New York Jets: Potential Free Agent G Clint Boling

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard

(65) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The free agency period is five days away. When March 10th arrives, the fun begins. Where will the big names go? What will your team do? Will they go hard, or sit back and wait for the right deal? We get to find out soon enough, and the Jets are no different.

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We know the Jets have over $50 million in cap space to play with, so expect Mike Maccagnan and company to be big players. The Jets have a lot of holes to fill, and have the money to begin filling those holes. The road begins on March 10th.

One position the Jets will be working on is offensive guard. We all know they are weak at the position. Willie Colon was a liability, and none of the young players have proven much. There has been a lot of talk about big names at the position, namely Orlando Franklin and Mike Iupati. But, what if the bidding gets too rich? What are the alternatives?

Rich Cimini wrote yesterday about an alternative that might be a cheaper, yet talented alternative, and that is who we are going to profile today. His name is Clint Boling.

Oct 5, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback

(37) runs with the ball against Cincinnati Bengals guard Clint Boling (65) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

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• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

Clint Boling played his college football at the University of Georgia. He started 49 games while at Georgia, and was named All-American in his senior season (2010).

At the NFL Combine, Boling measured at 6’5″, 308 pounds, 33.5 inch arms, and 9.25 inch hands. He ran a 5.3 forty yard dash, and bench pressed 28 reps. Here were his listed strengths and weaknesses:

STRENGTHS: Boling possesses very good mobility. Clearly a guy who passes attention in the film room. Plays with a high compete level and displays some nastiness. Does a good job with his hands and feet against speed rushers. Comfortable when zone blocking and gets in good position. Very durable and experienced.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks the height and bulk to stick at tackle in the NFL. Power rushing defensive ends give him a lot of trouble. Needs to show more consistency anchoring and sinking his hips. Doesn’t get good movement in the downhill running game. Had one documented off-the-field issue.

The Bengals chose Boling in the fourth round of the 2011 draft.

Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals lineman Clint Boling (65) and Bengals guard

(68) block versus the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Other than a 2013 injury, Clint Boling has been a durable guard in the NFL. In 2012 and 2014, he played and started in all 16 games. He’s only 25 years old, with his best years still ahead of him.

According to Pro Football Focus, Boling has graded out well each season in the league since he became a starter. His overall grades, starting in 2012, have been 8.8, 6.0, and 4.9. The 4.9 is impressive, coming off of a knee injury that ended Boling’s 2013 season. The only troubling number was his pass block grade last season, which dropped to a -4.5. Aside from that, Clint Boling has been consistent and solid.

Boling is coming off of his rookie contract, which only valued $2.5 million. Being only four years in the league, Boling is not set for a major payday. He will earn a slight raise to be signed, but he likely can be had for a mid-level salary.

Mike Iupati or Orlando Franklin would obviously be quite the coup for our Jets, but if Mike Maccagnan and company are looking for a slightly less expensive option, Clint Boling might just be the way to go.

Next: Two Round Mock Draft