The New York Jets are eager to improve their offensive line to protect Aaron Rodgers, with top offensive tackle prospects expressing excitement at the prospect of blocking for the future Hall of Famer. General manager Joe Douglas faces the challenge of finding three starting linemen who match the skill and enthusiasm of these prospects, whether through the draft or free agency.
The Jets have a pressing need to fix their offensive line, particularly with Rodgers, at 40 years old and coming off Achilles surgery, emphasizing the importance of winning now. Douglas acknowledged the need for “a lot of pieces” upfront and expressed confidence in finding players who possess the intelligence, toughness, and reliability required to bolster the offensive line.
Despite finishing poorly in various offensive line metrics, the Jets have significant cap space and a high draft pick, offering them the resources to revamp their offensive line. The versatility of Alijah Vera-Tucker, who has played multiple positions along the line, adds flexibility in their approach to adding linemen.
Overall, Douglas emphasized the importance of smart and creative moves to rebuild the offensive line effectively and improve the team’s chances of success.
Securing the left tackle position to protect Rodgers’ blind side is the top priority for the Jets. They hoped former first-round pick Mekhi Becton would fill this role, but he will be allowed to enter free agency. While they may aim to find his replacement with the 10th pick in the draft, the top left tackle prospect, Joe Alt from Notre Dame, is likely to be gone by then. Other options like Fashanu, Fauga, and Latham are considered right tackles.
In free agency, the Jets need to acquire a left tackle to avoid leaving themselves vulnerable. However, the pool of available left tackles is limited. Players like Tyron Smith, Trent Brown, and Donovan Smith are among the best available but come with age and injury risks. Alijah Vera-Tucker, primarily a guard, could be developed into a left tackle, but the Jets prefer to settle on his final position. The top right tackle options include Mike Onwenu, Jonah Williams, and Jermaine Eluemunor, who offer flexibility to play multiple positions.
Ideally, the Jets would sign two tackles in free agency, draft one, and let the best two play. However, this approach must be managed carefully to avoid overspending on tackles who might end up sitting behind a rookie. Players like Smith and Bakhtiari, if he passes a physical, are attractive options despite injury concerns. Bakhtiari’s connection to Rodgers and familiarity with the offensive coordinator’s scheme could make him a valuable addition.
In the guard position, the Jets should aim to sign the best available guard to pair with Vera-Tucker, strengthening the interior line. Robert Hunt and Kevin Zeitler are top guards in free agency, with Hunt’s experience in an outside zone scheme making him particularly appealing to the Jets. If they sign one of these guards, they can move Vera-Tucker back to left guard, where he performed well as a rookie.
At center, the Jets are confident in Joe Tippmann, their second-round pick from last year. Tippmann’s ability to play right guard adds to his value and flexibility within the lineup.
In conclusion, the Jets’ offensive line strategy should focus on acquiring quality starters in free agency, drafting to add depth and competition, and ensuring flexibility to adapt to different scenarios.
