Updating the Jets’ depth chart following the 2022 NFL draft
The Jets’ depth chart has a new look to it with the 2022 NFL draft in the books.
New York added seven players over three days. Some, like Ahmad Gardner and Garrett Wilson, are locks to start and contribute from day one. Others will have to scratch and claw to prove their worth in pursuit of a spot on the 53-man roster.
Let’s take a look at how the depth chart stands with the draft complete and numerous undrafted free agents already signed.
Quarterback
AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
Starter: Zach Wilson
Backups: Joe Flacco, Mike White
No changes here after the Jets didn’t draft a young quarterback in the late rounds. New York has yet to sign an undrafted free agent signal-caller, either.
Running Back/Fullback
AP Photo/John Locher
Starter(s): Michael Carter, Breece Hall, Nick Bawden (FB)
Backups: Tevin Coleman, Ty Johnson, La’Mical Perine, Austin Walter, Zonovan Knight
Carter and Hall are essentially 1A and 1B in the Jets’ backfield. It doesn’t matter who lines up behind Zach Wilson for the first snap of the game. Both will receive a substantial number of touches.
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Wide Receiver
Photo by David Becker/Getty Images
Starters: Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson
Backups: Braxton Berrios, Denzel Mims, Jeff Smith, D.J. Montgomery, Tarik Black, Rodney Adams, Irvin Charles, Keshunn Abram
Wilson slides into the starting lineup after being picked 10th overall. Mims’ slide down the depth chart continues as a result.
Tight End
Syndication: Columbus Dispatch
Starter: C.J. Uzomah
Backups: Tyler Conklin, Jeremy Ruckert, Kenny Yeboah, Trevon Wesco, Lawrence Cager, Brandon Dillon
The addition of Ruckert bolsters the Jets’ tight end depth in a big way. Ruckert has starting potential and could see a healthy chunk of playing time as a rookie — especially if Conklin or Uzomah succumb to injury, as they have in the past.
Offensive Line
AP Photo/Butch Dill
Starters: Mekhi Becton, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Connor McGovern, Laken Tomlinson, George Fant
Backups: Greg Van Roten, Dan Feeney, Conor McDermott, Chuma Edoga, Max Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, Greg Senat, Grant Hermanns, Parker Ferguson, Ross Piersbacher, Dru Samia
The Jets are essentially set with their starting offensive line after not drafting a tackle early. Mitchell, a fourth-round pick, gives New York a ton of versatility.
Defensive Line
Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
Starters: John Franklin-Myers, Sheldon Rankins, Quinnen Williams, Carl Lawson
Backups: Jermaine Johnson II, Jacob Martin, Solomon Thomas, Bryce Huff, Vinny Curry, Micheal Clemons, Nathan Shepherd, Jonathan Marshall, Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Tanzel Smart, Bradlee Anae, C.J. Brewer, Savion Williams
Johnson II will see plenty of snaps on the edge in passing situations with Franklin-Myers sliding inside. Clemons will also have a chance to factor into the equation as a rookie if he develops as the Jets are expecting him to.
Linebacker
Steve Luciano-AP
Starters: C.J. Mosley, Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood
Backups: Marcell Harris, Hamsah Nasirildeen, Del’Shawn Phillips, Javin White, DQ Thomas
The third starting linebacker spot is up for grabs right now. Sherwood seems like he has the best chance of winning the job, but Harris could easily slide into the role. Nasirildeen will also have the opportunity to claim plenty of playing time after an injury-riddled rookie season.
Cornerback
Photo by David Becker/Getty Images
Starters: Ahmad Gardner, D.J. Reed, Michael Carter II (nickel)
Backups: Bryce Hall, Brandin Echols, Javelin Guidry, Justin Hardee, Isaiah Dunn, Rachad Wildgoose
Hall is the biggest loser of any Jets player after the draft, as Gardner is all but a lock to claim his starting spot. Hall made major progress in his development in 2021, but will now play more of a rotational role in the secondary. Echols’ playing time is set to take a hit as well.
Safety
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Starters: Jordan Whitehead, Elijah Riley
Backups: Lamarcus Joyner, Jason Pinnock, Ashtyn Davis, Will Parks, Kai Nacua, Zane Lewis, Jovante Moffatt, Tony Adams, Allan George
The starting safety spot opposite Whitehead will come down to Davis, Joyner, Pinnock and Riley. Riley has the inside track at the job after ending last season on a high note, but don’t discount the veteran Joyner or Pinnock after he took nicely to safety at the end of 2021. Davis will also factor into the mix and Parks is back to provide quality depth.
Specialists
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Kickers: Eddy Piñeiro, Greg Zuerlein
Punter: Braden Mann
Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessy
Piñeiro and Zuerlein will duke it out for the kicking job during training camp. Piñeiro helped solidify the Jets’ kicking game late last season, while Zuerlein endured an up-and-down year with the Cowboys.
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