The New York Jets are expected to field one of the best offensive lines in the game going into the 2025 season. Over the last five years, the organization has invested three first-round picks and a second-round pick into the starting group.

Those investments are expected to pay off immediately for a run-first group like the Jets.

Before the regular season kicks off, though, the young group needs to be tested. And they are getting that exact test in joint practice work against the cross-town rival New York Giants.

Jets offensive line tested

As talented as the Jets’ offensive line is, the Giants have as strong a front-four along their defensive line. All-Pro Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Keyvon Thibodeaux, and third-overall pick Abdul Carter are expected to be one of the more dangerous lines in football.

That leaves an intriguing position battle going forward between the Jets’ offensive line and the G-Men’s defensive line.

After one day in Florham Park, many believe the groups battled to something of a draw.

“I thought it was up-and-down. I thought there were sometimes where we
protected real well, but there were some times where we got beat, too,” Jets head coach Aaron Glenn said. “They have some really good players on that side of the ball, and that’s the good thing about going against that team.”

Going up against the Giants’ defensive line in joint practices is a great thing for the Jets. Few defensive lines on their upcoming schedule will be as difficult as Big Blue’s.

If they can hold their own against the Giants, Gang Green will be able to excel against weaker position groups around the league—at least, that is what some of the group’s better players believe.

“I think that’s what it’s supposed to look like for every team, especially when you’ve got an offensive line with as much talent like us,” right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker said. “It’s up to us to put that talent together and execute at a high level and to run the rock as much as we can.” 

The Jets kick off their 2025 schedule against three consecutive teams with strong defensive lines: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Giants’ defensive line is similarly talented (if not more so) than those units. That is what makes New York’s draw in Tuesday’s joint practice so important.

At their best, this Jets offensive line can be a top-five group in the league. The more they play together, the better they will be.