The New York Jets have begun their preseason campaign after defeating the Washington Commanders, 20-17, in a narrow game between the sides.
During the game, plenty of players received their first chance to try and impress the Jets staff on the field and potentially earn a spot on the roster. After just one game, the staff is already getting a feel for the individuals that they feel will fit the team the best. Here are some of the talented players who are currently fighting to make the roster, and some who might see their chance slip away.
New York Jets Staff Loving Young, Talented Players Proving Themselves
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Jul 25, 2024; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) participates in a drill during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Early on during preseason, the Jets staff loved to watch their young talent develop right in front of their eyes. Players like Jermaine Johnson, Xavier Gipson, and Will McDonald IV have all made major strides and aim to make a serious impact this upcoming season. During the first preseason game of the season for the Jets, some of the youth received a chance to fully display their skills for the staff.
Who is Going to Make the Jets Roster After Week One of the Preseason?
After the first preseason game of the season for the Jets against the Commanders, three players in particular might have saved a spot on the roster. Quarterback Andrew Peasley, wide receiver Jason Brownlee, and linebacker Chazz Surratt performed well during their time on the field this past game.
Peasley, a former Wyoming standout, recorded 73 yards through the air and a touchdown on 8-of-11 passing. The quarterback did not test the defense much but showed confidence and accuracy during his time on the field. Peasley could sneak his way onto the roster as a reserve quarterback if he continues to outperform Tyrod Taylor and Adrian Martinez, but it will take a stellar performance to sway the staff.
Brownlee is entering his second season with the Jets after an up-and-down season last year. Brownlee finished the year with 56 yards and a touchdown after cracking the starting lineup to finish the season. The wide receiver seemed safe before camp, but may still need to prove himself during preseason with receivers like Malachi Corley, Xavier Gipson, and Tyler Harrell showcasing incredible potential.
Who is Not Going to Make the Jets Roster After Week One of the Preseason?
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East Rutherford, NJ August 26, 2023 — Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and coach Robert Saleh in the first half. The NY Jets against the NY Giants on August 26, 2023 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, as the rivals play their final preseason game before the start of the NFL season.
After the first preseason game of the season for the Jets against the Commanders, three players in particular sit in the hot seat. Running back Xazavian Valladay, wide receiver Lance McCutcheon, and cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers all missed the mark in their first action of the preseason.
Valladay carried the ball eight times for 11 yards and seemed a step slow during his time on the field. Given, Valladay was running behind depth offensive linemen, but regardless the running back struggled. Valladay is a player currently sitting on the bubble as the Jets will need to cut at least two running backs.
McCutcheon, a third-year player, has found himself in a similar situation at wide receiver as the Jets have displayed plenty of depth at the position. McCutcheon had three targets against the Commanders and realistically only had a chance at two of those targets. The wide receiver has height on his side, something the Jets staff likes to see, but will need to perform moving forward to stay on the roster.
Stiggers, a defensive back from the CFL, has been the center of one of the cooler and more interesting draft stories as of late. Stiggers still has a lot of room to improve, and that is apparent in his technique and footwork at cornerback. The cornerback struggled in coverage last game, allowing a reception on the only target his way, but also allowing the opposing receiver to burn him at times.
Can Xazavian Valladay Sneak Into a Strong Running Back Room?
One of the biggest stories coming out of the running back room specifically surrounds the talented former Arizona State rusher Xazavian Valladay. Valladay has been battling Deon Jackson for a spot on the roster but struggled to do much with his first chance on the field, collecting 11 yards on the ground. Valladay is also an accomplished returner which could be key to the running back potential making the roster.
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