FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- The New York Jets roster heading into the 2018 season (starters in bold):

QUARTERBACK (2): Sam Darnold, Josh McCown

There’s no watch-and-learn period for Darnold, who is poised to become the youngest opening-day starter in modern history. He has a chance to be special, but there will be growing pains. McCown will pull down a cool $10 million as the backup/mentor/assistant coach/resident mensch.

Jets game-by game predictions Here's how New York Jets Rich Cimini sees the season playing out. Date Opp. W-L Sept. 10 at Detroit L Sept. 17 vs. Miami W Sept. 20 at Cleveland L Sept. 30 at Jacksonville L Oct. 7 vs. Denver W Oct. 14 vs. Indianapolis W Oct. 21 vs. Minnesota L Oct. 28 at Chicago W Nov. 4 at Miami L Nov. 11 vs. Buffalo W Nov. 25 vs. New England L Dec. 2 at Tennessee L Dec. 9 at Buffalo W Dec. 15 vs. Houston L Dec. 23 vs. Green Bay L Dec. 30 at New England L Cimini's original game-by-game predictions

RUNNING BACK (3): Bilal Powell, Isaiah Crowell, Trenton Cannon

The Jets have two backs of comparable ability. Over the last two seasons, Powell has 2,052 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns; Crowell has 2,306 and nine touchdowns. Powell is better in the passing game, Crowell brings a little more thump in the running game. Look for them to split the workload.

FULLBACK (1): Lawrence Thomas

Frankly, it’s a surprise he made the team after a so-so camp. He shouldn’t get too comfy because things can change quickly.

TIGHT END (4): Eric Tomlinson, Jordan Leggett, Chris Herndon, Neal Sterling

This may be the most unproven tight-end corps in the league – only 26 combined career receptions. That’s the bad news; the good news is Herndon and Leggett have intriguing upside. Herndon is the better all-around prospect because he can block; don’t be surprised if he’s starting by midseason.

WIDE RECEIVER (6): Jermaine Kearse, Robby Anderson, Quincy Enunwa, Terrelle Pryor, Andre Roberts, Charone Peake

The Jets’ wide receivers catch a lot of flak for not having a true No. 1, but it’s the only group in the NFL with four players that have produced at least one 800-yard receiving season in their careers. The crafty Kearse will become Darnold’s security blanket once he recovers from an abdominal injury, which may take a few weeks. Roberts sticks as the return specialist.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Kelvin Beachum, James Carpenter, Spencer Long, Brian Winters, Brandon Shell, Brent Qvale, Dakota Dozier, Jonotthan Harrison, Ben Braden

The analytics say this is a pedestrian line, especially in the running game. Beachum and Winters missed significant camp time, meaning the starting five has yet to play a single snap together in a game. The Jets need Beachum to stay upright because their tackle depth is highly suspect. It’s a new scheme (outside zone), so there will be an adjustment period.

NFL Teams Cut Down Rosters Rosters rounded into shape Saturday as NFL teams trimmed down from 90 players to 53. Check out all 32 teams' cuts

DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Leonard Williams, Nathan Shepherd, Steve McLendon, Mike Pennel, Henry Anderson, Folorunso Fatukasi

This group should be stout against the run. The question is, can it generate a pass rush? Williams, playing for a long-term contract, looked terrific in the preseason, but he will see a steady diet of double teams. There’s a lot of pressure on Shepherd, who will be asked to replace Muhammad Wilkerson.

INSIDE LINEBACKER (3): Avery Williamson, Darron Lee, Neville Hewitt

It’s time for Lee to live up to his draft status. Miscast in a 3-4 front, the former first-round pick never will be a force as a “box” linebacker, but he should be good in space because of his athleticism – and he’s not. Yet. Williamson is a tackling machine, but will struggle in coverage. Both he and Lee will be every-down players.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (4): Jordan Jenkins, Josh Martin, Brandon Copeland, Jeremiah Attaochu

This is the weakest position on the team. Jenkins is a solid run defender on the strong side, but where’s the pass-rushing threat? After failing in their bid to acquire Khalil Mack, the Jets probably will use a committee approach at the “rush” linebacker position.

SAFETY (5): Jamal Adams, Marcus Maye, Doug Middleton, Terrence Brooks, J.J. Wilcox

The Jets expect big years out of Adams and Maye, the backbones to what should be a good secondary. Adams will be a force in the box, but he must be more active in pass coverage. Maye could start slowly after missing time with a surgically repaired ankle. Wilcox will be a hybrid safety/linebacker, a la Deone Bucannon.

CORNERBACK (7): Trumaine Johnson, Morris Claiborne, Buster Skrine, Darryl Roberts, Parry Nickerson, Juston Burris, Derrick Jones

The Jets are counting on Johnson, the $73 million man, to be a lockdown corner. If he can neutralize the opponents’ No. 1 receiver, it’ll allow the coaches to be more creative with their pressure schemes. Claiborne and Skrine should be fine in the No. 2 and No. 3 roles, respectively. Can they survive without a consistent pass rush?

SPECIALISTS (3): K Jason Myers, P Lachlan Edwards, LS Thomas Hennessy

Myers arrived late, but he impressed in the final two preseason games. How ‘bout that 58-yard field goal? Special teams could be shaky this season.