Part of the availability woes the Jets suffered up front in 2022 was the absence of Max Mitchell due to a blood-clotting issue. The ailment shut him down for the remainder of his rookie campaign, but it should not be an issue moving forward.
Mitchell was a starter at right tackle during Weeks 1-4 while New York dealt with Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown and George Fant each missing considerable time. The 23-year-old also started in Week 12, but his season came to an end in December. He was placed on the team’s NFI list after the discovery of blood clots in one of his lungs as well as his right calf.
Fortunately, Mitchell’s condition can be managed with medication, as noted by ESPN’s Rich Cimini. As a result, the fourth-rounder will be able to move forward with his career, something which could once again yield notable playing time this season. New York’s tackle situation remains in flux, and Mitchell will be competing for the starting RT spot during training camp.
The Jets lost Cedric Ogbuehi during free agency, and fellow veteran George Fant remains unsigned. New York added Billy Turner as one of several moves reuniting former Packers with offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. The Jets were long thought to be in the market for an offensive tackle in the first round of the draft, but their top choice was edge rusher Will McDonald. The team did, however, add depth in the form of fourth-rounder Carter Warren.
Mitchell will aim to earn the first-team right tackle spot, one which may be earmarked for Mekhi Becton heading into training camp with veteran Duane Brown‘s experience coming on the blindside. At a minimum, a depth or swing tackle role for Mitchell would provide value for the Jets as they look to remain healthy along the offensive front during a 2023 season in which expectations will be high. Availability in Mitchell’s case will have short- and long-term health implications provided he can move past the clotting issue.
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