Young Lineman Is Crucial for Jets Run Game to Succeed

However, the Jets recognize that they have talent on this young offensive line. Outside of Vera-Tucker and Simpson, they are joined by young bookend tackles Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou. The left and right tackles for the New York Jets were the team’s last two first-round picks. Despite their age, both men were multi-year starters at their respective colleges. Penn State alumnus Fashanu was noticeably more productive at left tackle after replacing future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith. Meanwhile, Armand Membou wowed fans at Missouri, becoming the All-SEC second team last year for the Tigers. The potential of both men is staggering as a duo at offensive tackle. However, the lynchpin for a great offensive line stems from a quality center. Fortunately, the Jets have one in Joe Tippmann.

Center Joe Tippmann will be vital for the Offense

Entering his third year in the NFL, Joe Tippmann is ready to show his value. A second-round pick out of the University of Wisconsin, Tippmann was a key cog in the Badgers’ running game. Through Tippmann’s run blocking, running backs Jonathan Taylor and Braelon Allen had 2,000-yard seasons with Joe starting at center. During his rookie season, Tippmann would start 14 games for New York, earning PFWA All-Rookie selection. However, Tippmann saw most of his action at right guard instead of his natural position at center. Last season, Tippmann started all 17 games for the Jets at center. Through his resistance and toughness, Tippmann became a Pro Football Focus darling, earning a top-eight grade in run blocking among centers. Despite concerns in pass protection, Tippmann is still more than skilled enough to handle the pressure. Especially if New York can commit to the run more this season.

Engstrand and Glenn’s past is a key to Tippmann’s development

Before arriving in New York, Aaron Glenn and Tanner Engstrand saw firsthand how good the Detroit Lions‘ offense can be. As defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn had to think of new ways to help develop schemes to compete with this high-powered offense. As for Engstrand, New York’s offensive coordinator was there by Ben Johnson’s side when developing this system. While there, both men observed the importance of the center position. In Detroit, Frank Ragnow became a fixture for the Lions offensive revitalization. Since arriving in 2020, Engstrand witnessed Ragnow’s development from a potential bust into a three-time All-Pro honoree at center.

New York is optimistic that the same can happen for Tippmann. Listening to the veteran leadership he’s absorbing by playing between Simpson and Vera-Tucker, Tippmann will be able to impact the game more effectively, with Keith Carter no longer the offensive line coach. New offensive line coach Steve Heiden spent the last two seasons in Detroit as the tight ends coach. He played a substantial role in Sam LaPorta’s development as a run blocker. The cohesion between Simpson/Tippmann/Vera-Tucker will be crucial for running backs Breece Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis success.

Ideally, the Jets can have their version of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in Hall and Allen. Hall’s sideline-to-sideline speed and receiving abilities make him the perfect comparison for Gibbs. As for Allen, Braelon’s frame will allow him to absorb hits between the gaps like Montgomery for more downhill running. The New York Jets have the tools for a much better offensive line. A key part of that must be the Jets getting Joe Tippmann into the great player he has the potential to be. If this works out, the team will be in a great spot long term, no matter what the season has in store.