I think the outlook isn't bad but it isn't exciting either. The Jets will need to think about getting replacements in place for both Brick and Mangold eventually but that likely doesn't have to be for another 1-2 offseasons. I understand the concerns that they will regress but I really can't see why they would, especially with continuity at LG and RG going from last season into this season. Injury is of course a concern but that is a concern that effects every player in the entire NFL, so really no need to worry about it until something actually happens. As far as depth, I believe the Jets have a lot of good developmental prospects who they feel comfortable moving into the starting unit in a pinch. This squad is built to be developed into something tomorrow. That doesn't necessarily help today but things are not dire.
Jets need better guard play.Plain & simple. That's not to say Ferguson & Mangold didn't have their crappy games either. That mess in Buffalo I 100% blame on the Oline. They couldn't block Buffalo's big guys. I saw Winters during the senior bowl practice footage before he was drafted.He really held his own against some stiff competition. But he did it being aggressive & physical.He now plays way too tight & trying to be too perfect in his technique.He looks soft & off balance. He needs to find his nasty game at this level..cause I dunno if he's good enough otherwise.That's not to say I don't think he could be a very good linemen..I just don't think finesse is his game. Colon is a good stop gap.Great locker room presence & a nasty enforcer who can really run block.He can definitely be upgraded to give Geno a cleaner pocket.I really believe Geno will live or die as the Jets QB depending on what happens at the 2 guard spots.He did some special things when he had a clear windshield. Campbell & Aboushi are the 2 mysteries. Campbell got very limited reps but held his own & showed decent athleticism.Aboushi actually got alot of reps as a back-up OT..didn't look so hot BUT does have good feet to work with. They get him in the weight room to add some strength & this guy is definitely a plus protector in a year or 2.
Kurt, I agree that Winters needs to play with more sand in his pants (and why I would've wanted LSU's Trai Turner over MsSU's Gabe Jackson, because Turner looked to have more of a Willie Colon edge to him). As far as Aboushi goes, I just don't quite see the "good feet" you speak of which is why I have grave doubts about his ability to pass block 'outside' at tackle; I don't see the footwork necessary to stay square especially against speed rushers.
Our O-Line is pretty patchwork right now, and will have to be addressed in the near future, but overall, I think they should be more or less ok for next season. Mangold is getting up there in age, but I think centers don't rely that much on their athleticism, remember how Mawae played well for us well into his late 30s, so Mangold should be good enough for several more years, barring injuries. Ferguson is more worrisome, going up against speedy edge rushers, his diminishing athleticism will hurt him the most as he ages, and we have seen him struggle some last season. That's why in the next couple of years, I would not be surprised to see Idzik draft a Left Tackle high. But for this upcoming season, Ferguson should still be ok. Breno is a decent player, hopefully wont get injured. At guard, Colon is serviceable if not good, Winters will hopefully improve, and Dozier could step in for one of them if they struggle. I think it's easier for O-Lines to run rather than pass protect, and with Rex and CJ and Ivory, you know we will be running a lot, so this should cover up some line deficencies. Also, having Geno read the blitz better than he did last season (a reasonable expectation) or having Vick as a threat to run at any time should help. With all that said, unless many of our O-Line prospects really show something this year, that's a unit that really will need to be addressed in the next draft/free agency.
I agree with those who say that o-line is now the team's biggest area of concern. Unfortunately, by the time we'll have the luxury of fortifying this unit with real talent and depth -- and giving them a chance to play together for a couple of years -- 60 and 74 will be facing decline. The more I think about it, the more annoyed I am by this. (Mawae turned 34 in early 2005, his last year with the Jets.)
I should have been more specific about my take on Aboushi.He's very much a project in all aspects. But he DOES have a very good release/kick step off the line.That's a major tool to work with on a young linemen. That means he has natural lateral movement & will not lose to speed rushers right off the bat.Let's see how he does w/ some time in the weight room & learning proper angle points to take.
Aside from Geno Smith himself, the offensive line will be the biggest factor in our success or failure. The line has been weak since 2011 and besides WR, it has been the biggest deficiency on the Jets since then. Their play HAS to step up.
