The 2024 season was very forgettable for the New York Jets offense, especially along the offensive line. The unit was mostly a revolving of door for allowing defenders to penetrate the backfield and cause all sorts of chaos.
The Jets started 13 different combinations of players along their front five, making it impossible to gain any type of chemistry within the unit. And those who did play, for the most part, were underwhelming at best.
There was however, a long bright spot for the Jets offensive line. Rookie second-round pick Joe Tippmann out of the university of Wisconsin.
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Tippmann had high expectations being the first center off the board at 43 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he started the season on the bench behind Connor McGovern. Tippmann took over the starting center job when McGovern was lost to a season-ending injury. He started four games at right guard before starting the season's final 10 games at center.
Tippmann earned All-Rookie Team honors from the Pro Football Writers of America and graded out as the best rookie center according to PFF. Those honors coupled with his impressive play caught the eye of NFL media analyst Bucky Brooks. Brooks named Tippmann as member of 2024 All-Breakout Team.
Brooks has Tippmann listed Tippmann on the 11-man offensive unit comprised strictly of players who "have yet to receive any All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors, but they could garner consideration with their play in the coming campaign." Brooks writes of Tippmann:
"Tippmann didn't make his first regular-season appearance until Week 3 last season, and he didn't move from right guard to center until Week 9, with the Aaron Rodgers-less Jets winning just three of Tippmann's 10 starts from that point forward. Rodgers' return from the Achilles injury that cost him all but four offensive snaps in 2023 should make life easier for Tippmann at the point of attack. The four-time MVP quarterback can alleviate some of the stress on Tippmann to make all the calls at the line while helping the young pivot master some of the nuances of playing the position. As a scrappy blocker with exceptional length and athleticism, the former second-rounder could settle into his role in Year 2 and show more dominance after flashing blue-chip potential." - Matt Miller, NFL Media Analyst
Tippmann was one of four AFC East offensive players amongst the featured group. Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid are projected to fulfill their potential as is Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane.
The Jets have rebuilt their offensive line this offseason bringing in Tyron Smith, John Simpson and old friend Morgan Moses. They used their top selection in the NFL Draft on LT Olu Fashanu. They have even gone to the UFL for some added depth along their offensive front. With Tippmann and Alijah Vera-Tucker the only two returning starters, the Jets will need to find some chemistry that was missing last season.
One thing is clear, the Jets will go as far as Aaron Rodgers will take them. And Aaron Rodgers will take the Jets as far as the offensive line allows.
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