USAT: Jets Wire audio clip

USAT: Jets Wire

Mar 30, 2022

The Jets’ offensive line could look a lot different in 2022. - Laken Tomlinson is a big reason why, as the new arrival will start at left guard – a position he thrived at with the 49ers – and push Alijah Vera-Tucker to right guard. Vera-Tucker may not be the only lineman learning a new position though, as Joe Douglas said the Jets could switch Mekhi Becton to right tackle if he doesn’t retake the left tackle job from George Fant. - Both youngsters have experience at different positions, but only in college. Becton played right and left tackle at Louisville from 2017-2018 before sticking on the right side for his monstrous 2019 season, while Vera-Tucker played right guard in 2018, left guard in 2019 and left tackle in 2020 for USC. - That experience bodes well for the position change(s) – and is likely why the Jets are comfortable with the possibility. But it’s still a risky move. - Becton played well at left tackle during his rookie season in 2020 and Vera-Tucker developed nicely at left guard in 2021. Moving them to the right side could lead to a backslide in progression if they can’t pick up the new position quickly. - The ultimate wildcard is if the Jets draft another offensive lineman early. There are several quality options in the top-10, including N.C. State’s Ickey Ekwonu, who could completely change the Jets’ strategy on the line. That scenario seems less likely after Douglas praised the Jets’ current cast of tackles and guards at the NFL league meetings, but there’s still a chance the Jets take a lineman with one of their first-round picks. - Whatever changes the Jets make, they need to work. Zach Wilson was one of the most pressured quarterbacks in 2021 and the Jets’ running game took a long time to manifest in Mike LaFleur’s first year. - If New York’s line takes a step in the wrong direction in 2022, so will the rest of the team. - - List - - 8 takeaways from Joe Douglas' NFL owners meetings presser - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Jets Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Jets Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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