New York Jets Training Camp Preview: Predicted 53 Man Roster

First a few updates:

1. The Jets have signed quarterback Mark Brunell. I tend to agree with the opinion held in the Jets locker room as reported by Manish Mehta (http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2010/07/jets-to-work-out-mark-brunell.html)

2. There will be a preview of Hard Knocks on HBO tonight at 11 PM tonight.

3. Get yourself hyped up for some AFC East football in 2010, with our new episode of TOJ TV -

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4. Follow Turn On The Jets on Facebook and Twitter (Turn On The Jets). Also a heads up to all season ticket holders that the tickets will be mailed out August 2nd.

New York Jets Training Camp Preview: Predicted 53 Man Roster

It is time for our annual prediction of the Jets final 53 man roster before training camp starts and by annual I mean this is the second time we have done it, since it is only my second training camp at Turn On The Jets. Let’s hope I improve on last season when I picked Jehuu Caulcrick, Mario Urrutia, Jack Simmons, and TJ Conley to make the team.

Quarterback

1. Mark Sanchez – Let’s hope he builds on his performance in the playoffs.
2. Mark Brunell – I disagree with the decision to bring him in, let’s hope Sanchez stays healthy.
3. Kevin O’Connell – He was working ahead of Ainge in the spring and the Jets wouldn’t have traded a pick for him if they didn’t think he had potential.

Running Back

1. Shonn Greene – He steps into the lead back role after a very impressive end to his rookie season.
2. LaDainian Tomlinson – Looking to prove he isn’t over the hill.
3. Joe McKnight – Hopefully he will be groomed into Leon Washington 2.0
4. Tony Richardson – Despite his advance age, one of the better fullbacks in the NFL.
5. John Conner – Fullback of the future, should primarily play special teams this season.

Tight End

1. Dustin Keller – Another player hoping to build on a strong run of games in the playoffs.
2. Ben Hartsock – Holding! Hartsock gets his share of flags but he is a good blocker.
3. Tanner Purdum – The new long snapper, if he botches one in camp let’s get James Dearth on the phone.

Wide Receiver

1. Jerricho Cotchery – Can’t wait to see how many third downs he converts this season.
2. Braylon Edwards – Coming off a very good off-season.
3. Santonio Holmes – See you in week five.
4. Brad Smith – Hope the Jets don’t forget about the Tiger formation.
5. David Clowney – He will have a chance in the first four games to make an impact on offense and will need to step on specials.

Offensive Line

1. C: Nick Mangold – The best in the business, now pay the man.
2. LG: Vladimir Ducasse – He has big shoes to fill.
3. RG: Brandon Moore – Quietly, one of the better guards in the NFL.
4. LT: D’Brickashaw Ferguson – Just got his new contract.
5. RT: Damien Woody – Let’s hope he did well in the weight loss contest
6. G/T: Robert Turner – He sees action in the Jets short yardage packages.
7. T: Wayne Hunter – Another guy who sees action in the short yardage packages.
8. G/C: Matt Slauson- “Battling” with Ducasse for the starting job.

Defensive Line

1. DE: Shaun Ellis – The longest tenured Jet, likely in his final season with the team.
2. NT: Kris Jenkins – Returning from ACL surgery.
3. DE: Mike DeVito – Stepping into the starting line-up for Marques Douglas.
4. DT: Sione Pouha – Had a very good 2009 filling in for Jenkins.
5. DE: Vernon Gholston – New position, hopefully new results.
6. DE: Ropati Pitoitua – Will have a chance to become a bigger part of the rotation in 2010.
7. DL: Matt Kroul – Spent last season on the practice squad, should jump up this year.

Linebacker

1. ILB: David Harris – One of the best in the business, despite not getting the proper recognition.
2. ILB: Bart Scott – The vocal leader of the defense.
3. OLB: Calvin Pace – Poised for a double digit sack season.
4. OLB: Bryan Thomas – The first and second down linebacker.
5. OLB: Jason Taylor – Brought in to provide a pass rush.
6. ILB: Lance Laury – Brought in for his special teams ability.
7. OLB: Jamaal Westerman – Impressive rookie season for the UDFA and he can also play inside.
8. ILB: Kenwin Cummings – Coaches have raved about him this off-season.
9. OLB: Kevin Basped – His athleticism and long term potential grab him a roster spot.

Cornerback

1. Darrelle Revis – Pay The Man.
2. Antonio Cromartie – Alcrotraz joins Revis Island.
3. Kyle Wilson – The Jets first round pick.
4. Dwight Lowery – Could also see some time at safety.
5. Marquice Cole – Looker for a bigger role on special teams and defense than in 2009.
6. Drew Coleman – Hopefully he is safely inactive in most games.

Safety

1. Jim Leonhard – Solid and steady.
2. Brodney Pool – New addition to replace Mrs. Rhodes
3. Eric Smith – Will be used all over the place by Rex Ryan off the bench.
4. James Ihedigbo – Good role player who is often used on blitzes.
5. Donovan Warren – I am guessing Rex Ryan’s love of defensive backs will lead him to keep UDFA Warren, who was a corner in college but will now play safety.

Special Teams

1. K: Nick Folk – Let’s hope he can find what made him an All-Pro in the past.
2. P: Steve Weatherford – Nobody runs a fake punt better than big #9.

Notes: The last three I put on the roster were Drew Coleman, Donovan Warren, and Kevin Basped. I am thinking the Jets will decide they can survive with four active receivers in weeks 1 – 4. However, if they do keep an extra receiver over one of the defensive players I selected, I think it would be Danny Woodhead or Aundrae Allison. I wasn’t hesitant about the 11 defensive backs because of  Ryan’s professed love of collecting them for his roster.

New Turn On The Jets TV – “Take Over”

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