Breaking down new Jets offensive lineman Tom Compton

The New York Jets have signed versatile offensive lineman Tom Compton to add some depth to their offensive line. Here is a breakdown of what he brings to the table.

The New York Jets went into the offseason with the goal in mind of improving their lackluster offensive line. While they have done just that so far to varied degrees of success, it’s clear that they are still looking to add to the positional unit.

It has been reported and officially announced on the Jets Twitter account that the team has signed offensive lineman Tom Compton to a contract for the 2019 season. Compton is a versatile veteran who has played for four different teams throughout his seven-year career.

Originally entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2012, Compton spent the first four years of his career with the Washington Redskins. After spending his first two seasons splitting time between the practice squad and team bench, Compton was promoted to the starting right tackle position midway through the 2014 season.

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Compton would go on to start 11 games during his tenure in Washington before splitting time with the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears in 2016 and 2017. There he would serve as a reserve offensive lineman who would be the first to fill in in case of injuries.

The South Dakota product finally got the opportunity to be a full-time starter last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Initially signed as a backup piece, Compton was given the chance to be a starter following a season-ending neck injury to Nick Easton which would cost him his entire season.

Compton would go on to start 14 games for the Vikings at left guard in 2018 to little fanfare and success. The 29-year-old was ranked as the No. 44 guard by Pro Football Focus finishing with a subpar grade of 60.6. On a very poor Vikings offensive line, he may have been the weakest link.

Still, Compton is unlikely to be counted on as a starter for the Jets in 2019 instead serving as a primary backup with positional flexibility. He has experience playing both guard positions and has started a bit in the past at right tackle.

With reserve linemen Dakota Dozier and Brent Qvale currently on the open market, Compton gives the Jets some assurance of depth on the offensive line. Despite Dozier’s improved play over the years, it’s unlikely he will return as Compton gives the team experience that the Furman product cannot.

Although it’s unclear if Compton could also play fullback like Dozier.

At the end of the day, this isn’t necessarily a flashy signing and there will be some who point to Compton’s struggles in Minnesota last year as a reason that this move doesn’t make sense. But barring injury, Compton will only be here to provide depth and flexibility for a unit that struggled mightily in 2018.

Not a bad signing at all at this stage of free agency.