I was surprised to hear he will keep four tight ends especially after the game Matt Mulligan had against Washington. He did not block well on kick returns and for a guy whose value is blocking on special teams, I thought he was destined for the practice squad. But obviously the coaching staff feels he has the talent to develop more consistency.

Fellow tight end Jeff Cumberland has impressed since mini-camp. The coaches love his athleticism and solid hands. In limited action he has already shown the ability to get separation and adjust to off-target throws.

If Ryan really meant what he said when he told the media at Monday’s press conference that he would keep the best players regardless of position, then he should keep Chauncey Washington and Danny Woodhead. Both guys have been consistent and have made plays on special teams.

That would leave Ryan with seven running backs, which is hard to imagine. Perhaps that is why he is working Woodhead at wide receiver more.

David Clowney has been rumored to be on the bubble but I am not convinced the team will really cut him if he does not produce against Philadelphia. Despite his underachieving play, he has the speed coaches covet and he knows the Jets’ offense.

With the loss of Ropati Pitoitua, defensive end has become an intriguing position. Ryan cut Rodrique Wright because he failed to make an impression that means youngsters Ty Steinkuhler and Matt Kroul will be left to duke it out for a spot.

Kroul has the leg up in this battle. He plays with more intensity and aggressiveness than Steinkuhler and uses better leverage. Fans of Hard Knocks will remember Kroul was the guy with whom Matt Slauson fought during blocking drills.

Ryan likes to keep extra defensive backs which might open the door for someone like Emanuel Cook who has had his moments. I am a bigger fan of Donovan Warren but he has missed a lot of time due to injury.

Guys who do not play always face an uphill struggle to make a roster and that could be Warren’s fate. I think he will be placed on the practice squad if he is cut because his skill set and versatility are too intriguing to give up on.

Linebackers Josh Mauga and Brashton Satele also intrigue the coaching staff but they have barely played and might be practice squad guys as well. Fellow linebacker Lance Laury has a good chance to grab a spot because of his experience in the league. He can be counted on for good special teams play and can make plays on defense as well.

Laury was the blitzing linebacker who drilled Jim Sorgi in the Giants game and knocked him out (Sorgi is lost for the season with a shoulder injury).

Cory Reamer has good special teams ability but has flown under the radar so far. He is smart, knows his assignments and rarely makes mistakes. He is not a bad choice to back up Scott and Harris along with Kenwin Cummings but he needs to make some plays against the Eagles to have a chance.

Of all the guys on the bubble, I think Woodhead, Clowney, Kroul and Laury have the best chance to make the roster. Clowney probably does not deserve it since he does not bring consistent effort but I cannot see Ryan cutting him.

Players who project to the practice squad are Donovan Warren, Corey Reamer, Emanuel Cook and Brashton Satele.


Written by Alan Levin