The Jets expect the young pieces drafted in recent years to be boosted by a new regime and various veteran additions.
Quarterback (2)
Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor
Undrafted rookie Brady Cook will try to impress enough in the preseason to make the 53-man roster, but the Jets are likely to keep just Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor with tough cutdown decisions at other positions.
Running back (4)
Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Andrew Beck
Trade rumors around Breece Hall have quieted down after the Jets didn’t even draft a running back in a loaded class, but former Michigan standout Donovan Edwards is someone to keep an eye on as an undrafted signing. Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis are expected to see increased involvement in 2025 with Andrew Beck brought in the handle duties at fullback.
Wide receiver (6)
Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, Malachi Corley, Arian Smith (R), Tyler Johnson
A reworked deal for Allen Lazard keeps him in New York this year, but the Jets added Josh Reynolds and Tyler Johnson as veterans who could push for starting roles—especially if Malachi Corley doesn’t step up in his second season. The fourth-round pick spent on speedster Arian Smith might not bode well for the roster chances of Xavier Gipson.
Tight end (3)
Mason Taylor (R), Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt
Tight end was probably the biggest hole on the roster for the Jets entering the 2025 NFL Draft, and they addressed it by taking Mason Taylor at No. 42 overall. We would think the spots behind him should be secure for Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt, but maybe six-foot-eight Zack Kuntz will make it a competition.
Offensive tackle (4)
Olu Fashanu, Armand Membou (R), Chukwuma Okorafor, Carter Warren
Offensive tackle also appears close to settled with Chukwuma Okorafor and Carter Warren as the backups for the youthful bookend of Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou—though the versatility of backup guard Max Mitchell (not to mention Alijah Vera-Tucker) could change the roster construction if New York would rather keep just three tackles.
Interior offensive line (5)
John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Josh Myers, Max Mitchell
The Jets finally have the offensive line settled across the board, and the depth should also be solid led by former second-round pick Josh Myers signing as the backup center. Xavier Newman is the first guy out and would have a good shot if the team ends up keeping 10 offensive linemen.
Defensive tackle (6)
Quinnen Williams, Derrick Nnadi, Byron Cowart, Leonard Taylor III, Phidarian Mathis, Jay Tufele
There wasn’t any big singular investment on the defensive line for New York this offseason, but they threw a few darts by signing Derrick Nnadi, Byron Cowart, and Jay Tufele as bodies behind Quinnen Williams. Don’t forget about Leonard Taylor III (a nice find as an undrafted free agent in 2024) and former Washington second-rounder Phidarian Mathis in a deep group.
Defensive end (5)
Jermaine Johnson II, Will McDonald IV, Michael Clemons, Tyler Baron (R), Eric Watts
Tyler Baron in the fifth round was surprisingly the only draft pick made by the Jets on the defensive front, but they’re counting on former first-round picks Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV to fully emerge under Aaron Glenn. The battle here likely comes down to Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor for one spot.
Linebacker (5)
Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood, Zaire Barnes, Jamin Davis, Francisco Mauigoa (R)
Jamin Davis—claimed off waivers late last year—is another first-round pick the Jets will try to factor into their plans for 2025, and a full conversion to the edge is possible. If so, Zaire Barnes and rookie Francisco Mauigoa would be the backup off-ball linebackers to the anchoring duo of Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood. Special teams value could allow Marcelino McCrary-Ball to crack the roster again, but a surprise here seems unlikely.
Cornerback (5)
Sauce Gardner, Michael Carter II, Brandon Stephens, Azareye’h Thomas (R), Qwan’tez Stiggers
D.J. Reed sounded ready to move on for greener pastures and signed a three-year, $48 million deal with the Lions, which led to the Jets turning their attention to Brandon Stephens on a three-year, $36 million deal—giving the defense more size across from Sauce Gardner. However, the signing of Stephens and drafting of Azareye’h Thomas were somewhat curious based on the stickier options Aaron Glenn finally got last year in Detroit, so we’ll see how things play out. New York keeping six cornerbacks would increase the roster odds for Kris Boyd in a battle with Qwan’tez Stiggers.
Safety (5)
Andre Cisco, Malachi Moore (R), Tony Adams, Isaiah Oliver, Jaylin Simpson
Tony Adams returns as one of the starting safeties over the past two seasons, but we’d expect fourth-round pick Malachi Moore to emerge alongside Andre Cisco—who is playing on a prove-it deal after coming over from Jacksonville. Converted cornerback Isaiah Oliver brings position versatility, and Jaylin Simpson has a demeanor to make the roster with a full summer in New York after being claimed from the Colts in December.
Special teams (3)
Anders Carlson, Thomas Morestead, Thomas Hennessy
Long snapper Thomas Hennessy is the only special teamer that’s safe, and the Jets clearly want to get the third unit right with Anders Carlson and undrafted free agent Cade Davis battling Greg Zuerlein for the kicking job, while punter Thomas Morestead faces competition in the form of Austin McNamara.