Ah, Joe Douglas’ reclamation project, the offensive line.
Douglas upgraded this unit more than any other on the roster this offseason when he brought in seven new linemen. Not only did he use the Jets’ 11th overall draft pick on tackle Mekhi Becton, but he also dolled out $35 million in guaranteed money in free agency to linemen in the hopes of drastically improving protection for Sam Darnold and opening up better running lanes for Le’Veon Bell.
The Jets could have as many as four new starters this season with the team’s acquisitions – and that could be enough to turn around one of the worst offenses in 2019. Darnold had almost no time to throw last season and Bell rarely had opportunities to show off his dynamism. If Douglas’ moves pay off, the Jets could quickly turn into a competitive team in 2020.
With that, here’s a breakdown of the offensive line.
The starters
Four of the Jets’ 2019 Week 1 starters aren’t even on the team anymore, so the starting lineup will look completely different this season. It’s hard to know exactly who will play where before training camp begins, but it’s easy to guess who will earn a starting job based on the contracts Douglas gave out this offseason.
Connor McGovern is pretty much locked in as the starting center after Douglas gave him a three-year, $27 million deal that included the most guaranteed money of any Jets’ free agent this offseason ($18 million). George Fant, too, will likely be the right tackle after signing a three-year, $30 million contract. Becton will in turn be the left tackle after being picked in the first round.
All three come with their risks. McGovern is solid but only played one season at center before joining the Jets. Fant is versatile but inexperienced and injury-prone, while Becton is incredibly powerful but just as raw of a talent. They look better than the Jets’ 2019 starters on paper, but only real reps will prove that one way or another.
Alex Lewis will almost assuredly play left guard since he played in 75 percent of snaps for the Jets in 2019. After allowing only two sacks, he re-signed on a three-year, $18 million deal. Right guard, however, is up for grabs between 2019 incumbent starter Brian Winters and free agent Greg Van Roten. Neither are studs, but Van Roten has the inside track because the Jets could save $7 million by cutting Winters this summer. The Jets will likely wait until the duo battle it out in camp before making a decision. If Winters loses, he’ll probably be cut.
The depth
Douglas didn’t just bring in starters this offseason. He also invested in quality depth players.
Versatile center Jonotthan Harrison returns to back up McGovern, as well as 2019 third-round tackle Chuma Edoga and backup guards Ben Braden and Connor McDermott. Harrison and Edoga have ample starting experience and should make the team as important reserve linemen for the Jets. Braden and McDermott will compete with the rest of the backup guards for a roster spot.
Rookies Cameron Clark and Jared Hilbers inject more youth into the unit. Both Clark, a 2020 fourth-rounder, and Hilbers, an undrafted free agent from Washington, could be starters later in their careers but will likely ride the bench this season. Clark should be a guard and Hilbers will play tackle.
The rest of the backups, Josh Andrews, Leo Koloamatangi, James Murray and Brad Lundblade, will compete for roster spots.
Outlook
It’s hard to gauge the competency of the offensive line until they all play together, but the unit looks a lot better than the 2019 version. McGovern is a huge upgrade over an injured Ryan Kalil and Harrison, while Fant and Becton have the potential to be maulers at the tackle position. The guards could be the shaky part of the line. The depth might be the unit’s strongest attribute, as most of the backups can play all over the line and a few have lots of starting experience.
The Jets’ line won’t suddenly turn into the Cowboys’ or Eagles’ line, but it’s certainly a positive sign that Douglas identified and spent money on players he felt could protect Darnold better. This line is all about potential, which could either prove to be a massive success for the Jets or the reason for their downfall. For now, though, the outlook is much better for 2020 than it was at the end of 2019.
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