After another disappointing season the New York Jets are entering a new NFL year with a completely revamped roster.  After a major house cleaning the new-look Jets enter the upcoming season with much uncertainty.  The one thing that will remain constant is that the team will be a work in progress throughout the year.  Many veterans are now gone and in their place a group of young new players will look to fill their shoes.   Early predictions can be tough to gauge but nevertheless this my early projection for the Jets 53-man roster.

Quarterback

1. Mark Sanchez
2. Geno Smith
3. Greg McElroy

Analysis: What started as a six-man race was quickly trimmed to four.  Gone are Tim Tebow and David Garrard.  Tebow was released as expected and Garrard retired due to knee problems.  Matt Simms is a long shot to make the roster, this leaves Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith and Greg McElroy.  Sanchez will probably get the early nod to start but expect a short leash with Smith awaiting his opportunity.

Running Backs

1. Chris Ivory
2. Mike Goodson
3. Bilal Powell
4. Joe McKnight
5. Tommy Bohanon

Analysis: One of the few positions with little mystery is running back.  The Jets have their top four guys set.  Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson should get the bulk of the workload while Bilal Powell will fill-in on third downs.  Joe McKnight will handle the kick return duties while new-comer Tommy Bohanon will get a chance to make the team at the fullback position. 

Wide Receivers

1. Santonio Holmes
2. Jeremy Kerley
3. Stephen Hill
4. Clyde Gates
5. Jordan White
6. Zach Rogers

Analysis: The only locks here are the top two spots held down by Santonio Holmes and Jeremy Kerley.  The rest of the Jets receiver spots are up for grabs.  The Jets are hoping Stephan Hill and Clyde Gates can solidify the third and fourth receiver positions however a shaky quarterback situation will not do anybody any favors.  Jordan White and Zach Rogers will compete for the final two positions to round out the receiver group.

Tight End

1. Jeff Cumberland
2. Konrad Reuland
3. Hayden Smith

Analysis: The departure of Dustin Keller to Miami will hurt the Jets passing game this year.  Keller was Sanchez’s security blanket.  Jeff Cumberland had a solid campaign last season and should lock up the number one position to start the season.  Konrad Reuland will be a solid number two.  He possesses solid blocking ability and can handle goal line duties as well.

Tackles

1. D'Brickashaw Ferguson
2. Austin Howard
3. Oday Aboushi

Analysis: Unlike the rest of the offense the Jets are content with the offensive tackles.  D'Brickashaw Ferguson will continue to lock down the left side and Austin Howard is projected to start the right side.  Howard is a solid run blocker but could improve his pass blocking skills.  Rookie Oday Aboushi is more of a right tackle in the NFL but could turn into a decent backup for the Jets.

Center

1. Nick Mangold
2. Caleb Schlauderaff

Analysis: Nick Mangold continues his stellar career and will remain the starter at center.  The Jets do not have a lot of depth along the offensive line, one of the reasons they traded for Caleb Schlauderaff from Green Bay.  Schlauderaff is unlikely to see any real action unless of an injury to one of the starters.

Guards

1. Willie Colon
2. Brian Winters
3. Stephen Peterman
4. Vladimir Ducasse

Analysis: Willie Colon and rookie Brian Winters will anchor the starting guard positions for the Jets.  Colon will do a solid job on the left side and third round pick Winters will get a shot to start on the right.  Stephen Peterman and Vladimir Ducasse will handle backup duties should one the starters go down.

Defensive End

1. Muhammad Wilkerson
2. Sheldon Richardson
3. Quinton Coples

Analysis: Muhammad Wilkerson is coming off a solid year last season and will look to build upon that this year.  The 13th overall pick acquired in the Revis trade was used on Sheldon Richardson.  Richardson has a lot of upside and will help the Jets’ defense if he can perform up to the Jets expectations.  Quinton Coples will be used in the defensive line rotation but coaches are looking to use him more as an outside linebacker this season.

Defensive Tackles

1. Kenrick Ellis
2. Antonio Garay
3. Damon Harrison

Analysis: The Jets defensive line is their deepest position.  Kenrick Ellis and Antonio Garay will be the anchors in the middle.  The Jets defense won’t get much help from the offense this season so it will be up to the defense to carry the team and it all starts with the big guys in the middle. 

Outside Linebackers

1. Quinton Coples
2. Calvin Pace
3. Antwan Barnes
4. Garrett McIntyre
5. Ricky Sapp

Analysis: Quinton Coples will make the move from defensive end to linebacker this season.  The move will be a difficult transition for Coples but should help the defense if the switch works out.  Calvin Pace will start on the opposite side to anchor the other outside linebacker position.

Inside Linebackers

1. David Harris
2. Demario Davis
3. Josh Mauga
4. Nick Bellore

Analysis: Similar to the defensive line the Jets have a solid linebacker group.  David Harris and Demario David will lead the way for the inside linebackers.  Harris may have an expanded role as the Jets will look to use more 4-3 looks this season.  After a disappointing 2012 campaign Harris will attempt to rebound with a solid 2013 season.

Cornerback

1. Antonio Cromartie
2. Dee Milliner
3. Ellis Lankster
4. Kyle Wilson
5. Isaiah Trufant
6. Mike Edwards

Analysis: Antonio Cromartie was by far the Jets best corner once Revis went down last season.  The Jets are counting on an encore performance this year from the veteran corner.  New York drafted rookie Dee Milliner in hopes of replacing their departed super-star Darrelle Revis.  Milliner will have giant shoes to fill now that Revis is gone but he has the talent to live up to the New York expectations.

Safety

1. Dawan Landry
2. Josh Bush
3. Antonio Allen
4. Rontez Miles

Analysis: Gone are last years starters LaRon Landry and Yeremiah Bell.  New comer Dawan Landry will try to fill the hole left by his brother LaRon.  Josh Bush will compete for the other starting safety position opposite of Landry.  The Jets did not do much in free agency or the draft to help the safety position.  New York may struggle if no one seizes control of the starting spots.

Special Teams

Kicker: Nick Folk
Punter: Robert Malone
Long Snapper: Tanner Purdum

Analysis: Despite the struggles of the team, the Jets special teams had a solid season last year.  There is no reason to think a repeat performance is out of the question.  Nick Folk will retain the starting kicker duties while punter Robert Malone returns to the starting punter spot.  In all likelihood the Jets offense will struggle this upcoming year so look for a busy year for the Jets special teams.