New York Jets Depth Chart, Projected Starters and Key Position Battles for 2025

Quick Answer

The New York Jets' 2025 depth chart is set, with Geno Smith entering his second season as the starting quarterback after a surprising first year in green. Breece Hall holds the lead running back role, while Garrett Wilson anchors a revamped receiver room.

The most significant roster shift comes up front, where the Jets have rebuilt the defensive line around massive nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat and added several free-agent and trade acquisitions to both sides of the ball. Several position battles remain unsettled entering the season, particularly at edge rusher and along the offensive line.

Key Facts

• Geno Smith is the starting quarterback, with Cade Klubnik as the second option and Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe competing for depth spots.
• Breece Hall is listed as the starting running back, with Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis, and Kene Nwangwu behind him.
• Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and Omar Cooper Jr. form the starting receiver trio.
• T'Vondre Sweat, acquired from Tennessee, is the starting nose tackle and the anchor of the rebuilt defensive front.
• Harrison Phillips starts at defensive tackle, with David Onyemata and Jowon Briggs providing rotational depth.
• The offensive line features Olu Fashanu at left tackle, Dylan Parham at left guard, Josh Myers at center, Joe Tippmann at right guard, and Armand Membou at right tackle.
• Demario Davis and Jamien Sherwood are the starting off-ball linebackers, with Kiko Mauigoa and Marcelino McCrary-Ball competing for snaps.
• Jason Sanders is the starting kicker, with Cade York as the backup option.

How the Quarterback Room Took Shape

The most consequential development of the Jets' 2025 offseason was the decision to commit to Geno Smith as the franchise quarterback. After years of searching for stability at the position, the Jets made a pragmatic choice: bring back a veteran who knows the offense, understands the division, and has demonstrated he can win games in this league.

Smith's experience with the Jets organization goes back further than most fans realize, but this version of Smith is a different player than the one who first arrived in New York. He has matured as a processor, improved his accuracy on intermediate throws, and developed the kind of leadership presence that quarterbacks rooms need in high-pressure markets.

The decision to draft Cade Klubnik in the second round signaled that the front office wants to plan for the future without disrupting the present. Klubnik arrives with a profile that fits what modern offenses ask of quarterbacks.

He has the athleticism to extend plays, the arm strength to push the ball downfield, and the football intelligence to absorb an NFL playbook quickly. The Jets have been clear that Smith is the starter, but Klubnik's development will be monitored closely throughout the season.

If the team falls out of contention or Smith struggles, there will be pressure to see what the rookie can do. Bailey Zappe's presence on the roster adds an interesting wrinkle.

Zappe has starting experience in this league and provides a steady hand in practice and in the film room. Brady Cook rounds out the quarterback room, giving the Jets four arms to get through training camp and the preseason.

The reality is that most teams carry two or three quarterbacks into the regular season, so Cook faces an uphill battle to make the final roster. Zappe's experience gives him an edge in that competition, but practice performance and preseason play will ultimately decide who stays.

The bigger question for the Jets is not who starts at quarterback, but whether the supporting cast can elevate Smith's play to the level the team needs. The receiver room has undergone significant changes, and the offensive line has been reshaped.

Smith had moments of brilliance last season, but he also showed inconsistency in critical situations. The coaching staff believes the additions around him will unlock a more complete version of his game.

That belief will be tested early in the season against a demanding schedule.

The Defensive Line Rebuild and Its Implications

The Jets made a philosophical shift on defense this offseason, and it starts with the arrival of T'Vondre Sweat. At 366 pounds, Sweat is one of the largest defensive linemen in the league, but he moves with surprising quickness for his size.

The Jets acquired him from Tennessee, where he showed flashes of dominance as a run stuffer and pocket pusher. His role in New York is clear: occupy double teams, collapse the pocket from the interior, and free up the edge rushers to make plays.

Sweat's presence changes how the entire defense operates. With a nose tackle who commands attention, the Jets can run more creative blitz packages and give their off-ball linebackers cleaner paths to the ball carrier.

This is particularly important for Jamien Sherwood, who is transitioning into a full-time starting role. Sherwood has the athleticism to play sideline to sideline, but he will benefit immensely from having a player like Sweat eating up blockers in front of him.

Harrison Phillips starts alongside Sweat at defensive tackle. Phillips is a different kind of player, more of a technician than a power rusher.

He wins with leverage, hand placement, and football intelligence rather than raw strength. The pairing of Phillips and Sweat gives the Jets two contrasting styles that complement each other well.

Phillips can shoot gaps and make plays in the backfield, while Sweat holds the point of attack and allows his teammates to flow to the football. The rotation behind the starters includes David Onyemata, Jowon Briggs, and Jack Heflin.

Onyemata has starting experience and can play both defensive tackle spots. Briggs is a younger player with upside, particularly as an interior pass rusher.

Heflin provides depth and special teams value. Mazi Smith, acquired from Dallas, adds another body to the rotation, though his role remains undefined as he works to find consistency in his game.

The edge rusher position is where the Jets have the most uncertainty. Will McDonald IV is listed as the starter on one side after showing steady improvement in his first three seasons.

McDonald has the athletic profile that teams covet, with the bend and burst to turn the corner against NFL tackles. The other edge spot is a competition between Kingsley Enagbare and David Bailey, with Tyler Baron also in the mix.

Enagbare came over from Green Bay and brings starting experience. Bailey is a rookie from Texas Tech with impressive physical tools but limited polish.

How this competition resolves will go a long way toward determining the effectiveness of the pass rush.

Offensive Line Stability and the Key Position Battles

The offensive line was the Jets' biggest weakness in 2024, and the front office made it a priority to address the issue in the offseason. The result is a unit that looks significantly different on paper, with only Joe Tippmann returning to the same position he played last year.

The Jets invested heavily here, and the success of the entire offense depends on whether these new pieces can develop chemistry quickly. Olu Fashanu takes over at left tackle, protecting Smith's blind side.

Fashanu was a first-round pick, and the Jets have been patient with his development. He has the size and athleticism to be a franchise left tackle, but he needs to prove he can handle elite pass rushers on a consistent basis.

The coaching staff has confidence in him, and he has looked comfortable in practice. The regular season will provide the ultimate test.

Dylan Parham arrives from Las Vegas to play left guard. Parham is a proven starter who plays with the kind of nasty demeanor that offensive line coaches love.

He is not the most gifted athlete, but he wins with technique and tenacity. His experience should help stabilize the left side of the line and take some pressure off Fashanu as he continues to develop.

Josh Myers takes over at center after spending his career in Green Bay. Myers is a smart, reliable player who calls protections and communicates well with the quarterback.

His familiarity with the NFC North and the style of play in that division should translate to the AFC East. The center position is critical for the offense because it sets the tone for the running game and protects against interior pressure.

Joe Tippmann moves from center to right guard, a transition that some players struggle with but one that Tippmann has approached with professionalism. He has the size and strength to thrive at guard, and his experience snapping the ball gives him a unique understanding of the offensive line as a whole.

The move allows the Jets to get their five best linemen on the field, even if it means asking a player to learn a new position. Armand Membou holds down right tackle as a second-year player with enormous potential.

Membou was a standout in his rookie season, showing the kind of footwork and balance that scouts look for in franchise tackles. His development is one of the most important storylines of the season.

If he takes a step forward, the offensive line could be a strength. If he struggles, the Jets will need to find alternatives.

The key position battle on the offensive line is at right guard, where Marquis Hayes and Kohl Levao are competing for the backup spot behind Tippmann. Neither player has extensive starting experience, but both have shown enough in practice to earn consideration.

The Jets would prefer to have a reliable sixth offensive lineman ready in case of injury, and the competition between Hayes and Levao will be decided by consistency and versatility.

The Receiver and Tight End Group Under the Microscope

The Jets made a bold bet on their receiver room this offseason, and the results will define the season. Garrett Wilson remains the focal point of the passing game, and he has established himself as one of the premier route runners in the league.

Wilson's ability to separate at every level of the field makes him a quarterback's best friend, and Smith has developed a strong rapport with him. The question is whether the Jets have done enough to give Wilson help.

Adonai Mitchell arrives from Indianapolis with the physical profile of a number one receiver. At his size, Mitchell can win contested catches and stretch the field vertically.

He has the speed to take the top off defenses, which should open up underneath routes for Wilson and the tight ends. Mitchell's consistency has been questioned throughout his career, but he has the tools to be a difference-maker if he can put it all together.

Omar Cooper Jr. is the third starter, and his role will be defined by his ability to work the middle of the field and make plays after the catch.

Cooper is not the biggest or fastest receiver, but he runs precise routes and has reliable hands. In an offense that features Wilson and Mitchell as the primary weapons, Cooper can thrive as the safety valve and the chain mover.

The depth behind the starters includes Isaiah Williams, Tim Patrick, and several undrafted rookies. Williams has shown flashes in limited opportunities and could earn a larger role as the season progresses.

Patrick provides veteran leadership and a steady presence in the locker room. The competition for the final roster spots at receiver will be intense, with players like Malik McClain, Jamaal Pritchett, and Quincy Skinner Jr.

fighting for opportunities. The tight end group is young but talented.

Kenyon Sadiq is listed as the starter, with Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert competing for snaps behind him. Sadiq has the athleticism to be a mismatch in the passing game, while Taylor brings a more traditional skill set as a blocker and receiver.

Ruckert has been with the team for several seasons and knows the offense well. How the Jets deploy their tight ends will depend on matchups and game situations.

Andrew Beck provides a fullback option, giving the Jets a lead blocker for the running game and an extra pass protector on third downs. Beck's versatility is valuable, even if his snap count is limited.

The Jets are committed to running the football, and Beck's presence signals that the coaching staff wants to establish a physical identity on offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the starting quarterback for the New York Jets in 2025?

Geno Smith is the starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Cade Klubnik is the primary backup, with Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe also on the roster.

Smith earned the job through his performance last season and his command of the offense during the offseason program.

What is the biggest position battle on the Jets' roster?

The edge rusher position opposite Will McDonald IV is the most significant competition. Kingsley Enagbare, David Bailey, and Tyler Baron are all competing for snaps.

The winner of this battle will play a critical role in the defense's ability to generate pressure.

How did the Jets address their offensive line in the offseason?

The Jets made sweeping changes to the offensive line, adding Dylan Parham at left guard, Josh Myers at center, and moving Joe Tippmann to right guard. Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou hold down the tackle spots.

This group represents a significant upgrade in experience and talent.

What role will T'Vondre Sweat play in the defense?

T'Vondre Sweat is the starting nose tackle and the anchor of the defensive line. At 366 pounds, he is expected to occupy blockers, stop the run, and free up his teammates to make plays.

His performance will be critical to the success of the entire defense.

Who are the starting receivers for the Jets?

Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and Omar Cooper Jr. are the starting receivers.

Wilson is the primary target, while Mitchell provides a vertical threat and Cooper works the middle of the field. Isaiah Williams and Tim Patrick are the top reserves.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

Verify with official sources before acting.