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New York Jets: 7 Training Camp Battle Projections

By Maurice Moton

May 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) during OTA at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) during OTA at Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Utah Utes punter Tom Hackett (33) punts the ball during the second half against the USC Trojans at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 24-21.
Oct 25, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes punter Tom Hackett (33) punts the ball during the second half against the USC Trojans at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Position: Punter

Projected Favorite: Lachlan Edwards

In the most titillating roster battle, the Jets will decide on a starting punter during training camp and preseason.

Former starting punter Paul Quigley signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars via free agency. The Jets drafted Lachlan Edwards in the seventh round and signed Tom Hackett as an undrafted free agent.

According to Hughes, Edwards provides power punting. He has enough leg to launch a ball toward the other side of the field. Hackett’s strength lies in his precision as a directional kicker.

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Interestingly, the punter spot may hinge upon who’s taking snaps under center. If Fitzpatrick re-signs, the Jets know they won’t have an issue moving the ball. In that scenario, a directional punter would be preferable.

With Smith in the lineup, the coaching staff may anticipate a less robust passing attack, which favors a punter who can push the ball deep into the opponent’s territory proceeding fourth down.

Assuming Fitzpatrick returns, Hackett gets the early nod as the frontrunner for the position.

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