As the Jets head into their final game of the season against the New York Giants, players have one last chance to make an impression in the tryout season. Which players could use a big game?
Will McDonald: Unlike the other players on this list, McDonald’s spot on the roster is secure. His job isn’t dependent on a strong performance in this game. Nor does he need to recover from a rough game. On the contrary, McDonald has QB hits in both preseason games so far. It’s more about keeping the momentum going. McDonald has suddenly become a crucial player, and there’s no end in sight to Haason Reddick’s time off. He can calm some nerves by getting back to attacking the quarterback, which will likely require limited use.
Israel Abanikanda: Since the Jets selected two running backs on the third day of the NFL Draft, Abanikanda’s future is set. I don’t think the Jets had a specific strategy to get Izzy off the roster, but I also don’t think they should select two running backs at this point if they’re confident Abanikanda will play in this league. Breece Hall, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis are all safe bets to make the team. It’s possible to keep four, but it’s not essential. Abanikanda needs to give the Jets a reason to feel compelled to keep a fourth running back. Otherwise, he might end up on the practice squad.
Leonard Taylor: Taylor had a great first preseason game with a sack and a tackle for a loss, which sparked rumors that he might be able to grab a spot on the roster as the fifth defensive tackle. The biggest challenge for Taylor to make the roster might be whether the Jets are confident they can get him through the waiver list to the practice squad. That’s likely with most undrafted free agents. It’s rare for one to get claimed off waivers. I’m not sure how much another big game will change the calculus, but it might at least give the Jets’ decision makers something to think about.
Zack Kuntz: I’d say Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert are the Jets’ two surefire tight ends. That leaves three players, Kenny Yeboah, Anthony Firkser and Kuntz, for one or two remaining spots. Kuntz is at a bit of a disadvantage. Brant Boyer has shown a tendency to use Yeboah on special teams when he’s active, and Firkser has experience at the fullback position. That could leave Kuntz as the odd man out unless he makes a statement that the Jets need to keep him.
Brandon Codrington: I bet this time a week ago, you probably hadn’t heard of Brandon Codrington. Three big returns later, he actually has a good chance of making the Jets’ 53-man roster as their primary returner. If he makes another big run or two tonight, they’ve got to keep him. Or not?
