The Jets' first 2025 depth chart is out! Rookie Arian Smith is beating Sauce Gardner, while Joe Tippmann struggles. See the biggest risers and fallers.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The first unofficial depth chart of the Aaron Glenn era has landed, and it's already sending ripples through the fanbase. While the New York Jets are buzzing with the energy of a new regime, the initial roster pecking order highlights both the promising and the problematic. A fourth-round rookie is making a case for serious playing time by beating the team's best player in drills, an undrafted lineman is forcing his way into the rotation, and a key starter on the offensive line is suddenly looking shaky. The page has been turned, but the story of the 2025 Jets is just getting started.
'That's one thing that he has that a lot of people in this league don't have. We want to utilize that when we can.' - Head Coach Aaron Glenn on QB Justin Fields' rushing ability.
Let's start with the biggest surprise: rookie wide receiver Arian Smith. The fourth-rounder isn't just making plays; he's making them against the best. Reports from Monday's practice have Smith beating All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner in one-on-one drills, a feat that gets any receiver noticed. He's listed behind the starters, but his stock is soaring. On the other side of the ball, undrafted defensive tackle Payton Page is proving to be a diamond in the rough, consistently disrupting plays and earning more reps with the first team. However, it's not all good news. Center Joe Tippmann's camp struggles are becoming a real concern. After multiple pre-snap penalties, he was pulled from practice, raising questions about a vital spot on an offensive line that is supposed to be a team strength.
The centerpiece of this new era is QB Justin Fields, and Coach Aaron Glenn is eager to unleash his dual-threat potential. In his presser, Glenn specifically praised Fields' running game, signaling a clear philosophical shift for the offense. However, the plot thickens. Reports from camp suggest that veteran backup Tyrod Taylor has actually been the more consistent and effective quarterback thus far. While Fields' rushing upside makes him a tantalizing fantasy prospect (drafted as QB15 despite a QB10 expert consensus), his starting job is far from guaranteed beyond this season. If he struggles early, the calls for the steady hand of Taylor will grow louder. For now, it's Fields' job to lose, but he's got to prove he's more than just a highlight-reel runner.
While the offense figures itself out, the defense continues to look like the backbone of this team. Sauce Gardner, despite being beaten by a rookie on one rep, was reportedly dominant during Monday's session, particularly in the red zone where he logged multiple key stops. Glenn praised the unit's intensity as they prepare for the preseason opener. He also made a point to shout out the run game's performance, a good sign for the new offensive scheme under OC Tanner Engstrand. It's clear the identity of this team will be built on a tough defense and a punishing ground attack, a classic formula Glenn is hoping will bring stability back to Florham Park.
As the Jets ramp up intensity for the preseason opener against Green Bay, all eyes will be on the quarterback position. Can Justin Fields translate his 'unique' athletic gifts into consistent, efficient play, or will Tyrod Taylor's steady hand force the coaching staff into a difficult decision? Beyond the QBs, watch for rookie Arian Smith to see if his camp stardom translates to game day, and whether Joe Tippmann can clean up the mental errors. The Aaron Glenn era is officially underway, and this first test will tell us a lot about the direction this team is heading.
