Two ACC products strengthen arguments for New York Jets roster spots after win against Giants

It was the last chance to make an impression before the day of the roster cuts, and two New York Jets players in particular took full advantage of this opportunity.

Second-year running back Israel Abanikanda and undrafted rookie defensive tackle Leonard Taylor were far from confirmed roster additions at the start of training camp, but both may have secured their spots in the final preseason game against the New York Giants.

“You try to figure out which ones to let go and which ones to keep. It's not a clear-cut one,” said Robert Saleh, head coach for four years, during his postgame press conference. “There are a lot of players that fit the 53-man roster, and there are a lot of guys that have performed well throughout training camp, including today.”

After signing Abanikanda as a 2023 fifth-round pick out of Pittsburgh, the Jets were unlikely to give up on the speedy runner after just one disappointing season, but by selecting two running backs in the middle rounds this year, they definitely made a statement.

With Breece Hall locked into the RB1 spot, rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis are slotted right behind the starter. Neither player was active in the Aug. 24 tryout, suggesting they are firmly in the team's plans. In the meantime, Abanikanda had the opportunity to convince the Jets to add him to the roster as the fourth running back, as he has shown little so far on special teams.

“I just knew it was a competition. I've been competing my whole life, so it made me really happy. Every running back in the room is better,” Abanikanda said after playing 20 productive snaps in the 10-6 win over the Giants.

Abanikanda was the driving force behind the Jets' offense in the first half, rushing for 83 yards on nine carries, a game-high effort, and catching one pass for six yards. The Brooklyn native gained positive yards on each of his 10 touches and was responsible for the game's only touchdown.

On a 1st-and-10 early in the second quarter, Abanikanda threw a 45-yard touchdown and broke several tackles further down the field. The 2022 Atlantic Coast Conference rushing champion put on a great performance in the offensive highlight of the night at MetLife Stadium.

Taylor made waves as a sophomore in Miami, but his draft values ​​dropped after a subpar 2023 season that raised questions about his motivation. The Green & Whites made a bid for the physically talented defensive lineman, reportedly offering him a six-figure signing bonus.

“He has really made progress in the last few weeks. Of course, he is still a rookie and has a long way to go. But I think he has done a really good job in the last few weeks,” Saleh said.

Taylor, 22, was shot out of the gun in the season opener against the Washington Commanders with a sack and a tackle for loss. He was in similar form against the Giants, making four tackles, including three hits on quarterback Tommy DeVito.

With the Giants operating from their own 40-yard line in the second quarter, Taylor was involved in three consecutive sacks of DeVito. The three half-sacks brought Big Blue back to a 4th-and-32.

The Jets must reduce their 90-man roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 27.