The New York Jets’ decision to bench Zach Wilson for Tim Boyle is the lead story ahead of the Jets’ 3 p.m. kickoff against the Miami Dolphins, but there’s another position change that could be in the works.
According to the New York Post’s Brian Costello, former Pitt offensive tackle Carter Warren is expected to make his first NFL start at left tackle with usual starter Mekhi Becton inactive.
It’s Warren’s second career NFL game, after playing 49 snaps against the Buffalo Bills last weekend, and his first opportunity to show he’s ready to start.
The Jets selected Carter Warren with the 120th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, joining the likes of Jimmy Morrissey, Brian O’Neill, Adam Bisnowaty, T.J. Clemmings and Jason Pinkston as Pitt linemen to be selected in the NFL Draft since 2010.
As a long-time left tackle at Pitt, his NFL future is likely on the outside (as he’s done since being inserted into the rotation this season), but he’s able to offer versatility across the offensive line.
“A lot of teams were asking me if I can play right tackle, if I could possibly play guard, and my answer was yes,” Warren said at the NFL Combine. “I can do it all. I played left tackle for four years, but here and there at practice, I’d play a little right tackle, as well. I played a little left guard as a freshman, so I have experience at both of those positions.”
In six seasons at Pitt, after not seeing the field during his first two, he emerged as a full-time starter at left tackle in 2019. Over the next four seasons, he made 39 starts — starting all but one game over the next three seasons.
The 2022 season was detailed by a torn meniscus against Rhode Island, starting the first four games before the torn meniscus shut down his season.
He’s a long-time left tackle, an All-ACC left tackle no less, but it goes deeper than that. He’s a team captain, a veteran leader who brings the younger players under his wing and someone who used NIL opportunities to give back to the local community.
At 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, with excellent length and reach, Warren is already ahead of schedule when it comes to serving as a starting offensive lineman in the NFL.
