Douglas’ rebuilt offensive line far from a sure thing
One in a series.
No group underwent a bigger facelift on the Jets this offseason than the offensive line. General manager Joe Douglas made it a priority to fix the line, which was a major problem in 2019. The Jets likely will have four new starters there this season.
Jets fans are going to need a program to figure out who is on the line this year. Douglas attacked the position with multiple signings and draft picks. Will it work? Well, none of the new additions is a sure thing. Mekhi Becton is the most intriguing. The 6-foot-7, 364-pound rookie should start at left tackle, where the Jets hope he can protect Sam Darnold for the next decade. Becton has rare physical traits, but adjusting to the NFL can be challenging for any rookie.
Douglas’ approach in free agency was to add multiple players on reasonable contracts rather than signing bigger names to massive deals.
Among the free agents, center Connor McGovern is expected to have the biggest impact for the team. McGovern comes from the Broncos and the Jets were surprised Denver let him go and made him a priority in free agency.
George Fant arrives from the Seahawks, where he was primarily an extra offensive lineman/tight end last year. Fant can play left or right tackle. If Becton proves to the Jets that he is ready to play on the left side, Fant will be the right tackle. The Jets love the athleticism of the former college basketball player and feel he is a great fit for Adam Gase’s offense.
At left guard, the Jets re-signed Alex
Lewis after he made 12 starts for the team last year. Lewis brought a toughness to the line and was one of the few bright spots.
At right guard, the competition will be between Greg Van Roten, who comes from the Panthers, and Brian Winters, who is the longest-tenured player on the team. It is a surprise that Winters remains on the roster. He is scheduled to make $7 million this season and was viewed as a probable salary-cap casualty. Instead, Douglas has kept him around and he will have a chance to compete for a starting spot in training camp. If he fails to secure one, the Jets can move on before the season starts.
The Jets went through 11 different starting offensive line combinations last year, so they know the importance of depth. Jonotthan Harrison slides into the backup center role after starting the second half of last season. Chuma Edoga started eight games as a rookie, playing both tackle spots. He struggled mightily at times, but the Jets believe in his athleticism. He should be the swing tackle this season. The Jets took Cameron Clark in the fourth round of the draft out of Charlotte. Clark played left tackle in college, but may be asked to move to guard in the NFL.
Versatility is a valued trait by Douglas and the linemen will be expected to play multiple positions.
Offensive line coach Frank Pollack is one of the key figures in the Jets season. The biggest obstacle this unusual offseason presents for the team is building chemistry on the line with all of these new pieces. It will be imperative that Pollack finds a way to make this group click quickly in training camp.