The Jets are dialing up a youth movement as they finalize their 53-man roster, eyeing Friday’s preseason finale with Philadelphia to settle the last spots. Quentin Skinner has emerged as a standout UDFA at wide receiver, hauling in 74 yards on five catches with a touchdown while posting a healthy average of 14 yards per grab. With Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds and rookie Arian Smith penciled in and Allen Lazard dealing with a shoulder injury that could land him on short-term IR, Skinner is rallying Brandon Smith and Malachi Corley for the final WR spots. A big game against the Eagles could tilt the room in Skinner’s favor and force tougher decisions for coaches.

At quarterback, Brady Cook and Adrian Martinez split reps with Tyrod Taylor’s knee surgery clouding Week 1 plans. With veteran backup workouts (Peterman and Beathard) failing to stick, Cook and Martinez enter the finale with everything to gain as the Jets consider backup depth behind Justin Fields. On defense and specialty depth, Dean Clark flashed against the Giants with six tackles, a sack, an interception, and two passes defended, positioning him as a potential fifth safety if he repeats. Donovan Edwards has also made a case at running back, logging 17 carries for 63 yards across two games as Breece Hall and Braelon Allen lead the backfield, and Edwards could be a rotational piece or short-term IR consideration depending on rosters. Zack Kuntz remains a long shot at tight end behind Ruckert, but a standout performance could muddy the final tight end decisions ahead of Tuesday’s cut deadline.

The New York Jets made a significant addition to their roster by selecting tight end Mason Taylor from LSU with the 42nd pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite speculation linking the team to other players, the Jets opted for the son of NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor. Taylor stands out as a prototypical tight end, possessing the speed, size, and skills desired in a modern player at that position. While he may require development in blocking techniques and size, he has the potential to evolve into a starting role quickly due to the lack of competition within the Jets' tight end group.

With Justin Fields at quarterback, Taylor's arrival is expected to enhance the passing game significantly. Analysts have given the Jets a draft grade of B for this strategic pick, recognizing both the immediate impact Taylor could have and the long-term potential he represents for the team's future.