One of the priorities leading up to the 2020 off-season for the New York Jets was to solve the problems on their offensive line. With Sam Darnold being sacked 33 times in 2019 and lacking time in the pocket, general manager Joe Douglas made it an essential allocation of assets.
It is only right that we start off with 11th overall pick Mekhi Becton at left tackle. Becton has a unique blend of size and speed, standing at 6-foot-7 and 369 pounds.
Becton’s goal is essentially to start as a rookie and make the playoffs, which sounds about right for a player picked in the top half of the first round. For a player of his size, it will take some development and time to adjust to the NFL level. The increase in physicality and speed is far different than playing for Louisville at the collegiate level, but Becton has the tangible traits to adapt quickly.
Nonetheless, there are concerns that balance will be an issue against bigger and faster pass rushers. Luckily, his mobility and lateral movement are what made him such an intriguing prospect at left tackle. The Jets struggled to solidify the position in free agency last year, so finding a young rookie to fill the void was essential. Mekhi has the highest ceiling of any left tackle prospect entering the NFL, but he also has one of the lowest floors of the top five group.
At right tackle, the Jets went out and signed former Seattle Seahawk, George Fant. Fant might be the weakest link of the entire line, as he earned a three-year, $27.3 million contract. Gaining $13.7 million guaranteed despite obtaining limited reps as a starter over four years with the Seahawks is a bit optimistic. Fant only played in 1,146 snap since 2016, and while he did tear his ACL and missed the entire 2017 season, it took him years to establish himself as a first option player. Luckily for running back Le’Veon Bell, Fant is known as a run-blocker, but his pass-protecting skills remain suspect. He graded out as the 86th ranked tackle among 99 qualifying players, according to PFF.
The Jets situated his contract in a good way, though, leaving only to $2 million in dead cap after his first year in green. This will allow them to cut him with virtually no leftover money if he fails to lock down the position at an adequate level. The primary issue might be the alternatives that Douglas had at his disposal. The free-agent market included Jack Conklin and Bryan Bulaga. Fant was the lesser of the three, and shouldn’t be considered a sure-fire starter in 2020.
On a brighter note, the Jets signed Center, Connor McGovern. McGovern was easily the best lineman signing for the Jets, given his consistent health and dominant style of play. Over the past two seasons, the former Denver Bronco has started in 31 of 32 games. He played all of the Broncos 1,113 snaps and is a transfer from the guard position.
McGovern’s first season at center saw him rank among the 10 best players at the position with a 71.9 PFF grade. His pass blocking was phenomenal, ranking fifth out of all qualifying centers. He allowed just one sack and less than one pressure per game in 2019. He also wasn’t penalized a single time.
McGovern offers the Jets consistency at the center position and immediately becomes their best offensive lineman, given his grades.
The next on the list is Kyle Van Roten, who is a fringe-starter for the Jets at left guard. He allowed one sack in 2019 and earned a 65.6 grade over 704 snaps. Van Roten actually had a decent season in 2019, but he has been inconsistent in the past and shouldn’t be considered a locked-in starter for the long term. He could just be a holdover until the Jets have more capital to spend.
The Jets gave him a three year, $10.5 million deal with a potential out after the 2020 season. This could be a one and done style contract, but if he impresses, they have him on an incredibly cheap deal for the next two years until 2023.
Lastly, Brian Winters is the man at right guard. Winters posted a 62.4 grade in 2019, allowing just one sack and two penalties over 526 offensive snaps played. He is in the final year of his rookie deal and will earn $7.28 million. He has dealt with injuries in the past, but he has proven he can hold his own at the guard position.
Overall, I would say that the tackles are a bit suspect, and the interior of the line is much more reliable with Winters, Van Roten, and McGovern. Sam Darnold will need to rely on Becton to hold down his blindside for the most part, and Fant isn’t as reliable as we’d hoped for in a free agent signing. The running game should be much improved given the size Becton brings and the run blocking grades Fant carries over from the Seattle Seahawks. If anyone is going to benefit from the reinforcing of the line, it will be Le’Veon Bell.