The 2020 JetsFix 53-man Roster Relay: First Leg

As we did last year, we're going to mark preseason with a series of fan-sourced roster projections. The usual idea is that as players make their case in each preseason game this will be reflected in the next leg of the relay, along with other developments such as injuries. However, with no games to react to this time, everyone will be flying blind.

We burst out of the blocks today with a projection from longtime friend of the show Disgruntled Jets Fan, who also shares his picks for the practice squad ...

Strap in for the most thoroughly researched, most accurate roster prediction of all time. And by most I mean least.

Special Teams (2)

P (1): Piss Missile (nickname: Braden Mann)

The biggest lock on the entire roster (and by lock I mean for All Pro).

LS (1): Thomas Hennessy

It’s tough to lose a job when you have no competition. Though it’s been done before (see: Kicker, 2019 Jets).

K (0): No one

That’s right, the Jets are finally adopting my strategy of always going for 6 and always going for 2. Finally. Besides, we all remember how kicking went early last year, right?

Offense (25)

QB (3): Sam Darnold, Joe Flacco, James Morgan*

No surprises here – Darnold to finally prove himself, Flacco to take over when Darnold catches the Q fever. Unfortunately Q here does not refer to Quinnen Williams, or even Quincy Wilson. Google it. Morgan then occupies the perpetual inactive slot ... until Darnold falls ill, and Flacco fractures his pelvis bone in his first start.

*Yes, I know Flacco will be starting the season on the A/PUP list but I absolutely refuse to acknowledge that David Fales will temporarily occupy a spot on the 53.

OL (10):

Starters, left to right: Mekhi Becton, Alex Lewis, Connor McGovern, Greg Van Roten, George Fant

These seem to be the starters at the moment, so let’s imagine the highly unlikely scenario that they’ll make it through camp healthy enough to go in week 1.

Backups: Jonotthan Harrison, Cameron Clark, Chuma Edoga, Conor McDermott, Josh Andrews

We need a backup center (I guess, though in theory Andrews could fill in), Clark is a JD rookie, Edoga is still hopefully a worthwhile project, Andrews is a JD signing, and McDermott already pushed a Kaufusi off the roster once. Besides, McDermott is Mc💩tt for anyone who speaks Russian.

RB (3): Le’Veon Bell, Frank Gore, La’Mical Perine

Bell, Gore and Perine are all locks, Gore just needs to somehow make sure his 137-year old body does not fall apart. While Josh Adams was a JD signing, he hasn’t done much so I don’t expect him to earn a RB4 job.

FB (1): Trevon Wesco

Wesco may technically be a TE on the roster but since we refuse to employ a proper FB, I’m promoting Wesco to fill that spot.

WR (6): Breshad Perriman, Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder, Vyncint Smith, Braxton Berrios, TBD

First three are locks, then things go off the rails. Gotta keep Berrios for special teams, and I guess the less terrible WR Smith makes it. WR6 will be some guy we claim between now and week 1.

TE (2): Chris Herndon, Ryan Griffin

These seem to be the only two who can get any kind of production on the roster. Finally, our long national Dan(iel) Brown nightmare will be over.

Defense (25)

DL (5): Quinnen Williams, Steve McLendon, Folorunso Fatukasi, Henry Anderson, Kyle Phillips

Q, McLendon and Fats are locks as our top interior defenders. Henry Anderson makes it because we still need our Bloods puns. Phillips had some moments last year. Shepherd looks to be on his way out.

EDGE (5): Jordan Jenkins, Tarell Basham, Jabari Zuniga, Jordan Willis, Bryce Huff

An uninspiring group at first glance, let’s just hope Zuniga shows some promise and JJ doesn’t get worse. Willis had some flashes so maybe he gets another chance, and Huff might be an interesting UDFA story.

ILB (5): Avery Williamson, Patrick Onwausor, Blake Cashman, Neville Hewitt, James Burgess

This assumes Burgess is cleared, and Avery actually survives preseason. Let’s hope our ILB unit doesn’t suffer any more losses after once again losing Mosley.

CB (6): Pierre Desir, Brian Poole, Bless Austin, Quincy Wilson, Bryce Hall, Arthur Maulet

I hate to cut Lamar Jackson, just for the name, but I do love to cut Nate Hairston, finally. Hopefully Hall is cleared in time. I’ll personally be rooting for Austin to claim a starter spot (RU Rah Rah… just don’t get Covid like the entire college team).

S (4): Marcus Maye, Bradley McDougald, Ashtyn Davis, Matthias Farley

Looking forward to seeing how McDougald does in the Jets green, as well as what Davis can contribute as a rookie. As much as I’d like to add Cioffi I think we can only have one Rutgers player on the roster. Farley I think makes it for special teams.

That’s it. Right?

Oh, FINE. I guess we have to have a kicker. Brett Maher it is just because I don’t want another Ficken season of underwhelming kicking.

Practice Squad (16)

I believe teams currently get 16 players, so here we go:

Kenneth Dixon (RB) – gotta have a RB

Jehu Chesson (WR) – special teams option

Lawrence Cager (WR) – possible potential

Ross Travis (TE) – with more slots for experienced players, why not

Brad Lundblade (OL) – depth

Jared Hilbers (OL) – project

Domenique Davis (DL) – project

Sterling Johnson (DL) – project

Javelin Guidry (CB) – I mean, have to keep a dude named Javelin

Shyheim Carter (DB) – potential

11-16: TBDs not currently on the team roster

Would you like to take the baton for the a lap of the track? Volunteer in the comments section below...