Jets OL Kelechi Osemele talks building chemistry with new teammates

The New York Jets added one of the NFL’s best offensive guards this offseason, and Kelechi Osemele is working hard to build chemistry with his new teammates.

When the Jets acquired Kelechi Osemele via trade from the Oakland Raiders, they filled a huge need with one of the league’s best blockers.

Osemele is a punishing player with a physical playing style, something the Jets need more of up front. But while ability is half the battle, an effective offensive line starts with building chemistry and working together as a unit.

With voluntary workouts and mandatory minicamp already in the books, Osemele and his new teammates are building a rapport as they all try to digest and execute a new offense under new head coach Adam Gase (via team reporter Olivia Landis):

It’s been pretty good. We’ve had our team dinners, we communicate a lot. We’re pretty good together. It’s pretty easy for the offensive line, because we’re all similar personalities. I like the guys. We’ve got some dogs on the inside. Brian Winters, Jonotthan (Harrison) in the middle, so it’s gonna be really good for us running the ball and protecting the quarterback, keeping him clean.

(Kelvin) Beachum is obviously an eight-year veteran, and highly skilled at what he does. (Brandon) Shell’s been coming along and getting better, really excited about his career, as well. I think we’re plugging along, and I think we’re exactly where we need to be right now.

Osemele is a two-time Pro Bowler who should give the Jets a huge upgrade at one guard spot, but the rest of the unit needs to show marked improvement if the offense is going to take full advantage of the talent they have at the skill positions.

Sam Darnold is a promising passer with all the physical and mental tools to become a franchise quarterback, Le’Veon Bell is one of the most dynamic running backs in the entire NFL, and the Jets have one of the league’s more underrated groups of pass-catchers.

But none of that will matter if the big boys up front don’t get the job done. If Osemele can help elevate the play of his line-mates to where he’s been since entering the league, the Jets offense should reach new heights in 2019 and beyond.

Will we see a big jump in performance from the Jets’ offensive line this year? Will Osemele’s presence make a huge difference? Give us your take in the comment section!