Jets Wire's New York Jets latest 53-man roster projection

The Jets suffered a tough 31-12 loss to the New York Giants Saturday night in their second preseason game. The starting offense looked out of sync, especially quarterback Justin Fields.

But, all was not lost as there were some players who helped themselves with solid play and others who are hanging on by a thread.

Here is Jets Wire’s prediction for the final 53 man roster:

Quarterbacks: (2)

In: Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor

Out: Adrian Martinez, Brady Cook

Fields didn't look comfortable at all against the Giants defense and the accuracy concerns were on full display during the two series he saw action.  He sailed a pass over the head of Breece Hall and bounced a screen pass to Garrett Wilson.  Despite his disappointing performance, he’s not in any jeopardy of losing his starting job.

Taylor's situation is a little more unclear as he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery. All signs point to him being ready for Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he's not expected to play in Friday's preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. He hasn't taken a snap so far in any preseason games and it's possible they could put him on short-term IR to get him back into game shape. The Jets recently worked out Nathan Peterman and CJ Beathard, but neither seem likely to be signed. Martinez and Cook have looked good, but are more likely to pass through waivers and one could find their way to the practice squad.

Running Back (5)

In: Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, Kene Nwangwu, Andrew Beck (Fullback)

Out: Donovan Edwards, Lawrance Toafili

The Jets run game will be the strength of the offense and it was on full display against the Giants as they rushed 33 times for 141 yards.  Hall and Allen figure to receive the bulk of the carries with Davis filling in when needed.  Nwangwu is listed as a running back, but he's expected to be used primarily on special teams as a kick returner.  Beck's strong first game against the Packers keeps him around as the team’s fullback.

Wide Receiver (7)

In: Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, Tyler Johnson, Arian Smith, Brandon Smith, Jamaal Pritchett

Out: Malachi Corley, Xavier Gipson, Quentin Skinner

Lazard is dealing with a shoulder injury and may not be ready for the start of the season. Arian Smith and Brandon Smith have both played well and deserve spots on this roster. Pritchett has outperformed Gipson, who is dealing with a shoulder injury. Pritchett probably won't see much time as a receiver, but he's got a good chance to be the team's punt returner. It's not looking good for Corley, who wasn't targeted by any of the Jets quarterbacks in Saturday's loss.

Tight End(3)

In: Mason Taylor, Stone Smartt, Jeremy Ruckert

Out: Zack Kuntz

Taylor is healthy and ready to be the team's starting tight end. Smartt continues to have a good preseason and may have taken the TE2 spot from Ruckert. The former Chargers tight end had a touchdown last week against the Packers and had a beautiful block on Giants first round pick Abdul Carter, knocking the defensive end to the ground. Ruckert has really struggled and there's a possibility he could be a cut candidate after Friday's game against the Eagles.

Offensive Linemen(9)

In: Olu Fashanu, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Joe Tippmann, John Simpson, Armand Membou, Josh Myers, Chukwuma Okorafor, Max Mitchell, Xavier Newman

Out: Carter Warren, Kohl Leave

The Jets starting offensive line has looked terrific in two games opening holes for Hall and Allen. They have potential to be a Top 10 unit, but they still need to give Fields more time to throw the ball. Tippmann is locked in as the starting center, outplaying Myers.  He saw time at left guard when Simpson was injured, so his versatility makes him even more valuable.  Membou has had his moments as a rookie so far, but has also shown why he was selected with the seventh overall pick. The depth behind the starters is much stronger than last season and they could choose to have 10 linemen on the final roster with Warren most likely taking that spot.

Defensive Tackle(5)

In: Quinnen Williams, Byron Cowart, Jay Tufele, Derrick Nnadi, Leonard Taylor III

Out: Phidarian Mathis, Payton Page, Fatorma Mulbah

Cowart was the favorite to start next to Williams, but has yet to play in a preseason game or practice over the past two weeks due to injury. Tufele has played well in both preseason games and would take Cowart's starting spot. Nnadi has been quiet this preseason, but his veteran experience should be enough to keep him around.

Defensive End (4)

In: Will McDonald, Jermaine Johnson, Micheal Clemons, Rashad Weaver

Out: Tyler Baron, Eric Watts, Braiden McGregor

Glenn said after Saturday's game that Weaver suffered a hamstring injury, but wouldn't disclose the severity. After McDonald and JJ, this position is very weak and the Jets could explore signing Jadeveon Clowney or Z'Darius Smith to make it stronger.  Watts may have sealed his fate after receiving another personal foul penalty for roughing the passer against the Giants. Baron has shown nothing so far and seems destined for the practice squad.

Linebacker (4)

In: Quincy Williams, Jamien Sherwood, Marcellino McCrary-Ball, Jamin Davis

Out: Francisco Mauigoa, Zaire Barnes

Williams and Sherwood are two of the top linebackers in the league. The Jets may have sent a message to Williams that they want to sign him long-term after adding $1.5 million to his current salary this season for play-related incentives. McCrary-Ball mostly played special teams in his career, but has earned a spot on the roster with his physical play. Barnes really struggled against the Giants with his tackling as well as in coverage. Like Baron, Mauigoa seems destined for the practice squad

Cornerbacks (7)

In: Sauce Gardner, Brandon Stephens, Michael Carter III, Aza’reyah Thomas, Quantez Stiggers, Kris Boyd, Jarrick Bernard-Converse

Out: Jordan Clark, Bump Cooper

Thomas, the team's third-round pick and Boyd are both dealing with injuries and could be candidates for short-term IR. Stiggers has had a good preseason and should be the primary backup to Sauce. It hasn't been talked about much, but JBC has quietly had a great camp and his versatility as both a corner and a safety will be very valuable.

Safety (4)

In: Andre Cisco, Tony Adams, Malachi Moore, Isaiah Oliver

Out: Dean Clark, Jarius Monroe, Tanner McAllister

The safeties had a rough go of it against the Giants as Cisco was beaten badly by receiver Beaux Collins for an 80 yard reception early in the first quarter that led to a touchdown. We know he's a hard hitter, but Moore needs to stop trying to shoulder tackle receivers. Like JBC, Oliver's versatility keeps him on the roster. It's a tough choice to cut Clark, who was the best defensive player on the field Saturday night with a sack, interception and six tackles. If he plays that way against the Eagles, he could make the coach's decision a little tougher.

Special Teams

Kicker:  Nick Folk

Punter: Austin McNamara

Long Snapper: Thomas Hennessy

The special teams unit has been terrific under new coordinator Chris Banjo.  The coverage has been outstanding and McNamara looks like a steal after the Jets let go of fan favorite Thomas Morstead.  Folk’s spot was never in jeopardy based on the contract he signed and expect Nwangwu and Pritchett to handle kick and punt return duties.

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets Wire's New York Jets latest 53-man roster projection