Jets' final roster spots up for grabs

Jim Leonhard remembers the days he was fighting for a spot, doing everything he could to cement his name on that 53-man roster come Week 1.

So that's why the safety, who'll be sporting a baseball cap on the sideline Thursday night, is eager to see what's going to transpire during the Jets' preseason finale against the Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Although it won't have much juice because the key starters won't even be getting their jerseys dirty, Thursday's game represents the last hurrah for some 25 players, many of whom have just one more shot to catch someone's eye.

"I love this fourth preseason game," Leonhard said. "Obviously, I've been through some battles myself trying to make rosters. It means a lot to a lot of people. There's families and lives and jobs on the line. It's fun to see these guys go out there and compete, and try to make it in the National Football League. This is a dream of theirs for a long time and as a player, you really don't feel like you've made it until you make that opening day roster.

"Nobody wants to be in camp, get cut and not actually get on the regular-season roster. So there's some battles out there in this fourth preseason game. I love it. I love to encourage the guys and just try to help them out as much as possible."

Muhammad Wilkerson isn't in any danger of having the ax fall on him, given the Jets selected him in the first round of April's draft. But besides taking a good look at some of the younger players on the roster fringe, Rex Ryan believes it's a good thing to play all the Jets' rookies Thursday night, including Wilkerson.

The defensive end probably could use the work after getting ejected in the second quarter of Monday night's win over the Giants for fighting with Brandon Jacobs. Wilkerson missed some valuable reps, and plans on using his playing time against the Eagles' reserves to make a few corrections in his approach.

"Watching the film from the game, I had a few errors on my alignment and just technique," Wilkerson said. "Basically, I'm going to focus on that for pregame, and focus on those things I did negatively in the Giants game and pretty much improve."

There's also one particular player to keep an eye on Thursday night. Aaron Maybin has flashed some potential since signing a one-year deal Aug. 17, but the linebacker and former Bills first-round pick shouldn't get too comfortable.

Maybin played in the second quarter against the Giants because Ryan wanted to see how he'd fare against the Giants' starting offensive line. But Ryan apparently hasn't seen enough from Maybin to promise he'll make the team, indicating he's been pleased with linebackers Jamaal Westerman and Garrett McIntyre.

"I think he's going to have to do more," Ryan said. "I think he's going to have to show that he's that pass rusher we think he's got a chance to be because quite honestly, Westerman and McIntyre are playing really well for us. So he is going to have to show more.

"I think he can play in this league. We'll see if he can play for us."