The 2020 JetsFix 53-man Roster Relay: Third Leg

As we did last year, we're going to mark preseason with a series of fan-sourced roster projections. The usual idea is that as players make their case in each preseason game this will be reflected in the next leg of the relay, along with other developments such as injuries. However, with no games to react to this time, everyone will be flying blind.

After Jet_UP kept up the pace in the second leg, the third leg will be run by Hazard ...

Hoping to not let down teammates Disgruntled Jets Fan and Jet_UP and the torrid pace they set in the first two legs of this relay, I’m letting-out all stops and running it sockless in flip flops, thinking Bent’s outrage will help me run faster. Everyone else read on at your own risk.

Offense: (25)

QB: (3) Sam Darnold, Joe Flacco, James Morgan

Sam’s breakout year now that he has (appendages crossed) a decent OL and a full complement of weapons. Joe should be ready to play within the first few weeks of season but, nothing personal, let’s hope he doesn’t take a snap all year. Captain Morgan sips rum while holding the clipboard on the sidelines.

(Editor's note: No change from the previous leg)

OL: (9) Starters: Mekhi Becton, Greg Van Roten, Connor McGovern, Alex Lewis, George Fant. Backups: Chuma Edoga, Cameron Clark, Josh Andrews, Conor McDermott

GVR & Lewis could easily switch sides, and I suspect whoever has the better chemistry with The Great Wall of Green will play beside it. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Harrison stave-off McDermott, but neither inspire much confidence and could be replaced by Player To Be Determined.

(Editor's note: No change from the previous leg)

RB: (4) Le’Veon Bell, Frank Gore, La’Mical Perine, Josh Adams

Can see Kenneth Dixon as the 4th RB instead of Adams, or for another RB signed late or during cutdowns to claim the spot, but I think Gase will want to emphasize the ground game, take some pressure off Sam and opt to keep 4 RB’s on roster.

(Editor's note: Changes since the previous leg - Adams in)

TE: (3) Chris Herndon, Ryan Griffin, Trevon Wesco

Lawrence Cager could be the wild card here, with the size and blocking skills to allow him to be a flex TE/WR and RZ target, supplanting the need for a 4th TE and sparing us another season of Dan Brown.

(Editor's note: Changes since the previous leg - Brown out)

WR: (6) Breshad Perriman, Denzel Mims, Jamison Crowder, Lawrence Cager, Braxton Berrios, Vyncint Smith

A better group than many make out, with size, speed, verticality and the ability to win contested balls. Cager and Mims gives us two — count ‘em folks TWO —WR’s who can actually block. Shades of Keyshawn Johnson! Berrios and Smith round out the receiver room with ST roles, but George Campbell is a sleeper who could beat one of them out.

(Editor's note: No change from the previous leg)

Defense (25)

DL: (5) Folorunso Fatukasi, Quinnen Williams, Steve McClendon, Nathan Shepherd, Henry Anderson

Hank could be vulnerable in late roster moves, but these guys are stout against the run and capable of generating some pressure. Q taking the next step would be huge for this group and the D.

(Editor's note: No change from the previous leg)

Edge: (5) Jordan Jenkins, Jabari Zuniga, Tarell Basham, + Question Mark & the Mysterian (for those old enough to catch the reference)

The weakest position group on the team. Although we’d love Zuniga or Basham to breakout, I’m not holding my breath. I’m using a pair of lifelines for the 4th & 5th spots, undecided whether Kyle Phillips, Jordan Willis or the rookie Bryce Huff will make the grade or whether JD signs a late FA and a guy in cutdowns who’ll eat their collective lunches. Luca Brasi gun to my head: Phillips holds on, Huff sharpens his teeth on the PS for possible mid-season promotion and Joe signs a vet with an edge.

(Editor's note: Changes since the previous leg - Veteran TBD in, Huff out)

OBLB: (5) Avery Williamson, Patrick Onwuasor, Neville Hewitt, Blake Cashman, James Burgess

Still mourning CJ’s decision to sit out. This unit survived his absence most of last year, but Mosley’s ability to set the D and diagnose what opposing O’s are doing will be sorely missed, again, especially with Jamal gone. Avery and Peanut better stay healthy (Cashman, too).

(Editor's note: No change from the previous leg)

S: (5) Marcus Maye, Bradley McDougald, Ashtyn Davis, Quincy Wilson, and either Lamar Jackson or Shyheim Carter (toss up)

Yes, I’m putting Wilson in as a S although such distinctions won’t matter much this year. He and others will move around a lot. I’m debating who’ll win the jump ball between Jackson and Carter, which pits a member of the Tall, Long & Slow club with suspect ball skills against a shorter but faster guy with T-Rex arms. I’m thinking Brant Boyer, more than Gregg Williams, calls this race. Shyheim by a nose.

(Editor's note: No change from the previous leg - unless Jackson beats out Carter)

CB: (5) Pierre Desir, Bless Austin, Brian Poole, Arthur Maulet, Bryce Hall

The distinction between DB roles may never be more blurred than under Mad Scientist Gregg this season. I expect a lot of experimental combinations in the secondary where McDougald, Maye, Davis, Poole, Hall, Wilson, Jackson and/or Carter are all used in creative and deceptive ways in an attempt to offset the loss of Jamal and disguise the lack of shutdown corners.

(Editor's note: No change from the previous leg)

ST: (3) LS Thomas Hennessy, P Braden Mann, K Brett Maher

Piss Missile becomes a weapon in field position if Boyer’s Boyz are up to the coverage challenge. Hennessy’s a top-shelf LS and Maher wins the kicking job; let’s hope he can also win us some games.

(Editor's note: No change from the previous leg)

Practice Squad (16)

QB: Mike White
OL: Jared Hilbers, Corbin Kaufusi
RB: Kenneth Dixon or PTBD
TE: Ross Travis (until a better option comes along)
WR: George Campbell, Jeff Smith
DL: Sterling Johnson
Edge: John Franklin-Myers, Bryce Huff
LB: BJ Bello
CB: Javelin Guidry
S: Shyheim Carter/Lamar Jackson, Anthony Cioffi

(Editor's note: Changes since the previous leg - Hilbers in, Chesson, Lundblade out)

I’m reserving the last couple spots for PTBD. A few of these guys are also sure to be on the bubble and lose their spots to cutdown acquisitions, but my Palantir is holding out, demanding an early extension and refuses to say who they are.

That’s all I got. Next guy up better take the baton before I fall on my face and drop it!


Would you like to take the baton for the a lap of the track? Volunteer in the comments section below...