertical threat to the Jets roster.

Jarius Wright – The Jets previously kicked the tires on him in free agency. Wright could be a factor in the return game and as a slot receiver.

Quarterback

Don’t laugh. This is a desperate situation and you never know how this team will proceed at quarterback (Josh McCown is currently running sprints at practice instead of playing despite getting paid 6 million dollars and likely being their week 1 starter).

Garrett Grayson – A 2015 3rd round pick of the Saints who is battling to be their 3rd string quarterback. He was a better college prospect than either Petty or Hackenberg (shrugs).

Brock Osweiler – If you are tanking…

Joe Callahan – A 2016 UDFA who had a nice preseason (499 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs) for Green Bay last year and may not make the final 53. Why not take a dart throw? If the Jets were smarter/more ambitious, they’d cut Petty and offer a package for Brett Hundley (Richardson?)

Cornerback

Morris Claiborne is already dealing with injuries and the depth behind him is extremely unproven. Considering how defensive back heavy the Jets personnel packages usually are, more depth is always needed.

Kyle Fuller – A 2014 first round pick who has had a rapid fall from grace in Chicago, a team the Jets have recent history of taking players from. Fuller is 100% worth a flier if he shakes loose considering the Jets depth chart.

KeiVarae Russell – The 74th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft who was already cut by the team who selected him, the Kansas City Chiefs, and now may not make the cornerback heavy Cincinnati Bengals. This would be a logical high upside swing for the Jets to take.

Quandre Diggs – A slot corner who had a productive 2016 prior to injury. He may be pushed off the Lions roster with new additions they’ve made at the position

Offensive Line

The depth is shaky and there is still major question marks at both tackle positions.

Austin Howard – A reunion? Howard is in danger of being pushed off the Raiders roster and would provide depth and competition at the tackle position. The only downside is his age (30), which is a little older than desired for the current state of this roster.

DJ Fluker – There are a few rumblings the Giants may move on from him, despite just signing him this offseason. It is always scary to be taking offensive line castoffs from that team but these are desperate times.

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Photo Credit: NewYorkGiants.com

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