The Jets’ preseason finale against Philadelphia will be mostly for the kids, the young guys trying to secure a spot in the rotation at their position, on the 53-man roster or the practice squad. Tuesday is cutdown day.
“A good amount of starters won’t play,” Aaron Glenn said. “It gives us a chance to look at some of the other young guys and give them plenty of playing time so we can evaluate them.”
Here are five Jets to watch Friday night:
1. ADRIAN MARTINEZ, QB. Justin Fields is not expected to play. Tyrod Taylor remains out after arthroscopic knee surgery. The Jets could have a need for a backup quarterback for Week 1, and it could be Martinez’s job to lose.
Martinez has played better than rookie Brady Cook in practice and the preseason. Martinez has made throws downfield and has completed 23 of 37 passes for 266 yards with a touchdown and interception in the two games against Green Bay and the Giants.
He has never taken an NFL regular-season snap and seemed destined to be the Jets’ practice team quarterback again. He still might be if the Jets sign or trade for a veteran or Taylor returns soon. But Martinez has a chance to show he deserves the backup job, even if it’s a short-term gig.
2. LEONARD TAYLOR III, DT. The second-year pro is one of several defensive tackles who could be on thin ice for the 53-man roster after the moves the Jets made Wednesday.
The Jets acquired former Vikings starter Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs from Cleveland. They join Quinnen Williams, Jay Tufele and Byron Cowart (a potential candidate for injured reserve) in the defensive tackle room. Taylor, Payton Page and former Kansas City tackle Derrick Nnadi could be playing for their futures as Jets.
Taylor has flashed in practice and the preseason. Page did earlier in camp as well. Nnadi hasn’t made much of an impact. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said Taylor is “doing some great things.” He might need to do more in this game to make the 53.
The Jets released tackle Phidarian Mathis on Thursday. He had played some first-team reps in camp.
3. MALACHI CORLEY, WR. The previous regime drafted Corley in the third round last year. He has yet to carve out a role.
Corley was slowed by injury in the spring, an important time to show the new coaching staff what he can bring to this team. Instead, he had to play catch-up in training camp and fell behind a number of receivers. Corley has been used sparingly in the passing game and special teams, and he’s not high on either depth chart.
The self-proclaimed YAC King (Yards After Catch) has one catch for 8 yards in two preseason games (33 total snaps). He’s returned two kickoffs for 50 yards. Coaches like the physicality that Corley plays with, but this could be the last time he does it in a Jets uniform.
4. BRANDON SMITH, WR. He’s been a consistent playmaker throughout training camp and preseason. A big target, the 6-1 Smith has seven catches for 71 yards in two games. He has shown that if he doesn’t make the 53, he should be on the practice team.
“That’s one guy that I probably haven’t talked about enough,” Glenn said. “But man, I like where he’s at and he’s steadily improving on a daily basis. It’s good when your younger guys are showing up because now it pushes the older guys that they got to get going.”
It’s a numbers game in a receiver room that likely will include Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, Tyler Johnson, Allen Lazard (another IR candidate) and Arian Smith. Jamaal Pritchett could make it because of his return ability and 6-5 Quentin Skinner has potential.
5. AZAREYE’H THOMAS, CB. The rookie cornerback missed the first two preseason games with a shoulder injury but returned to practice Wednesday and picked off Fields in the end zone.
The Jets need depth and playmakers in the back end behind Sauce Gardner, Brandon Stephens and Michael Carter II. They are high on Thomas, but he has some ground to make up. Rookie safety Malachi Moore can play some cornerback. Kris Boyd (shoulder) going to IR could open the door for Jarius Monroe or Jarrick Bernard-Converse to make the 53.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.