New York Jets: Early 2018 starting lineup projections, offense

Offensive Line

Spencer Long (C)
Brian Winters, James Carpenter (G)
Kelvin Beachum, Brandon Shell (T)

The Jets need a strong performance from their offensive line in 2018 after a very lackluster effort last year. New York ranked 19th in rushing yards per game and 20th in yards per carry last season. Not only that but they allowed the league’s fifth-highest sack percentage. Something had to be done.

Steve Marshall is out and Rick Dennison is the new line coach and running game coordinator. He’ll work closely with new offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to hopefully open up some holes for Isaiah Crowell and protect whoever the quarterback is at the time.

One key addition moving forward is center Spencer Long. A four-year NFL veteran, Long played six games with the Redskins last year before being placed on IR with a hip flexor in November. The 6-5, 318-pounder is expected to be fully healthy by training camp. He replaces the under-achieving Wesley Johnson. Long can also move over to guard if needed and is considered a talent upgrade over Johnson. No one is expecting him to be Nick Mangold though. The Jets like Long’s flexibility and leadership qualities.

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Winters and Carpenter were both disappointments in 2017. Winters should bounce back and be more effective following surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle. Carpenter is entering the last year of his contract and should be highly motivated to prove he’s still an NFL starter.

Beachum and Shell were adequate at best last season and need to fend off Ben Ijalana and Brent Qvale for the starting tackle slots. None of these guys will remind you of Orlando Pace, that’s for sure.