Jets 2017 Roster Breakdown: James Carpenter Is the Sure Thing on the Offensive Line

Our look at the Jets roster moves on to James Carpenter.

Came: James Carpenter

Number: 77

Year with Jets: 3rd

Projected Role: Starting left guard

His 2016: Few things are more damaging to an offensive line than a lack of continuity. You need to know exactly how the guy next to you will handle a situation and move quickly. The Jets had almost no continuity on their offensive line in 2016. Injuries forced a constant reshuffling, an underrated aspect of the team’s struggles. Carpenter was the one exception. He was the single Jet offensive lineman to start all 16 games, although he did miss substantial time with an injury in the Week 2 win over the Bills. In what was a lost season for the team, Carpenter had perhaps his best year in the NFL. Pro Football Focus noted he allowed only 2 sacks and committed 3 penalties. He also was good as a run blocker.

2017 will be a success if: Carpenter continues to stay healthy and play quality football. It wouldn’t be a huge shock to see some degree of regression. He just had his best season in six years in the NFL. Still, it seems as though he has shed the first round underachiever label that followed him in his early years. I’m not sure that you’d want him to be the best offensive lineman on your team, but he certainly can be a good role player.

Odds of making the roster: Lock (>99%)