The Jets' first unofficial depth chart of the season has been released tonight ahead of Thursday night's preseason opener against Jacksonville. Here are six positions of interest:
1. Quarterback
Everyone always goes to the QB line, but there are no surprises here as the four-man depth chart lines up exactly as head coach Todd Bowles has said during training camp: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith, Bryce Petty and rookie Christian Hackenberg.
2. Cornerback
The one spot that will be under scrutiny all preseason and into the regular season is the CB position opposite Darrelle Revis. Buster Skrine is listed as the starter there, but as Bowles said, the competition among Skrine and Marcus Williams with Dee Milliner also trying to get in on the action, "It's going pretty good. It's camp right now, we need to play in some games to see the final results." The first depth chart lists Skrine and Williams 1-2 at the one corner, Revis and Milliner 1-2 at the other spot.
3. Only Rookie with the Ones
The only rookie listed with the first units is third-round LB Jordan Jenkins, who's been lining up with the first defense at OLB. First-rounder Darron Lee is listed behind starter Erin Henderson at ILB.
The Starting Lineup from the First Unofficial Depth Chart
4. Returners
The kick returner and punt returner depth chart lines are identical, with Jeremy Ross, Kyle Williams, Romar Morris and rookie Jalin Marshall listed 1-2-3-4. Bowles was asked today about punt returning specifically for the Jaguars and said that "starting out, yes," Ross and Marshall would be the first two PR men.
5. PUP List Players
Two starters, DE Muhammad Wilkerson and RT Breno Giacomini, and second-year WR Devin Smith are listed last at their positions due to injuries that have them still on the Active/PUP. In light of the Wilkerson and Giacomini injuries, the DL first-teamers are Sheldon Richardson, Steve McLendon at nose and Leonard Williams, while Ben Ijalana and Brent Qvale are 1-2 at RT. Matt Forte is still listed as first-string RB but Bowles has said he and his sore hamstring will sit out the opener, with Bilal Powell continuing to operate with the ones.
6. One More Rook
Don't go looking for the second punter. There isn't any at this time. Seventh-round rookie Lachlan Edwards is the punter and holder, while at kicker, Nick Folk is back after missing the last half of last season and rookie Ross Martin is pushing him.
