This development has reignited conversation among Jets fans and analysts about whether Pocic could be a fit as a competition piece or even a starter in 2026. Joe Blewett, a prominent voice for Jets X-Factor, suggested that the Jets should consider bringing Pocic in for a serious look. His argument centers on the importance of having capable depth and competition at the center position, rather than walking into the season with a single presumed starter and no real evaluation behind him.
Who is Ethan Pocic? Pocic is 30 years old and will turn 31 before the 2026 season begins. He entered the NFL as the 58th overall pick in the second round of the 2017 draft. The majority of his career has been spent with the Seattle Seahawks, with the last four seasons spent with the Browns. Over his nine-year NFL tenure, Pocic has played in 114 games and started 97 of them. He has consistently been a regular presence in the lineup, recording starts in at least 10 games in each of the last six seasons.
Pocic’s performance has shown a peak a few years back. In 2022, he posted a strong overall grade on Pro Football Focus, ranking as one of the better centers in the league. His run-blocking and pass-blocking metrics were solid that season, placing him among the higher echelons of the position. In the 2023 season, he started 13 games for the Browns before his injury, and PFF continued to rate him as a competent starter, though his grades slid compared to the peak year. The breakdown reflects that while Pocic remained a capable interior blocker, his overall and facet-specific grades dipped, which is not unusual for players returning from major injuries and adjusting to a new team environment.
For the Jets, the current starting center situation has included Josh Myers, who started all 17 games for the Jets at center in the 2025 season. Myers’ performance, according to grading services, shows a mixed bag: his pass-blocking came in relatively better than his run-blocking, but his overall and run-block grades trailed peers. In 2025, Myers posted an overall grade around the low 50s on standard efficiency scales, with a pass-block grade that stood higher than his run-block metrics. The comparison to Pocic is nuanced: Pocic’s best seasons included strong overall and run-block grades, while his pass-blocking grade has typically remained solid, though not always elite.
From a strategic standpoint, adding Pocic would reintroduce healthy competition to an offensive line that, by design, benefits from depth and capable backups. Competition at the line can yield better performance, as players push each other to improve and coaches retain options if injuries or slumps occur. If Pocic proves to be the more reliable option in camp and preseason, he could win a starter role or at minimum establish himself as a high-quality swing center who can step in without a dramatic drop in performance.
The Jets demonstrated in previous seasons that a flexible approach to the offensive line can yield stability across the unit. In 2024, the line achieved a unique feat by starting together for every game, a rarity in the league that underscored the importance of continuity. However, consistency at center remains one of the trickiest spots to secure, given the cognitive demands of line calls and snap timing. Having a credible veteran like Pocic as an alternative could help the Jets protect against unforeseen disruptions and maintain the integrity of the middle of the line.
cap space and budgeting considerations also factor into the calculus. The Jets entered the preseason with substantial cap room, giving them flexibility to add a veteran upgrade without compromising long-term financial planning. Signing Pocic or another proven interior lineman would likely come at a modest cost relative to premier positions, and it would be a low-risk, high-reward move if the player contributes meaningful depth and potential starting capability.
From an organizational perspective, the decision to pursue Pocic should hinge on a combination of health, performance projection, and the likelihood of providing immediate value. If Pocic’s medical clearance continues to look strong and his conditioning is on track, the Jets could benefit from giving him a legitimate audition. Even if Pocic does not win the starting center job, adding him to the competition pool would send a clear message that the team values depth and is committed to optimizing every position along the offensive line.
In summary, the idea of evaluating Ethan Pocic as part of the Jets’ camp roster makes practical sense. The team should weigh the potential benefits of adding cost-effective interior depth against the certainty of current players’ development. Competition should not be viewed as a threat but as a tool to raise the floor of the entire unit. With cap space available and a history of prioritizing line integrity, the Jets have a reasonable case to at least kick the tires and see how Pocic fits within the system. If he earns a role, he could provide valuable insurance and, potentially, a path to improved performance in the interior line next season.
