![E_JB3_0596-camp-battles](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/wwabvpuy5ibpmeoxnqu1.jpg)
Veterans will report to the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center for training camp Tuesday, with the first practice scheduled for Wednesday and the first preseason game against the Commanders set for Aug. 10 at MetLife Stadium.
The start of camp yields competition for both roster spots and starting and backup roles. Here are three battles to monitor as practices begin.
No. 1: Backup Running Back
Lead Candidates: Isaiah Davis (6-1, 220), Braelon Allen (6-1, 235) and Israel Abanikanda (5-10, 216)
There is no question whom the Jets starting running back will be in 2024. Coming off a torn ACL in 2022, Breece Hall recorded 1,585 yards scrimmage yards and 9nine touchdowns last season and will get the bulk of the carries in 2024. It is unclear who will be the No. 2 RB.
The candidates include rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, and second-year tailback Israel Abanikanda. Allen (Rd. 4, No. 134) and Davis (Rd. 5, No. 173) were taken 39 picks apart in April's NFL Draft and each adds his own unique abilities and running styles to New York's backfield.
At 20 years old, Allen will be the youngest player in the league when camp starts and one of the most physically imposing at 6-1, 235 pounds. He started three seasons at Wisconsin, rushing for more than 3,000 yards and 35 touchdowns in 35 starts. He flashed his receiving skills during OTAs and minicamp after recording 49 catches in three college seasons.
Davis (22) played in 46 games (36 starts) over four seasons at North Dakota State and rushed for 4,548 yards and 50 touchdowns.
Finally, Abanikanda, 21, a fifth-round pick (No. 143) in 2023 out of Pittsburgh, had an up-and-down rookie year while playing in six games (including each of the final five) and rushing for 70 yards on 22 carries The Jets' staff still likes his potential. Xazavian Valladay, a first-year player from Arizona State, will also compete for summer reps.
See photos of the Jets' roster leading up to the 2024 season.
![RB Israel Abanikanda](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/tf4p7zubrkoo4l9dyk8w.jpg)
RB Israel Abanikanda
![S Tony Adams](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/wqeuitutxywk7fyz8j9c.jpg)
S Tony Adams
![RB Braelon Allen](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/oxl12qtee7wkkem2e7tl.jpg)
RB Braelon Allen
![LB Zaire Barnes](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/fz3gnlk7m57luepc9m2b.jpg)
LB Zaire Barnes
![CB Shemar Bartholomew](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/fsd4swb2nthziklq9qbu.jpg)
CB Shemar Bartholomew
![CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/hk7z0reqyycvwgtnqwxw.jpg)
CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse
![S Al Blades Jr.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/t2hoakyuyq0tna9i2v62.jpg)
S Al Blades Jr.
![WR Jason Brownlee](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/qu7affthbdfqzaewyph9.jpg)
WR Jason Brownlee
![CB Michael Carter II](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/ljijjymz3ycugnpt3s3m.jpg)
CB Michael Carter II
![WR Irvin Charles](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/pnfugrbgb5dvmhpesxqw.jpg)
WR Irvin Charles
![S Chuck Clark](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/iivcnyxqnk4lqvz39uas.jpg)
S Chuck Clark
![DL Micheal Clemons](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/iusbnzq32dbcnqdof0no.jpg)
DL Micheal Clemons
![CB Brandon Codrington](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/ykgfrsrzjjvqcasgy45a.jpg)
CB Brandon Codrington
![TE Tyler Conklin](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/yw66f5rt1hx48v37ukep.jpg)
TE Tyler Conklin
![WR Malachi Corley](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/f9qg33scbitd1zzztzcj.jpg)
WR Malachi Corley
![S Ashtyn Davis](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/z7vbifz4misck3dap0s2.jpg)
S Ashtyn Davis
![RB Isaiah Davis](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/in7pwrk35n1uz183agbr.jpg)
RB Isaiah Davis
![OL Austin Deculus](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/iagyuhenifj0x5nekkp7.jpg)
OL Austin Deculus
![CB Brandin Echols](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/cjfdzc9jyl8pwushwhid.jpg)
CB Brandin Echols
![LB Sam Eguavoen](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/akwwmwk4jvzixy33d0fi.jpg)
LB Sam Eguavoen
![OL Obinna Eze
*International Pathway Player Program](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/ckxe8iqa4rqhumx3jw5i.jpg)
OL Obinna Eze
*International Pathway Player Program
![OL Olu Fashanu](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/dtqqtbjyasb2wjklyesp.jpg)
OL Olu Fashanu
![TE Anthony Firkser](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/pxzt7arhtqqmccm8dyuu.jpg)
TE Anthony Firkser
![DL Leki Fotu](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/etidkxdsxhrjefzkwkch.jpg)
DL Leki Fotu
![CB Sauce Gardner](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/pn5ld69uoicruiastnov.jpg)
CB Sauce Gardner
![WR Xavier Gipson](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/i4e5su14moypnulf8dpk.jpg)
WR Xavier Gipson
![OL Chris Glaser](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/bwfyhwswfehznsdt4x2m.jpg)
OL Chris Glaser
![RB Breece Hall](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/bp86rnmuzkbilo3gbvjj.jpg)
RB Breece Hall
![OL Jake Hanson](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/w826gstsgg8mstpjibc0.jpg)
OL Jake Hanson
![WR Tyler Harrell](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/eg0zx3ydczwrlefnxyf7.jpg)
WR Tyler Harrell
![DL Bruce Hector](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/s0zfyvds304pmmycd6ck.jpg)
DL Bruce Hector
![LS Thomas Hennessy](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/shevyura7shyz5b5zkgf.jpg)
LS Thomas Hennessy
![LB Anthony Hines](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/hb5vyq21uihvepeuevoy.jpg)
LB Anthony Hines
![DL Jalyn Holmes](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/cv68p7isylfbhhqylcxt.jpg)
DL Jalyn Holmes
![RB Deon Jackson](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/wggo9hxycaqa86cvz4ly.jpg)
RB Deon Jackson
![LB Jermaine Johnson](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/ycaehjxczpqehueb5xm2.jpg)
LB Jermaine Johnson
![DB Jaylen Key](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/bw34x3ycccvastwvqeah.jpg)
DB Jaylen Key
![DL Javon Kinlaw](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/snmkjxdmdwkq9iq9dny9.jpg)
DL Javon Kinlaw
![TE Zack Kuntz](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/ret7khjpq0lpnkfkokbs.jpg)
TE Zack Kuntz
![OL Brady Latham](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/g8x2dt4i67pxaausffai.jpg)
OL Brady Latham
![WR Allen Lazard](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/pwy7lv4qz4o3sfw7q75f.jpg)
WR Allen Lazard
![OL Kohl Levao](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/roimqgjqqkulkerxwae7.jpg)
OL Kohl Levao
![QB Adrian Martinez](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/gyhjfpoqtetlv0ugnyzd.jpg)
QB Adrian Martinez
![LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/wv28fvdajihkuljtj9om.jpg)
LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
![WR Lance McCutcheon](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/u3imjwxudlul8t6jn94s.jpg)
WR Lance McCutcheon
![EDGE Will McDonald IV](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/qqmledklsxoeima8ujrv.jpg)
EDGE Will McDonald IV
![EDGE Braiden McGregor](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/v79ubrp13arrsyzqpcps.jpg)
EDGE Braiden McGregor
![DL Takk McKinley](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/lfabxdgw0pjc6izl87gy.jpg)
DL Takk McKinley
![OL Max Mitchell](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/s8szagrdtmjlgyshsnhl.jpg)
OL Max Mitchell
![S Jarius Monroe](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/cdbjdopup5kzbls5hfhf.jpg)
S Jarius Monroe
![P Thomas Morstead](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/ngldfj9aawni4s37h2yu.jpg)
P Thomas Morstead
![OL Morgan Moses](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/xyhx9n6ync2svyv4iomp.jpg)
OL Morgan Moses
![LB C.J. Mosley](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/d2soqrotekgic9vsjrgj.jpg)
LB C.J. Mosley
![OL Xavier Newman](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/woxmfaznx4zmfzkxnxau.jpg)
OL Xavier Newman
![CB Isaiah Oliver](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/ckbeaepepkvuqp7vzl9i.jpg)
CB Isaiah Oliver
![QB Andrew Peasley](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/nyggh82kqsjev1ypsb29.jpg)
QB Andrew Peasley
![CB D.J. Reed](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/dvj7npibo25pm5k7kscp.jpg)
CB D.J. Reed
![QB Aaron Rodgers](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/qhhznwckeijam1uq6cic.jpg)
QB Aaron Rodgers
![TE Jeremy Ruckert](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/mkd0jwclx1liayhnl2nm.jpg)
TE Jeremy Ruckert
![OL Wes Schweitzer](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/a3bniwhox8i5qroew5pb.jpg)
OL Wes Schweitzer
![TE Lincoln Sefcik](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/ghp1vnyuxxasxnsbfo8r.jpg)
TE Lincoln Sefcik
![K Austin Seibert](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/qqvdht6ugq520tyob3bk.jpg)
K Austin Seibert
![CB Kendall Sheffield](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/wi9r8hasx6blr38j9dsd.jpg)
CB Kendall Sheffield
![CB Nehemiah Shelton](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/l3iwtyqosqbzbzw3ot8r.jpg)
CB Nehemiah Shelton
![LB Jamien Sherwood](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/aiq3isbkk5lxg7xxbmva.jpg)
LB Jamien Sherwood
![OL John Simpson](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/mulybgfgj8xgw2izsncs.jpg)
OL John Simpson
![LB Jackson Sirmon](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/iygtimaozo9ecpod5cys.jpg)
LB Jackson Sirmon
![DL Tanzel Smart](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/cfzb6werutqq6oc6jwov.jpg)
DL Tanzel Smart
![WR Brandon Smith](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/o8arfozdejypcqbllxzg.jpg)
WR Brandon Smith
![OL Tyron Smith](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/cu64fqjrzv1movrijx2z.jpg)
OL Tyron Smith
![CB Qwan'tez Stiggers](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/wy2k6r5sxjk3f3ejzyrp.jpg)
CB Qwan'tez Stiggers
![LB Chazz Surratt](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/tyfdj918uezcat8iipcr.jpg)
LB Chazz Surratt
![DB Tre Swilling](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/go6ltw689z4spjtlx847.jpg)
DB Tre Swilling
![DL Leonard Taylor III](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/cxkxneou6ktgbhotygdn.jpg)
DL Leonard Taylor III
![QB Tyrod Taylor](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/akschifrgs8s2tp0c87q.jpg)
QB Tyrod Taylor
![DL Solomon Thomas](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/mubz7nvmmbeoavptjxlo.jpg)
DL Solomon Thomas
![C Joe Tippmann](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/ck5oxualfpokwba2otiu.jpg)
C Joe Tippmann
![DL Jaylen Twyman](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/jdpktiwg0fz2qh2nag1u.jpg)
DL Jaylen Twyman
![OL Willie Tyler III](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/yijhcxvgimo2a9jgtt8y.jpg)
OL Willie Tyler III
![QB Jordan Travis](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/yf2uelkr9xtgcqhibfjj.jpg)
QB Jordan Travis
![RB Xazavian Valladay](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/oiabmpgzwu4aog665ji4.jpg)
RB Xazavian Valladay
![G Alijah Vera-Tucker](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/doch9nn8heeqthejqkwm.jpg)
G Alijah Vera-Tucker
![OL Carter Warren](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/fropm5hcldk61zxjiy4x.jpg)
OL Carter Warren
![DL Eric Watts](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/sjvtf9pjxpk3amc57kof.jpg)
DL Eric Watts
![WR Mike Williams](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/zhonp95jz47ii8fwuvnw.jpg)
WR Mike Williams
![LB Quincy Williams](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/pai2g9act5ggoslww8ri.jpg)
LB Quincy Williams
![DL Quinnen Williams](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/s7j6npma56ddcvpd1f68.jpg)
DL Quinnen Williams
![WR Garrett Wilson](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/yhv5vctlydefnzrt2pka.jpg)
WR Garrett Wilson
![WR Isaiah Winstead](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/zqxho3wdhfx8twfcr3sz.jpg)
WR Isaiah Winstead
![TE Kenny Yeboah](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/bwchjwxsysa5mnsgylxu.jpg)
TE Kenny Yeboah
![K Greg Zuerlein](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/jets/tlmxnzt3svnk6z7qnb6k.jpg)
K Greg Zuerlein
No. 2: DT Reps Next to Quinnen Williams
Lead Candidates: Leki Fotu (6-5, 335), Javon Kinlaw (6-5, 319) and Solomon Thomas (6-3, 295)
In each of the last four seasons, All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams has started Week 1 playing next to a different interior lineman. In 2020 it was Steve McLendon, in 2021 Folorunso Fatukasi, in 2022 Sheldon Rankins and in 2023 Quinton Jefferson. That will be the case again in 2024.
During free agency, the Jets revamped the interior of their D-line, signing Leki Fotu and Javon Kinlaw, and re-signing Solomon Thomas. The veteran trio will be the lead candidates to start Week 1 against the 49ers beside Willliams.
Thomas, 28, is the most veteran of the group, beginning his eighth season and third with the Jets. Thomas has experience in DC Jeff Ulbrich's defense and is coming off a career-high 5.0 sacks and 19 pressures.
Kinlaw, 26, as a rookie in 2020 played for current Jets HC Robert Saleh when he was the 49ers defensive coordinator. He registered 1.5 sacks and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. Last year while playing for the NFC champion 49ers, he set a career-high in sacks in 3.5 and had 14 tackles in three postseason games.
Fotu, 25, an athletic DL who played his first four seasons with the Cardinals, could benefit from the Jets' attack style along the front.
Under Ulbrich and Saleh, the Jets frequently rotate defensive lineman in and out. Fotu, Kinlaw and Thomas all will get their chances alongside Williams.
No. 3: Final Safety Roster Spots
Lead Candidates: Jaylen Key (6-2, 210), Isaiah Oliver (6-0, 202) and Jarrick Bernard-Converse (6-1, 205)
There will be plenty of battles for roster spots at One Jets Drive over the next six weeks as GM Joe Douglas and Saleh attempt to whittle their current 90-man roster down to 53 before August 27.
Leading into Week 1 last season, the Jets kept four safeties on the roster. Heading into 2024, veterans Tony Adams, Chuck Clark and Ashtyn Davis appear to be locks to make the team. That could leave one, or potentially two spots depending on what happens at other positions, for rookie Jaylen Key, veteran Isaiah Oliver and second-year Jarrick Bernard-Converse.
Key, 24, and the final pick of the 2024 NFL Draft (Rd. 7, No. 257), spent five seasons at UAB before transferring to Alabama in 2023. He converted to safety from cornerback in 2018 and earned a starting role his first year with the Crimson Tide. Alabama head coach Nick Saban lauded Key for his "high football IQ."
As for Oliver, 27, who formerly played for the Falcons and the 49ers, he signed with the Jets in free agency. He appeared in 17 games and three playoff games – including the Super Bowl – for the 49ers last season and played primarily on special teams and at cornerback. Ulbrich announced during OTAs that Oliver would be playing safety for the Green & White.
Finally, Bernard-Converse, 24, was selected by the Jets in the sixth round (No. 204) of the 2023 NFL Draft. An impressive athlete out of LSU, he missed all of training camp and a majority of his rookie season with a foot injury. Bernard-Converse played the final 8 games and recorded 2 tackles on special teams.
With a mix of experience among these candidates, contributions on special teams could play a big role in who makes the team.