As part of the preview of The Post’s 2021 NFL draft, we examine what the Jets could do in each position. Sunday: Offensive line
The Jets are about to draft another quarterback in the first round to BYU’s Zach Wilson. Will they do a better job protecting him than with Sam Darnold? That is now the question about this franchise.
The Jets feel good about Mekhi Becton and George Fant and cheered for how center Connor McGovern ended the season. They feel they need to upgrade their guard and have been unable to do so at free agency.
One of the few options the Jets have after getting the No. 2 Wilson in general should be used as a guard. USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker is the best-rated guard in this draft, but he may have left when the Jets are on the 23rd clock. Landon Dickerson and Alex Leatherwood of Alabama are chances in the second. round, like that of the state of Ohio. Wyatt Davis and Michigan, Jalen Mayfield.
The Jets could also draft a center and move it to the guard temporarily or slide McGovern toward the guard. The main centers of this draft are Creed Humphrey of Oklahoma, Josh Myers of Ohio State and Quinn Meinerz of Wisconsin-Whitewater. They should all be on day 2.
Meinerz has a Joe Douglas player written all over him. A Division III player, he stole the show at the Senior Bowl and proved he can compete in the top competition. Team captain at Whitewater, it would make sense in round 3 for the Jets.