It’s hard to say how much the final preseason game will affect roster decisions. The coaching staff had weeks of practice and two more friendlies to watch. One final preseason game can’t mean that much. But it’s a chance for players battling for roster spots to make a closing argument. Here are five Jets who I think helped their cause last night.
Israel Abanikanda: Abanikanda was on my list of players yesterday who I thought needed a great performance. And he delivered. The highlight was definitely his 45-yard touchdown run where he broke two tackles. Aside from that run, I thought he ran hard and showed good balance. He consistently gained yards after contact. Even if you took away that touchdown run, his average per attempt would be an excellent 4.75 yards. The cards may be mixed against Abanikanda, but he did what he could in the season finale. This was perhaps the first time in two years that I was truly impressed with his performance.
Leonard Taylor: Taylor also made my list of Jets who need to step up. His biggest obstacle to making the roster might be that the Jets probably couldn’t sign him to the practice squad. I guess they still could, but maybe another sack and half a tackle for a loss will raise doubts in the minds of the Jets’ decision-makers. And I’d add that there’s now an argument that Taylor deserves a spot on the roster based on his performance alone. Not only has he been productive in the preseason, he also seems to be good with his hands and has pretty polished moves for an undrafted rookie. The success he showed in the preseason could very well be replicated once the real games begin.
Braiden McGregor: Unlike Taylor, I’m not sure how replicable McGregor’s success will be once the real games start. His success against the Giants seemed more like a defensive end simply overwhelming weaker opponents. But McGregor certainly seems in the running for one of the final spots on the roster, and the Jets will be thinking about a two-sack season finale.
Zaire Barnes: Barnes may have to deal with shortages at the linebacker position. The Jets have CJ Mosley, Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood. Sam Eguavoen is one of the most important special teamers on the roster. Could the Jets keep another linebacker? It’s a thing that could go either way. I think Barnes’ seven-tackle performance will probably help.
Three Sultry Things: It’s not easy to make the roster when you join the team in the middle of training camp. Swilling’s chances remain slim, but the fumble he forced on the opening kickoff could get some attention. Most of the guys playing in the third preseason game probably won’t get much playing time at their usual positions. They could, however, get on the field on special teams, so plays made there will count especially.
