In less than a week, the Jets will be back in action with the beginning of training camp. Once the pads go on and the players begin to go after it under the hot summer sun, New York will be one step closer to kicking off what figures to be a promising 2019 season.
Throughout camp, the veterans and incumbent starters will focus on perfecting their craft and getting comfortable with new offensive and defensive schemes. The fringe players will spend training camp and the preseason fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster with the coaching staff keeping a watchful eye over them through it all.
In anticipation of camp beginning, Jets Wire will break down where New York stands at each position. From positions that are seemingly set in stone to those that will feature plenty of competition, there will be plenty to watch for throughout late July and early August.
Let’s take a look at how the offensive line shapes up heading into camp.
QB RB WR TE
The Starters
After a disappointing 2018 season, New York’s offensive line is primed to improve this upcoming season.
Returning are Kelvin Beachum at left tackle, Jonotthan Harrison, who spent most of last season as a reserve, at center, Brian Winters at right guard and Brandon Shell at right tackle. Two-time pro-bowler Kelechi Osemele joins the Jets as the team’s left guard, which will bolster a unit that was anything but consistent a year ago.
The Backups
There will be plenty of competition in training camp, but most of New York’s reserve offensive linemen are locks to make the team.
Free-agent acquisition Tom Compton gives the Jets versatility, as he can line up at either guard or tackle. The same goes for Brent Qvale, although he is better off playing on the interior when needed. Rookie Chuma Edoga is New York’s top reserve tackle and if Kelvin Beachum underperforms at any point this season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Edoga assume a starting role.
Jon Toth is Gang Green’s backup center by default, as none of the Jets’ other reserve linemen can play the position. Expect Joe Douglas to add some competition at some point during camp.
Fighting For A Spot
The Jets have two undrafted free agent rookies in Tyler Jones and Wyatt Miller who could push for a spot in training camp. Both players were among the best at their positions at the collegiate level a year ago and could give incumbents like Brent Qvale a run for their money.
Ben Braden, Jordan Morgan and undrafted free agent Toa Lobendahn will also not go down without a fight in the preseason. With numerous offensive linemen fighting for a spot, some fierce position battles on the line could shape up during August.
Final Analysis
New York’s five starters on the line are set in stone, but who will be backing them up once the regular season rolls around?
There’s every chance Qvale, who has been unspectacular for a while now, gets usurped by an undrafted free agent for a reserve guard spot. Even if that ultimately does not happen, there will be plenty of competition to keep an eye on throughout camp. Preseason games will be big, as the staff’s evaluations once the pads go on against another team will be the deciding factor in who makes the team.
