NY Jets: 4 players who have exceeded expectations in 2021

3. George Fant, OT, NY Jets

The Jets' offensive line deserves a ton of credit for playing as well as they have this season, and it hasn't just been one or two guys.

The most notable standout has been rookie left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker who already looks like one of the better left guards in football. But one player who has absolutely exceeded expectations is George Fant.

Fant was a below-average starting right tackle in his first year with the Jets. His 61.6 PFF grade ranked 64th out of all qualified tackles making him a borderline starting-caliber player.

But in 2021, he's completely flipped the narrative.

Despite the Jets going out and signing Morgan Moses in the summer, Fant earned the starting right tackle job in training camp. But it's been his play at left tackle filling in for the injured Mekhi Becton that's been most impressive.

Fant's 72.5 pass-block grade is good for ninth-best among all offensive tackles and sixth-best among left tackles to play at least 80 percent of offensive snaps this season.

He's only of just four qualified tackles (minimum 80 percent of snaps) to not allow a sack in 2021. Fant has surrendered just two QB hits and hasn't allowed once since Week 3.

While his run blocking has been a bit worse, Fant's stellar performance in pass protection deserves to be recognized.

George Fant has been very good in 2021. Certainly better than most expected him to be.