'A Disaster!' ESPN Analyst Reveals Why New York Jets Must Draft Tackle With First-Round Pick

ESPN analyst Damien Woody knows a thing or two about being on the New York Jets offensive line. Why did he double down on the trenches with the 10th overall pick?

Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu (74) gets set before a play against West Virginia at Beaver / Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

Strong offensive line play has proven to be elusive for the New York Jets. Since the days of D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold came to an end, it’s been rocky waters for quarterbacks looking for a clean pocket.

When it was largely a talent issue, and when it wasn’t it was a health issue. Just this year, 11 linemen played at least 10 percent of the team’s offensive snaps.

New York addressed the talent side of the ball early in the offseason, trading for Baltimore Ravens tackle (and former Jet) Morgan Moses, signing Ravens left guard John Simpson to replace Laken Tomlinson, and signing future Hall of Fame left tackle Tyron Smith.

Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu (74) gets set before a play against West Virginia at Beaver / Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK

These veteran acquisitions come with risk — the tackles are both on the wrong side of 30 and Smith in particular has a rich medical history.

As such, former New York offensive lineman Damien Woody isn’t ruling out a tackle with the 10th overall pick.

“I’m doubling down. I’ve watched up close and personal this Jets offensive line over the years has just been a disaster as far as injuries are concerned,” Woody said. “And they’ve definitely upgraded the position with the three moves they’ve made this offseason. But I’m drafting an offensive lineman, particularly a tackle, at 10, because when you look at those two tackles again, they’re both 33. Tyron Smith hasn’t played a full season since 2015. And so they’re also in the last year of their deals.”

Many suspected offensive tackles came off the board for New York when Smith put pen to paper, but the chase for sustainability and a high-value position will keep that door open. Additionally, an early-round tackle could learn from a strong core of veterans while presumably providing ample depth.

There’s no guarantee Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or Penn State’s Olu Fashanu fall to No. 10, but both them and an encouraging set of second-tier tackles could be the apple of Jets general manager Joe Douglas’ eye.

While a third starting receiver or Georgia tight end Brock Bowers may have jumped tackle in terms of a pressing need, Douglas’ moves will allow them to be flexible, especially on the draft’s first day. A trade in either direction still seems to be in play. 

Given the state of their quarterback and his importance to this win-now window, drafting a tackle may be the best short-term option, too, even if it ends up sacrificing upside in this season. 

“I got a quarterback, a 40-year-old quarterback, coming off an Achilles injury,” Woody said. “I’m going to make sure that Aaron Rodgers is protected by any means necessary. So give me another offensive tackle.”

New York saw just how quickly an injury could derail its campaign in Week 1 this past season. Upgrades at receiver and backup quarterback may mitigate those risks, but the football world knows a healthy Rodgers is the Jets’ only hope for a deep playoff run.

There’s no guarantee Rodgers lights it up, but him being healthy and upright are the two biggest pieces of the puzzle for New York’s success. Spending a first-round pick to better ensure that is a worthwhile endeavor for Douglas in a potentially make-or-break season.