NY Jets roster: 3 players whose role will decrease in 2021

3. Alex Lewis, OG, NY Jets

The offensive line has been a top priority of Joe Douglas since he took over as the Jets' GM. And in just two offseasons, the unit is completely different from the group he inherited.

This offseason continued the trend of addressing the offensive line with the first major addition coming with the selection of Alijah Vera-Tucker in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Jets traded up nine slots and gave up a hefty package to land a player who they believe was one of the best offensive linemen in his draft class.

Vera-Tucker is expected to be a day-one starter at left guard, something that should provide a boost to the offensive line. However, that does mean that the incumbent Alex Lewis is out of a job.

Lewis was one of Douglas' first acquisitions as the former Baltimore Ravens lineman was acquired in a trade less than two months into his tenure. And to Douglas' credit, the deal was a success.

The Jets gave up a conditional seventh-round pick for a player who would go on to serve as their primary left guard over the last two seasons. But that's set to change in 2021.

With Vera-Tucker now the presumptive starter, Lewis' only chance at a starting gig will come at right guard if he could beat out fellow returning veteran Greg Van Roten.

One of those two will be serving as a top backup to open the season, barring injury. The safe bet is to assume Van Roten holds on to his starting job, leaving Lewis with a greatly diminished role.