Do New York Jets Own Best Offensive Line in AFC East?

Despite their recent struggles, the New York Jets worked to address their starting offensive line. Now, the group might be the best in the division.

Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) blocks / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Have the free-agent additions the New York Jets have made along the offensive line turned their fortunes around for the entire group?

Before the organization begins organized practices and meetings, the Jets made sure to address the biggest holes at their most important position through trades and shrewd signings. All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith was signed, right tackle Morgan Moses was traded for a pick swap, and John Simpson - a starting left guard - was brought in for less than the market average. Joining young players like Alijah Vera-Tucker and Joe Tippmann, the new additions hope to change the recent misfortune for the franchise.

Aug 12, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) blocks / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

In the last two seasons, New York has gone through over 10 different players along the entire line. It got even worse in 2023 when the Jets went through 13 different linemen, and 13 different line combinations.

With these recent changes, though, are the Jets suddenly owners of the best offensive line in the AFC East? While the New England Patriots are in the early stages of a rebuild, the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins have gone through structural changes for their organization.

Let's break down who has the better group now, though.

New York Jets

LT - Tyron Smith
LG - John Simpson
C - Joe Tippmann
RG - Alijah Vera-Tucker
RT - Morgan Moses

Buffalo Bills

LT - Dion Dawkins
LG - David Edwards
C - Connor McGovern
RG - O'Cyrus Torrence
RT - Spencer Brown

Miami Dolphins

LT - Terron Armstead
LG - Isaiah Wynn
C - Aaron Brewer
RG - Robert Jones
RT - Kion Smith

The Verdict?

It's safe to assume that, when judging the Jets offensive line in comparison to other groups, the obvious caveat is that the entire group must stay healthy for a full season. New York will be addressing the group's depth in the draft, but the starting five cannot be relied upon to play a full 17-game season.

When healthy, though, this group is significantly better than a group like Miami's. Armstead is a solid tackle, but few players can compare to Smith when he is on his game. On the other hand, AVT and Moses are significantly better than the Jones-Smith duo on the right side for the Dolphins.

At worst, the Jets offensive line is the second-best group in the division.

The real debate comes with Buffalo. The Bills did a great job of adjusting the group last season to focus more on running the ball, and it helped them win the division for the fourth year in a row. Torrence, McGovern, and Dawkins are quality starters at key positions.

They just aren't better than the likes of Tyron Smith, Morgan Moses or even AVT. When healthy, this new-look Jets line is expected to be the best in the AFC East. The only real question the team has to answer is if they can stay healthy for a full 17-game season.