The NFL offseason is underway and questions remain heading into the 2025 season. Few teams have as many holes as the New York Jets. The search for their new general manager and head coach continues. While that’s underway, they have to get a plan ready with the NFL Draft three months away. The draft will be an important indicator of how the new rebuild will start. With a whole new regime in place, they have to nail the seventh overall pick. But, the Jets could have a blueprint that might help. One that comes from the Los Angeles Chargers.
After going 5-12 in 2023, the Los Angeles Chargers returned to playoffs in their first season with Jim Harbaugh as head coach. Although they were eliminated by the Houston Texans, their making the playoffs in their first season together is impressive. One of the keys to LA’s revival has been their first-round pick Joe Alt. The career left tackle moved over to right tackle and helped Justin Herbert. Perhaps New York should consider this in April.
Will Jets Use Chargers Strategy for Their Draft Pick?
The Los Angeles Chargers were in a similar situation in 2023 as the New York Jets face now. After making the playoffs in 2022, Los Angeles was unable to meet the high expectations they hoped for, going from 10-7 to 5-12. A regressing defense, lackluster wide receiver room, and injuries to Justin Herbert led to a lost season, one that resulted in head coach Brandon Staley’s firing. Once Staley was out of the picture, the Spanos family quickly worked out a deal to bring in Jim Harbaugh from the University of Michigan. The ex-49ers head coach left Michigan after leading them to an undefeated season and their first national championship since 1999.
In one year’s time, Los Angeles turned the ship around. They improved to a 11-6 record. The defense improved. Jim Harbaugh had Justin Herbert playing efficient turnover-free football. While Jim Harbaugh’s reputation as a quarterback whisperer takes a lot of credit, one key factor was first-round pick Joe Alt.
How Joe Alt help the Chargers
On April 25, 2024, the NFL media watched as the Los Angeles Chargers selected Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick. The selection stunned many, expecting LA to select a wide receiver after the team moved on from Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. However, the pick proved to be fruitful. Alt transitioned to right tackle, allowing Rashawn Slater to remain Herbert’s blindside protector. The move allowed Herbert clean pockets to operate and helped improve the offense’s efficiency. Especially the running game.
I realize it’s not saying all that much given their history at the position, but Joe Alt is currently putting out the best season the Chargers have had at right tackle in the PFF era – and is doing so as a rookie. He’s only allowed 20 total pressures, is carrying a 97.5 pass… pic.twitter.com/fh6YUxSprE
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) December 30, 2024
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The Jets Right Tackle problem
No matter who the quarterback is for the Jets, they have more than just one need on offense. While Joe Douglas was rightfully terminated after lackluster expectations, the Jets offensive line did look much better compared to 2023. First, the selection of Olu Fashanu at 11th overall proved to be a great gamble. Fashanu looked like a future stud blocking Aaron Rodgers blindside after replacing Tyron Smith. The trio of John Simpson, Joe Tippmann, and Alijah Vera-Tucker also held their own in pass protection on the interior. All four are under the age of thirty and built good chemistry as the year went on.
However, a large question looms over the right tackle position. Morgan Moses performed admirably in his Jets return this season. Nonetheless, he’s still a free agent as of now. The 33-year-old veteran became a valuable leader for the inexperienced line. But, he could understandably look to cash out on one last deal or play for a viable contender. New York can always re-sign Moses, alas they still need a young tackle with upside who can grow with the core.
Could Kelvin Banks Jr be the answer?
With the seventh overall pick at their disposal, the New York Jets can fix a lot of needed holes. They still await on their plan at quarterback, the Jets defense will need support as well. Defensive linemen like Abdul Carter or defensive tackle Mason Graham are both viable options. Cornerback and tight end will also need to be addressed with DJ Reed and Tyler Conklin both free agents.
Nonetheless, University of Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr would be a welcomed addition. Banks was a stalwart at left tackle for the Longhorns these last three seasons. Banks possesses amazing footwork and agility despite his 320 lb frame. His awareness is outstanding and uses surgeon-like precision to disrupt edge rushers in pass protection.
Kelvin Banks Jr. is probably the best OL prospect in the 2025 Draft.
3 year starter at LT for Texas, former 5-star recruit, and still 20 years old.
His pass blocking production is similar to Joe Alt’s last year.
Some think he moves to G in the NFL, but we will see there. https://t.co/vaKcnDo1al
— Gridiron Grading (@GridironGrading) January 12, 2025
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One of the few downsides is Banks’ lack of height which might keep him from being a premier left tackle. Fortunately, Olu Fashanu has done enough to show his upside on the blindside. If available, moving Banks to right tackle would give a long-term core in place at the offensive line. The move would also place Banks beside Vera-Tucker one of the better runblocking guards in the league. Vera-Tucker working with Banks can help create running lanes off the edge, making Breece Hall’s sideline-to-sideline speed that much more effective.
A lot has to happen between now and April 24th. That includes selecting a new regime to make this decision. But, following the Chargers plan of selecting a premier college tackle like Banks to be their long-term right tackle could hopefully get the Jets on a similar track back to the playoffs next season.
Main Photo: [Robert Hanashino] – USA Today Sports
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