Jets Investing in Almost Entirely New Offensive Line Proves They Expect Big Things From Sam Darnold in 2020
The New York Jets actually looked decent in 2019 once Sam Darnold returned from him bout with mononucleosis. The team went 7-6 with him starting and he finished the year with 3,024 yards and 19 touchdowns.
The Jets struggled to protect the young gunslinger last year and as a result he was sacked 33 times. In order to keep him safe in the pocket in 2020, GM Joe Douglas has made it a priority to improve the offensive line the offseason. Continuing to spend on protecting Darnold could lead to a big jump for the quarterback in a year where the AFC East is up for grabs.
Jets offensive line investments so far in free agency: LT George Fant (3-years, $30M), LG Alex Lewis (3-years, $18M), C Connor McGovern (3-years, $27M), RG Greg Van Roten (3-years), G Josh Andrews.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 21, 2020
GM Joe Douglas building an improved group to protect Sam Darnold. https://t.co/vHwIZLivOM
Thus far, most of the Jets' offseason moves have been focused on the trenches. The Jets have signed LT George Fant, LG Alex Lewis, C Connor McGovern, RG Greg Van Roten and G Josh Andrews thus far into the new league year, and could make further moves still.
Fant and McGovern are two veteran players who serve as the biggest additions of the offseason for the Jets. Lewis started 12 games last season and was rewarded as a result of his strong play. The Jets still have the No. 11 pick in the NFL Draft and could further fortify the line in the early parts of the draft.
Presumed #Jets starting offensive line pre-draft:
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 21, 2020
LT: George Fant
LG: Alex Lewis
C: Connor McGovern
RG: Greg Van Roten
RT: Chuma Edoga#NYJ likely to draft left tackle, which will have Fant competing with Edoga at RT.
Having nearly a brand new offensive line proves the Jets are aiming for a playoff berth now that Tom Brady is out of the division. Douglas seems to have learned from his disastrous offensive line signings from last year -- Kelechi Osemele comes to mind -- and has decided to start fresh with a new group in 2020.
Darnold was drafted to be the quarterback of the future and the Jets are doing the right thing by focusing on those protecting him instead of just stockpiling skill players.