New York Jets: Early 53-man roster, depth chart prediction 2018
Offensive Line – Starter(s) listed first
Guard: Brian Winters, James Carpenter, Dakota Dozier
Tackle: Brandon Shell, Kelvin Beachum, Ben Ijalana, Brent Qvale
Center: Spencer Long, Travis Swanson
The Jets offensive line was terrible in 2017. However, when two of the five starters going into the season are either missing from the lineup or playing hurt and the play of the starting center explains why he was the backup for a long time, it’s understandable why the play wasn’t up to par.
So, with a healthy Winters and Shell, combining with (according to Pro Football Focus) tackles that performed well in the second half of the season in 2017, it should be an improved line.
From Week 10 on, Brandon Shell and Kelvin Beachum ranked 17th and 18th, respectively, in pass blocking efficiency among 80 qualified OTs
— PFF NY Jets (@PFF_Jets) May 21, 2018
For signature stats on each position across the NFL, sign up for PFF Elite:https://t.co/o5tGhg1WzY
You can see why the Jets didn’t address what many thought was an issue from 2017. They think their line was just a victim of the injury bug, and, if healthy, can stack up with the defensive lines they’ll be facing in 2018.
In the end, it’s not the doomsday scenario people think it is on the offensive line. It’s not the same scenario that Andrew Luck going through in Indianapolis, and it’s not even close. So, for those fearing putting Darnold behind “that line” will be a disaster, you’re in luck (no pun intended). It’s not as bad — in fact it’s very improved — as it looked last year.