New York Jets Predictions: 3 Guys Who Won't Make the 53 Man Roster

The New York Jets concluded their preseason slate of games on Thursday night losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 24-14.

Most of the starters had the night off, leaving plenty of playing time to guys who are fighting for their spot on the team. 

The Jets need to trim their roster down from 80 players to 53 by this Saturday.  

As final cut day nears, here are three players that won't be making the New York Jets 53-man roster.  

Aaron Maybin

The New York Jets let go of one of the biggest draft busts in franchise hisotry when they released Vernon Gholston earlier in the offseason. Then, they scooped up the trash of the Buffalo Bills by signing Aaron Maybin.  

Maybin recorded 2.5 sacks in three preseason games with the Jets, but even those stats won't be enough for him to stay around. On a conference call earlier this week, Rex Ryan made it seem like it was all but assured Maybin would be gone.  

Maybin has shown in the past he can get to the quarterback in the preseason. He had five sacks in the previous two preseasons. It's the regular season that's the problem as Maybin has yet to record a sack, similar to Gholston. 

Scotty McKnight

The New York Jets did Mark Sanchez a solid on draft day, selecting childhood friend Scotty McKnight in the seventh round. McKnight was a decent collegiate player, but wasn't expected to be drafted. 

McKnight made a terrific touchdown grab in the preseason finale, but that was his first and only catch of the preseason. 

He's behind both Patrick Turner and Logan Payne on the depth chart and has run out of time to catch up. The Jets should be able to cut McKnight and stash him on the practice squad this year. 

Donald Strickland

The New York Jets brought back Donald Strickland in the offseason to replace Drew Coleman, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Strickland was with the team in 2009 and was effective, playing mostly nickel back. Strickland's biggest enemy has always been injuries. He battled injuries when he was on the team in 2009 and has been nicked up in training camp.  

The Jets are said to be high on undrafted free agent Julian Posey and can always move Dwight Lowery back to cornerback. 

Other Possibilities

These guys will probably make the team, but don't be surprised to see their name on the waiver wire this weekend. 

The first guy is Mark Brunell. He has been hurt all preseason and the soon-to-be 40 year old doesn't bring much to the table anymore other than a veteran presence. Greg McElroy's injury Thursday night all but assured Brunell's roster spot though. 

Another guy to keep an eye out for is Brodney Pool. Pool re-signed with the Jets this offseason, but it's clear he's behind Eric Smith on the depth chart. He didn't help his case with some poor preseason play and could be on the chopping block.