It’s now or never for Eric Watts to find a role with the Jets

Sep 15, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (2) avoids the tackle of New York Jets defensive end Eric Watts (58) during the first halfat Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Through the spring and summer, we will be counting down the Jets roster player by player. We continue the series by discussing Eric Watts.

Name:Eric Watts

Number:95

Year With Jets:3rd

Projected Role:Vying for rotational defensive end spot

His 2025:Watts did not make the initial 53 man roster out of training camp. He signed with the Jets practice squad and eventually was promoted to the active roster in November. He appeared in 4 games and recorded 10 tackles.

His 2026 will be a success if:Watts finds a way to make the team and work his way into the defensive line rotation. He is entering year three in the NFL and will turn 26 during the season so we have reached a point where progress is necessary for the team to continue to invest in him. Watts made the team in his rookie season of 2024 under Robert Saleh's coaching staff and appeared in 14 games so year two was a bit of a step back. With the Jets adding two defensive ends in free agency and drafting another with a top two pick, there isn't a clear path for Watts to have a spot on the team. He will need to make his own breaks with a big training camp.

Odds of making the roster:Unlikely (25-50%)