New York Jets training camp will feature plenty of positional battles.
After a disappointing season in 2023, the New York Jets will look to bounce-back in 2024. With a (presumed) healthy Aaron Rodgers, the Jets should be competitive heading into the season. Yet as we head into training camp, there are some positional battles on the Jets that still need figuring out.
New York Jets Training Camp Battles to Watch
Who takes the RB2 spot?
Running back Breece Hall has a firm grasp on the Jets’ starting role, but who will emerge as his backup in 2024?
Last year’s fifth round pick Izzy Abanikanda looks to be closer to the roster bubble than securing the backup position. The second-year player is losing reps to newly signed Tarik Cohen, and rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. While Cohen looks to be more of a special teams addition, the RB2 battle likely comes down to Allen or Davis.
Allen has shown unique pass-catching abilities in Jets OTAs. Along with his large frame and speed, it’s likely that the Wisconsin product has the first shot at taking over for Hall. And, we could potentially see him eat into Hall’s short yardage opportunities in 2024.
The wide open receiver room
Beyond third-year starter Garrett Wilson, the rest of the Jets receiving room is wide open.
Veteran receiver Mike Williams was signed this offseason, but still has yet to be cleared for activity following a torn ACL last season. The other veterans on the team include Allen Lazard and Xavier Gipson.
Lazard has an extended history with Rodgers, playing together in Green Bay. He’s also reportedly been a leader during film study. While he’s continued to struggle in OTAs, there’s a chance he’s given the first shot until Williams is cleared. Meanwhile, Gipson could surprise in his own right. The speedster showed some promise last season, but will need to improve on his stems if he wishes to be a true receiving threat.
Finally, the team added rookie Malachi Corley in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Known more as a YAC receiver, Corley is likely to play the slot for the Jets. Considering the Jets traded up to select Corley, he should have plenty of opportunity to carve out a strong role in the offense.
Defensive line shuffle
With the Jets shipping off John Franklin-Myers and letting Bryce Huff walk in free agency, the defensive line will have the most interesting training camp battles for the Jets.
The team brought in Haason Reddick in free agency, who is one of a handful of players to have 10 sacks in the last four seasons. While he hasn’t attended OTAs while attempting to secure a new contract, there’s little doubt that he won’t be named in a starting role.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald are likely to fill in some sort of rotational role as pass rushers on the opposite end.
On the inside, it’s a three-man race to see who will play alongside Quinnen Williams. Michael Clemons likely holds the edge given his standing with the team. However, the Jets signed Javon Kinlaw to a one-year, $7.25 million contract. Considering Kinlaw has never reached his first round potential, this is a hefty contract. It also means that he’s likely to see significant work this season.
Lastly, Solomon Thomas is bound to see opportunity as well. Thomas had a career-high five sacks last season playing for his former defensive coordinator from San Francisco.
Considering that Saleh and DC Jeff Ulbrich like to heavily rotate their defensive line, there’s a good chance we see each of these players achieve extensive playing time. The edge will be gained in training camp, and it’s anyone’s guess as to how that rotation will play out.
Safety competition
Head coach Robert Saleh stated prior to OTAs that the safety group would be an open competition. Last year, Tony Adams was the starter and looks to have the inside track at being so once again.
General Joe Douglas re-signed Ashtyn Davis this offseason, but it’s more likely that we see Davis featured in specific packages on the defense. After being widely considered a bust, Davis surprised many with his play last season. If he continues that going into another year in this defense, he could steal the job.
Veteran Chuck Clark was primed to start for the Jets defense last season before tearing his ACL in the summer. Going into training camp, Clark has promised to make it a battle for the Jets safeties. There’s a strong chance we see Clark win the strong safety role.
Meanwhile, Jarrick Bernard-Converse has pleasantly surprised in OTAs. The 2023 sixth round pick has looked good in his second year under Saleh. While he’s likely to be a depth piece, JBC could sneak into a starting opportunity.
