New York Jets Offensive Line Projected as Top 10 Unit?

After years of disappointing play, the New York Jets offensive line is projected to be a top unit in the NFL for 2024.
Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets running back Travis Dye (35) follows the
Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets running back Travis Dye (35) follows the / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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The New York Jets have long been known as a team unable to field a competent offensive line. Injuries, poor draft picks, and disappointing signings led the group to plenty of turmoil over the years.

After their impressive free agency haul, though, the Jets offensive line problems seem to be coming to an end.

Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets running back Travis Dye (35) follows the
Aug 12, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets running back Travis Dye (35) follows the / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

New York made quick work to improve the group that has caused them so much trouble over the years. Left guard John Simpson was signed to a two-year deal on the first night of free agency, right tackle Morgan Moses was traded for just a couple of days later, and All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith agreed to join just a week after that.

In total, the Jets spent over $12 million in 2024 cap hits to improve an offensive line that was among the worst in football last season. Throughout 2023, New York worked through 13 different offensive linemen appearing during the year, and 13 different combinations. While Smith, Moses, and Simpson have their own injury concerns, they are significant upgrades over the past few years.

So much so that in the latest metric, it's the Jets that have turned out a top-10 offensive line. According to Ourlads, the Jets metrics of their projected offensive line are ranked 10th across the NFL ahead of the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and even the Green Bay Packers.

New York may not be done improving the group, either.

With the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jets have the flexibility to improve upon the depth of the group. Prospects like Penn State's Olu Fashanu, Washington's Troy Fautanu, or Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga could provide something New York hasn't had in decades as well.

A plan for the future for their offensive line.

Regardless of what the Jets do in the draft, the Jets are in a much better situation for their offense than they've had in years. And no one is happier about it than their quarterback Aaron Rodgers.


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Nick Faria

NICK FARIA

Nick covers the NFL for Sports Illustrated/FN. He was previously on the New York Jets' beat for AM New York with prior experience reporting on the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Eagles. The New York City resident is also an Adjunct Professor at LIU Brooklyn.