For years, discussing the New York Jets’ offensive line often felt like describing an active construction zone during an earthquake. There were protection issues and missed assignments.
Their quarterbacks have had to run for survival far too often. The occasional collective collapse made viewers wonder whether anyone up front had actually met before kickoff.
That is why ESPN analyst Mike Clay’s latest offensive line rankings land a little differently. The Jets came in at No. 14 overall, a middle-of-the-pack showing by definition.
They aren’t elite. They aren’t disastrous, and if we’re being honest, that may be exactly where this group belongs.
The Jets’ offensive line finally looks functional
For a franchise coming off a miserable 3-14 campaign, middle-of-the-pack competence should not be dismissed. Progress is progress. The Jets have spent meaningful resources trying to stabilize the trenches, and there is finally a believable foundation. Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou give New York two young bookend tackles with long-term upside.
That alone changes the conversation dramatically. Functional offensive lines typically begin on the edges, and the Jets appear to have legitimate answers there. ESPN’s rankings reflect that optimism. Membou ranks as one of the team’s highest-rated linemen, which should surprise absolutely no one after the consistency he showed.
The interior remains a more interesting conversation. Joe Tippmann continues to develop. Josh Myers remains serviceable. Dylan Parham steps into a larger role after John Simpson’s departure. That group may not inspire league-wide fear, but it also no longer screams structural weakness.
The Jets’ ranking may actually undersell the upside
The most interesting part of all of this? This group could still outperform No. 14. Quarterback play matters enormously when evaluating offensive lines, and let’s be honest, the Jets did not exactly receive calm, efficient help behind center last season.
Protection stats can get uglier when quarterbacks hold the football too long, drift into pressure, or create sacks themselves. Better quarterback stability alone could make this unit look stronger. So yes, 14th feels fair. It also feels like a reminder. For the first time in a while, the Jets’ offensive line discussion begins with competence instead of concern, and that alone represents meaningful progress.
Jets Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 offseason.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets offensive line earns a middle-of-pack grade in recent NFL ranking
Reporting by Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
