OverviewFor the first time since 2006, the Jets will head to a training camp without Brick or Nick. The D'Brickashaw Ferguson/Nick Mangold era officially came to a close when the Jets released the 33-year-old Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowler, in February. But there won't be a changing of the guard everywhere up front as the Green & White locked up Brian Winters to an extension, keeping the solid Winters/James Carpenter guard combination intact.
In the SpotlightAfter Mangold went down last year, Wesley Johnson started in eight of the team's final nine games.* *Head coach Todd Bowles praised Johnson's leadership and intelligence while adding he did a fine job in the run game. The 6'5", 297-pound Johnson learned a lot from Mangold and he has prepared well for a possible full-time role at center.
Get to Know the O-Line Heading into the Start of Training Camp
Position BattlesIt will be interesting to see how things progress at tackle over the summer. Brandon Shell, who acquitted himself quite well at right tackle late last season while getting some help, will contend to be the opening-day starter at RT. Newcomer Kelvin Beachum, who was limited in the spring while the Jets took a cautious approach with his knee, has primarily been a left tackle throughout his career. Ben Ijalana started 13 games for the Jets last season and the 6'4", 322-pounder is a versatile performer who can play on either side. It would appear there are three guys vying for two spots.
The TeacherSteve Marshall is the right man to lead a unit in transition. The Jets started nine line combinations in 2016 and eight players participated in at least 20 percent of the snaps up front. Marshall has literally seen it all in his 36 years of coaching and he has great respect in his room.
Down the LineJonotthan Harrison, who started 23 games with the Colts, signed in March and is expected to provide depth on the interior.* *An undrafted free agent out of Florida in 2014, Harrison played in 44 of Indy's 48 regular-season contests the past three seasons.
