The Jets’ initial 53-man roster is set.
General manager Joe Douglas and his personnel team made 37 moves before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.
In a crowded defensive room, undrafted free agents Leonard Taylor III, Eric Watts and Braiden McGregor were all retained. They shined throughout the summer, including their performance in the final preseason game against the Giants, where they combined for four sacks against their in-state rival.
Veteran Takk McKinley, who led the Jets with 2.5 sacks last Saturday, also made the initial 53-man roster, while Douglas kept 10 defensive linemen (Jermaine Johnson is listed as a linebacker).
“I know I’ve made mistakes in the past, on and off the field, but everybody can improve,” McKinley, a 2017 first-round pick, said after Saturday’s game. “I’m very grateful that (DC Jeff Ulbrich) gave me the opportunity to show the Jets organization what I’m capable of. He’s a great guy because he didn’t have to do that. Every day in training camp, I gave it my all. In the game, I gave it my all and we’ll see what happens.”
Israel Abanikanda was selected at running back after an impressive performance against the Giants where he ran for a 45-yard touchdown and finished with a team-high 83 rushing yards. The Green & White’s stable also includes Breece Hall and rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis.
On the initial 53-man roster, the Jets have two quarterbacks – Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor – and 10 offensive linemen.
The Jets placed DT Leki Fotu and TE Kenny Yeboah on injured reserve, and they will miss at least the first four weeks of the regular season. Rookie QB Jordan Travis was placed on non-football injury list.
“His rehab is going to be a little bit longer than expected, but he’s in great shape,” Robert Saleh said of Travis, who broke his leg last November while playing for Florida State. “He’s in all the meetings, he’s in all the visits. Hopefully, it’s something we can revisit later in the year.”
Douglas & Co. can begin filling out the Green and White practice squad Wednesday afternoon once the waiver window closes.
