The New York Jets must undertake the arduous task of configuring a final 53-man roster as the preseason comes to a close.
Many players stood out and got better as camp went on, but some on the team struggled. It's going to be interesting to see who head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas keep when it's time for final cuts and this Saturday's game against the New York Giants is a huge final test for the Jets' players on the roster bubble.
Here are three Jets who can secure their rosters spots by performing well in the preseason finale on August 24 at MetLife Stadium.
DL Takkarist McKinley
The Jets had signed Takk McKinley back in early June during their minicamp. The former Falcons' first-round pick back in 2017 has been magnificent since being brought into what is a crowded position group. If there's a shot for McKinley to prove why he was drafted so high, Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich are going to get everything out of him.
This Saturday's game can be the icing on the cake for McKinley to solidify his roster spot. Over the last two preseason games, McKinley has been fairly quiet with only two total tackles with one QB hit. Nevertheless, he's looked explosive and quick off the line in these games and has had quite the training camp.
With superstar edge Haason Reddick holding out, McKinley has taken full advantage of his time in New York so far. The Jets would need McKinley as well if Reddick doesn't return because of their need for rotational depth on the defensive line. Saleh sang high praises about the six-year veteran's time in Florham Park up to this point, after Thursday's joint practice with the Giants.
"I'm going to talk about Takk [Takkarist McKinley] too because Takk's really taking advantage of this opportunity too. He looks really, really good."
TE Kenny Yeboah
It's expected that the Jets are going to keep three tight ends on the roster with Tyler Conklin and Jeremy Ruckert locks to make the team.
The third spot in the TE room is interesting with Yeboah and Zack Kuntz on the team. Kuntz was drafted in the 7th round of last year's draft, but has not found his rhythm just yet in New York. Yeboah on the other hand has been with the Jets since 2021 when he was snatched up as an undrafted rookie. He re-signed with the Jets on a one-year deal back in March.
Yeboah's 2023 season was unlucky to say the least, having been sidelined on the injured reserve until mid-December with a hamstring injury he sustained during the preseason versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now that he's healthy, his value to the Jets can be used as both a TE and on special teams.
When Yeboah was activated last season, he averaged over 20 snaps on both units the rest of the year. As a TE, Yeboah can be useful in the run game where he's been efficient in the past, which will be important since the Jets are a run-first team. With Ruckert as the TE2, Yeboah will most likely be more of a vital special teams piece rather than an every-down option.
Still, Saturday will be a great chance for Yeboah to stick out as a blocker at the TE spot and through special teams. Kuntz has not looked good throughout camp or the past two games so Yeboah should take advantage of this competition.
RB Israel Abanikanda
One of the biggest question marks when it comes to who will make the 53-man roster is Abanikanda. With superstar Breece Hall and rookie running back Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis in the mix, it's curious to see how the Jets staff values Abanikanda, who was a Round 5 draft pick in 2023.
The second-year RB out of Pitt had an uneventful 2023 but still has a lot of upside because of his 4.3 speed, which the Jets could certainly use. Davis would be the likely choice to move to special teams upon Abanikanda making the roster and he has been solid in his role throughout training camp. The NFL changed the return rules to require two returners and Davis has taken in-game reps during the preseason games at both return spots.
If one of Hall or Allen gets hurt, Abanikanda could bring a difference of pace at RB. Not for nothing, but Abanikanda did rush for 1,431 yards and a whopping 20 TDs in his final year at Pitt. He's a talented back who the Jets loved when they selected him in the fifth round during last year's draft.
Expect Abanikanda to get a ton of reps on both special teams and RB during Saturday's game versus the Giants. He's coming off a productive performance in Preseason Game No. 2.
Luckily for the Brooklyn-born running back, even if he doesn't make the 53, there's a high chance of a team claiming him off waivers.
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• Robert Saleh offers 10-word response to Haason Reddick question
• Jets' former $45 million man signs with Dallas Cowboys
• Robert Saleh rules out three injured defenders for rest of preseason
