Another swing at the New York Jets 53 man roster heading into their third preseason game against the New York Giants…

Quarterback (2) – Sam Darnold, Josh McCown

Yes, I still think the Jets should and will start Darnold despite Teddy Bridgewater’s performance against Washington. Stay the course. The plan is to showcase to Bridgewater for a prospective trade and get Darnold under center as fast as possible while McCown claps emphatically from the sideline.

Running Back (5) – Bilal Powell, Isaiah Crowell, Eli McGuire, Trenton Cannon, Lawrence Thomas

The Jets keep five to start the season with lingering injury concerns around Crowell and McGuire. Thomas maintains his hold on the fullback job, as it has been a quiet summer for UDFA Dmitri Flowers. Thomas Rawls and George Atkinson continue to eat up preseason touches en route to being cut.

Tight End (4) – Eric Tomlinson, Neal Sterling, Clive Walford, Chris Herndon

It would not be shocking if Herndon ended up being put on the IR for the season. He has had a weird summer and there is a lack of clarity around what his injury situation is. Tomlinson is sticking for his blocking, while Sterling and Walford have been the best two tight ends in camp/preseason. Jordan Leggett has been a complete dud to date.

Wide Receiver (6) – Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, Jermaine Kearse, Terrelle Pryor, Tre McBride, Andre Roberts

A few notable cuts here as Chad Hansen and ArDarius Stewart have both been thoroughly outplayed by McBride and Charles Johnson this summer. Roberts sticks as the returner after Cannon muffed 14 punts in the preseason opener. The rest are locks to make it.

Offensive Tackle (4) – Kelvin Beachum, Brandon Shell, Brent Qvale, Ben Braden

Braden is a place holder spot until the Jets add better depth via trade or the waiver wire. They will add another body here from outside the roster due to Ben Ijalana’s season ending injury.

Offensive Guard/Center (5) – Spencer Long, Brian Winters, James Carpenter, Travis Swanson, Jonotthan Harrison

The Jets keep the veterans around, despite this being concerning from a depth perspective. Last week was an ugly outing for Harrison and Swanson stunk in Detroit last year.

Defensive Line (6) – Leonard Williams, Steve McLendon, Nathan Shepherd, Henry Anderson, Mike Pennel, Folorunso Fatukasi

Minor change from my last projection with the rookie Fatukasi being in over Xavier Cooper for the 6th defensive lineman spot. The Jets could end up keeping up seven defensive linemen though.

Inside Linebacker (4) – Darron Lee, Avery Williamson, Neville Hewitt, Kevin Pierre-Louis

KPL sticks around because of his contract structure, despite being hurt most of the summer. Hewitt has had a particularly strong summer and edges out Kevin Minter for the last spot.

Outside Linebacker (4) – Jordan Jenkins, Brandon Copeland, Josh Martin, Dylan Donohue

The thinnest position on the roster. Outside of Jenkins, everybody else is really more of a special teamer than a full time defensive player. Lorenzo Mauldin gets the ax, along with veteran David Bass.

Cornerback (6) – Trumaine Johnson, Morris Claiborne, Buster Skrine, Derrick Jones, Parry Nickerson, Daryl Roberts

The Jets part ways with recent draft picks (or players traded for with a draft pick) Jeremy Clark, Juston Burris (remember him?) and Rashard Robinson.

Safety (4) – Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye, Doug Middleton, Terrence Brooks

The Jets start the year with four and maybe make a roster tweak when Rontez Miles is healthy.

Specialists (3) – Lachlan Eduards, Thomas Hennessy, Taylor Bertolet

BERT SZN!

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