NY Jets Roster: Top 10 Bubble Players Who Need a Strong Mini-Camp

Jets fans, the NY Jets roster is starting to take shape, but there are still battles to watch, especially on the bubble. JetNation’s roster expert Sarge has broken down the top 10 players who are on the fringe but have a shot to improve their stock with a strong minicamp. With depth battles across every position group, this is the time for these guys to make noise and prove they belong. Here’s Sarge’s breakdown, that was originally posted in the JetNation Forums.

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10 – LB Zaire Barnes

A 6th-round pick in 2023, Barnes played well as a rookie in preseason but then got hurt. He’s played a total of 32 snaps in 2 years. With vets Marcelino McCrary-Ball and Jamin Davis available for backup duty and the Jets Francisco Mauigoa being selected in the 5th round, Barnes is going to have to show out in minicamp to even have a chance in the fall.

9 – Edge Braiden McGregor

UDFA had a strong preseason last year and made the team, playing in 6 games and recording 6 tackles. With Jermaine Johnson back and the Jets drafting Tyler Baron, McGregor’s best bet might be the practice squad – can he regain some of the buzz that surrounded him last year at this time?

8 – OL Max Mitchell

A 4th round pick in 2022, Mitchell has played in 30 games and started 14. He can play both OT and OG, so his versatility will help him. But with Vera-Tucker staying at Guard, Josh Myers being able to help at Guard, and 2 1st round picks starting at tackle, Mitchell is in limbo. He seems safe to catch on as the last 1 or 2 offensive linemen due to his versatility and experience, but can he be more than that? Can he challenge for a starting spot? Entering his 4th season, has he developed to the point where he’s seen as a major contributor?

7 – QB Adrian Martinez

The feel-good story of the last preseason, who spent last year on the practice squad. Does he have any realistic chance of winning the #3 QB spot? Let’s listen to see if he gets his name called during minicamp.

6 – S Dean Clark

24-year-old UDFA received a large bonus and salary guarantee. He dealt with injuries throughout his entire college career. A solid bet to be given every chance to make at least the practice squad, if he can stay healthy, he might be right in the mix for a roster spot. Will we hear his name mentioned during minicamp?

5 – RB Donovan Edwards

Another UDFA bonus baby. Received rave reviews at rookie minicamp – can he keep up the positive momentum when the veterans show up? I still think he’s on the outside looking in for a 53-man roster spot behind Hall, Allen, and Davis. But the potential is there if he can keep up the good work.

4 – TE Stone Smartt / Zack Kuntz

Veteran Jeremy Ruckert and 2nd-rounder Mason Taylor are locks at TE. Kuntz is a big athletic kid who spent the last 2 years on the practice squad. Free agent signee Stone Smartt caught 16 passes for a 13-yard average for the Chargers last year. One of those two will probably be TE #3 – do we hear anything good about either one during minicamp? This will be the first time they go “head-to-head” for a roster spot. Who ends up making the NY Jets Roster?

3 – OT Carter Warren

A 4th round pick in 2023, Warren just never stayed healthy enough to establish himself as a starter or a top-flight backup OT in the NFL. He played in 6 games last year, starting 1, and actually looked pretty solid at times. But the Jets spent their last 2 1st round picks on offensive tackles and signed Chukwuma Okorafor as a free agent in the offseason. Is there a 4th OT on the 53-man roster? Probably. Is that 4th OT Warren? He is going to have a tough road, but a good minicamp will help.

2 – DE Micheal Clemons

No doubt, Clemons is talented – he’s big and makes the occasional play, but he’s highly inconsistent. Made 34 tackles last year and played 54% of the defensive snaps. Even helps on special teams some. But for a guy entering his 4th year, is “average” good enough? Is he an Edge, a DE, or a DT in the new system? There are a lot of talented players who will be fighting for the last 2 or 3 spots in the defensive line rotation. Can Clemons stake his claim with a stellar minicamp?

1 – WR Xavier Gipson

Gipson has caught 27 passes in 2 years for a 9.9 ypc average. The team re-signed Lazard, signed 2 veteran free agents, and drafted a WR in the 4th round. Right now, he’s on the outside looking in. His best hope is some kind of WR #5/KR role, but even that seems a longshot. Can he have a great minicamp and make a case for himself heading into training camp?