Coming into the 2019 offseason the most pressing need for the New York Jets was fixing the offensive line. With the trade for Kelechi Osemele and now the signing of Tom Compton it looks like Mike Maccagnan has made fixing the offensive line a priority. However, will Compton be a big success or another ineffective lineman for the Jets?
The South Dakota alumni will likely be a backup for Osemele and Brian Winters at guard. He is quick off the ball and does a great job of getting to the second level on run plays. Equally important, Compton has amazing footwork for his pass sets. The former Vikings has great versatility he can play both guard and tackle if the team was in dire need. Unfortunately, It is not likely that the seven year veteran will transition to center. Moreover, once in the game Compton has not performed well and will need to improve if he wants playing time.
It is never a bad idea to get depth on the offensive line, however Maccagnan should be spending more time trying to sign a center to aide his franchise quarterback Sam Darnold instead of adding a backup who will likely not see the field barring injury. Compton is not a super sexy signing, but the Jets did not sign him to be an All-Pro they signed him in case Winters or Osemele go down. As fans, we will not know if this is a good signing unless there happens to be an injury.
Even though Compton has not had a Hall of Fame career moving to East Rutherford and playing under a great offensive line coach in Frank Pollack might be the spark he needs to become a solid player. Hopefully, this signing will sure up the offensive line and lead to success in 2019.
