Potential Jets’ Free Agents: Offensive Guard

Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard

(66) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 37-14. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s head into the trenches as we look at the free agent market.

We all know how John Idzik feels about competition. He loves it, as it makes everyone better. There will be competition all over the roster in 2014, as there was in 2013.

To add to that, there will be at least one position open along the offensive line, with the potential of two. Our 2013 right guard, Willie Colon, is an unrestricted free agent, and our left guard, Brian Winters, definitely did not guarantee himself a starting position next year.

Let’s take a look at some offensive guards on the free agent market that could help:

WILLIE COLON: You know the old saying, “familiarity breeds contempt”? Well, that doesn’t apply to offensive linemen. In fact, familiarity is a good thing. Willie Colon is the free agent at right guard that is vacating the position, why not bring him back?

Playing along the offensive line is all about timing, and understanding your job. The footwork of the five players has to be perfect, otherwise the play blows up. Not only do you need to know where YOU have to be, you have to know where OTHER players have to be as well. As a line plays together, it gets better. With a year under his belt, Willie Colon would only get better in his spot, and he is a player that Rex Ryan loves.

The grades play it out as well. His overall grade in 2013 was a -1.1, but as the season went on, he improved, with five out of his seven final grades being positive. His overall grade in pass blocking was 11.1, nothing to sneeze at. Bringing him back must be a consideration.

GEOFF SCHWARTZ: Here is a young player with a lot of football left in him. At 27 years old, he would be part of the line for a long time. He has also played both on the left side and the right side, which is a trait that is useful for an offensive lineman, especially one that would play for Rex.

Schwartz is also coming off a terrific season. In 549 snaps, he posted an overall grade of 18.3. A complete guard, he would be quite the asset to Rex Ryan and the Jets.

ZANE BEADLES: And finally, a player from the AFC Champion Denver Broncos. Zane Beadles has started every game but two since entering the league in 2010. Peyton Manning has been his leader for the past two years, and everyone benefits from his tutelage.

Last season, his overall grade including the Super Bowl was -2.9. But, starting in week 15, every game yielded a positive grade for Beadles except for the Super Bowl. He would definitely give Brian Winters a run for his money at left guard.

These are some offensive guards that could help the Jets in 2014. Who do you guys like?