2. Offensive Lineman
The second area that the New York Jets must focus on is improving their offensive line.
The Jets O-Line failed at protecting the quarterback this year, which is why Petty went down with his shoulder injury. The biggest problem the o-line has is their inability to remain healthy.
Breno Giacomini came into this season with a back injury and was not able to finish the season as he was placed on injured reserve in December.
Ryan Clady, the New York Jets left tackle, also finished the year on injured reserve. He was a big risk the New York Jets took after D’Brickshaw Ferguson retired. Clady once was a Pro-Ball caliber player, but injuries have derailed his career.
The Jets were hoping his injury problems were behind him, but that obviously is not the case.
The heart and soul of the New York Jets offensive line is Nick Mangold, but he has struggled to remain healthy the past few seasons. Mangold played in just 8 games this past year.
The offensive line is aging, which means it’s time for the New York Jets to find younger and more durable linemen.
The one offensive lineman the Jets took last year in the draft was Brandon Shell. Shell is making the most of his opportunities by playing extremely well with the few starts he’s received, which is encouraging for Gang Green.
Mangold will be a part of the Jets offensive line next year, but Giacomini and Clady must be replaced. The Jets O-Line must get younger.
