The NY Jets don't have nearly as many roster spots up for grabs as they have had in recent years. That's largely a product of one of the deepest and most talented rosters the organization has put together in decades.
From a star-studded defense to a much-improved offense led by the returning Aaron Rodgers, the Jets have Super Bowl aspirations this season for a reason. The hope is that this Jets team has what it takes to not only break their 13-year postseason drought but also make a run at a championship.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, however, the Jets still have one final preseason game to go. Many of their final roster spots have already been determined, and Saturday's 15-12 win over the Carolina Panthers helped solidify the case for a number of players on the roster.
Let's take a look at four Jets players who may have already secured a place on the 53-man roster following their performance on Saturday.
1. Jarrick Bernard-Converse, CB, NY Jets
Jarrick Bernard-Converse only played 11 snaps in Saturday's preseason victory before exiting with a groin injury that's expected to keep him sidelined for the remainder of the summer, but it's safe to say he's earned a spot on the active roster.
Bernard-Converse has been perhaps the Jets' best player this summer. The former LSU product was outstanding in the team's preseason opener, allowing just one catch on six targets. And it should be noted that he had perfect coverage on his only reception allowed.
He followed that up with another excellent performance on Saturday, once again finishing as the Jets' highest-graded defensive player, per Pro Football Focus. Bernard-Converse earned an 86.8 PFF grade, including an 87.1 coverage grade.
Only two out of 199 defensive backs throughout the NFL have been graded higher by PFF over the first two weeks of the preseason than Bernard-Converse. He's expected to be ready for Week 1, and you can expect him on the 53-man roster.
2. Xavier Newman, OG, NY Jets
Xavier Newman has quietly put together a really strong preseason through the first two weeks. The former undrafted free agent has been arguably the team's best offensive lineman, splitting reps at both guard spots and at center.
Newman started Saturday's preseason game at center and didn't allow a single pressure on 16 pass-block snaps. This comes one week after his 90.0 PFF run-block grade was among the best in the entire NFL.
With Jake Hanson sidelined for much of the summer, Newman has stepped up and claimed the Jets' second backup interior lineman job. It would be a surprise to see him left off the 53-man roster at this point.
3. Takk McKinley, DE, NY Jets
Another player who has quietly impressed, both as a pass rusher and run defender, has been Takk McKinley. The veteran edge rusher signed with the Jets following a successful rookie minicamp tryout, and he seems like a safe bet to make the roster at this stage.
McKinley has recorded three pressures through the first two preseason games, earning a stellar 88.4 PFF grade which ranks second among all Jets players behind only Bernard-Converse. He's been the team's best defensive lineman.
After sitting out of football last season, the former first-round pick looks rejuvenated and ready to play a role in the Jets' defensive line rotation. He's earned a spot on the roster with his performance this summer.
4. Israel Abanikanda, RB, NY Jets
Israel Abanikanda seemed to be fighting an uphill battle to make the Jets' 53-man roster after he plummeted down the depth chart following the additions of Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis in the draft, but his preseason performance might be saving his job.
Abanikanda has been effective as a second-half preseason runner and is actually PFF's highest-graded Jets running back this summer. He added 29 yards on six carries in the Jets' win over the Panthers this past Saturday.
While he's still not a lock for the 53-man roster, his performance this summer combined with the retirement of Tarik Cohen may have just saved him a spot. One more strong showing in the Jets' preseason finale would solidify his case.
