Heading into the 2022 season, the Jets have made a series of moves to improve the state of their roster and overall depth, but are they ready to compete for a playoff spot?
In this series, we’ll break down the depth chart for every position group. This time, we’ll go in-depth on the offensive line…
Projected depth chart
Starters: Mekhi Becton (Left Tackle), Laken Tomlinson (Left Guard), Connor McGovern (Center), Alijah Vera-Tucker (Right Guard), George Fant (Right Tackle)
Backups: Dan Feeney, Chuma Edoga, Conor McDermott, Nate Herbig, Max Mitchell, Grant Hermanns, Parker Ferguson, Derrick Clark II, Ross Pierschbacher, Dru Samia, Greg Senat
Key additions/losses: Signed Tomlinson and Herbig in free agency, drafted Mitchell, allowed Morgan Moses to leave in free agency, released Greg Van Roten
Top Performer in 2021: Fant – 15 games started, only one sack allowed
Top 2021 ranking via PFF: McGovern – 9th at center, 43rd offensive line
What Jets’ offensive linemen have going for them
General manager Joe Douglas has consistently looked to upgrade this unit wherever he can and they arguably have the potential to be among the league’s best. Having drafted Vera-Tucker in the first round last season, the Jets made Tomlinson their top free agent signing to produce a guard pairing that could prove elite. Vera-Tucker is reportedly moving to the right side to accommodate the veteran.
The under-appreciated McGovern is a solid center between them. Few NFL centers have the smarts and athletic ability to handle the requirements of John Benton’s blocking scheme, but McGovern has been solid over the last season and a half after a rocky start to 2020.
At tackle, the Jets will hope that Becton returns to the level of dominance he showed in his rookie year after missing most of last season. In his absence, Fant stepped in at left tackle and put together the most consistent season of his career. However, Moses – who ended up starting the last 16 games – will need to be replaced.
Key concern for 2022: Depth
In terms of depth, Feeney, McDermott, and Edoga have all started multiple games in the past, but each of them would be a clear downgrade if called into action. The Jets will hope that the additions of Herbig and Mitchell will add some more flexibility, but none of the other players currently on the roster have any real experience.