Predicting starting offensive linemen of the Jets

When it comes to the New York Jets, they will only win plenty of football games thanks to winning the battle of the trenches. Who will be their starting offensive linemen?

With the offensive line of the New York Jets being a little bit up and down in 2016, head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan went on the lookout to try and plug a few holes. It’s still really a major concern going into training camp about how the offensive line will ultimately shape up, in particular the right side of the line with Breno Giacomini and Brian Winters not having great seasons last year.

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When offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson called it quits on his outstanding career at the end of last season, the Jets brought in four-time Pro Bowl selection offensive tackle Ryan Clady to fill the hole and when healthy, should turn into a great pickup.

Looking at their offensive line as a whole, the Jets are probably a little bit in of a better spot to last year with their current depth. With center Nick Mangold solid as always and with the team drafting Brandon Shell in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft to push Giacomini at training camp, one can only hope it lifts his standard.

Let’s go into a deeper look at each of the positions on the Jets’ offensive line and predict who will be protecting the quarterback and establishing rushing lanes come Week 1 of the regular season!

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Right side: Winters (RG) & Giacomini (RT)

The right side of this offensive line is the most worrying as a Jets fan with a couple of players who have yet to prove themselves as quality and consistent players.

Both struggled immensely last year and will have to step up if they want to keep their starting positions.

Winters definitely improved as the season went on and in the last couple of games, was very solid in pass protection but did get pushed around a bit when it come to the run game.

Giacomini on the other hand as a veteran would be very disappointed with his year where he earned the most penalties on the team (10) as well as being beat more often than not in both pass protection and establishing the run.

Left side:  James Carpenter (LG) & Clady (LT)

This side of the line is the polar opposite to the right with both Pro Bowl caliber players in Carpenter and Clady. They will be instrumental to the success of the Jets in 2016. Carpenter was absolutely outstanding last year and was the Jets best offensive lineman his constantly winning battles against edge rushers. Clady’s an All-Pro selection but has some injury concerns with his knees missing many games over the past couple of years. But again, health will be a concern for the Jets’ offensive line as if if he can stay healthy, will prove to be a massive acquisition for the Jets going forward.

Center: Mangold

Again, Mangold is one of those players that the has given so much to the Jets each week and will no doubt be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and even the Ring of Honor for his prolific career.

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The most important part of what Mangold does on a consistent basis is be a leader on the Jets’ offensive line and help his quarterback with their play-calling. He’s the glue that keeps everything and everyone together as he’ll continue to what he does best this upcoming season.