As the Jets get close to training camp, I am going to examine the roster and give you my top 25 players. Each weekday, we will reveal another person on the list, leading right into camp. I am not including rookies on this list because I do not feel it is possible to fully evaluate them before they play a game.
No. 16: Breno Giacomini
Last year’s ranking: Unranked (Not on team)
Position: Right tackle
Age: 28
How acquired: Signed as a free agent on March 12
Years left on contract: 4
2014 salary cap figure: $2.6 million
Looking back at 2013: Giacomini was the starting right tackle for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. He missed seven games after having knee surgery, but returned to be part of their Super Bowl run.
Giacomini allowed three sacks and 14 quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus. Penalties are an issue for Giacomini. He only had five in limited action last year, but had 12 in 2012 and 9 in 2011.
Outlook for 2014: The Jets quickly signed Giacomini after right tackle Austin Howard left for Oakland. General manager John Idzik knows Giacomini well from their time together in Seattle. Idzik gave Giacomini a four-year, $18 million contract.
The Jets coaches have praised Giacomini’s aggressiveness and the physicality with which he plays. Rex Ryan spoke about why Giacomini fits the Jets.
“I just think his type of mentality [and] the kind of physical player he is, I think that’s what we want,” Ryan said. “We want to have a physical football team. He fits it. He’s a finisher. He’s just a tough guy, smart and he works hard. And he also, really fits us.”
The Jets offensive line has taken a step back over the past few years with the retirements of Damien Woody and Brandon Moore from the right side. They need Giacomini to solidify that right side, particularly if guard Willie Colon is not 100 percent healthy.