As part of The Post’s 2021 NFL draft preview, we explore what the Jets can do at each position. Sunday: Offensive line
The Jets are about to set up another quarter in the first round in BYU’s Zach Wilson. Would they do a better job of protecting him than with Sam Darnold? That is now the question that hangs over this franchise.
The Jets feel it’s okay with Mekhi Becton and George Fant and are encouraged by how center Connor McGovern ended the season. They do feel they need to upgrade at the guard and could not do so in free agency.
One of the next few choices the Jets have after beating the no. 2 of Wilson must be used on a shield. USC’s Alijah Vera-Tucker is the best judge in this draft, but he will likely be gone by the time the Jets are at number 23. Landon Dickerson and Alex Leatherwood of Alabama are possibilities in the second round, as are Ohio State’s Wyatt Davis and Jalen Mayfield of Michigan.
The Jets could also set up a center and move him to wait temporarily or move McGovern to the guard. The top centers in this draft are Creed Humphrey of Oklahoma, Josh Myers of Ohio State and Quinn Meinerz of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Everyone should be Day 2 picks.
Meinerz lets Joe Douglas player write about him. A Division III player, he stole the show at the Senior Bowl and showed he can compete with the best competition. As a team captain at Whitewater, he will make sense in Round 3 for the Jets.