Over the last few months, we’ve been breaking down all undrafted free agents signed by the Jets. We conclude today with former UCLA offensive lineman Courtland Ford.
The 25-year Old Ford is listed at 6’6” and 315 pounds and played in 46 games in his career, starting 25 at three different positions. In addition to UCLA, he also played for USC and Kentucky.
Background
Ford was a three-star high school recruit, who initially headed to USC in 2020.
He would redshirt his first season, although he did start
one game at left guard in his only appearance, with USC winning that matchup.
As a redshirt freshman, he started the first eight games at left tackle but then only made one more appearance off the bench as he was sidelined by injuries and illness.
In 2022, he played in 10 of 14 games, starting three, and opted to enter the transfer portal at the end of the year.
Having moved to Kentucky, he was again affected by injuries as he was limited to two starts in two seasons. He only appeared in two games in 2024.
He transferred again, this time to UCLA, and got a chance to start 11 games last season, albeit with mixed results.
Having not been invited to the scouting combine, Ford was hurt at his pro day and wasn’t able to complete a full workout, hurting his already slim chances of being drafted.
Ford was not one of the first round of undrafted free agents signed by the Jets but they signed him after he attended their rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.
Let’s move onto some more in-depth analysis of what Ford brings to the table, based on in-depth research and film study.
Measurables/Athleticism
Ford has nice size and above average length but may need to bulk up and add some strength. He previously was reported to have worked hard on his body and physique at USC.
His pro day workout was affected by an injury so you can perhaps throw out his disappointing numbers (12 bench press reps and 5.46 in the short shuttle).
Usage
Ford’s only action in his true freshman season was an emergency start at left guard, although that was the only time in his career he played inside.
He otherwise played primarily at left tackle, other than at Kentucky where he started two games on the right in 2023.
He played a few snaps as tight end in jumbo or unbalanced packages.
Pass Blocking
When Ford arrived at UCLA in 2025, he hadn’t given up a sack since 2021, but he gave up eight in his lone season with the Bruins. He had also given up three in his eight starts as a redshirt freshman.
His pressure rate wasn’t too bad as a college player but it was higher in 2025 than the rest of his career, perhaps because he was left on an island more due to his experience.
He moves his feet pretty well to stay in front of his man but struggles in particular against speed-to-power moves.
One thing he does well is to redirect his man, or shove him to the ground to keep him away from the quarterback. His struggles to anchor can be a major weakness though.
Run Blocking
Run blocking was also an area where Ford was inconsistent. However, he displays good strength at the point of attack.
He has the ability to execute on a combo block and then transition to climbing up to the second level.
Ford also shows flashes of an ability to get out on the move and lock onto or angle off his man in space.
Short Yardage
UCLA didn’t have much success at the goal line last year with only eight rushing touchdowns all season as a team, including four by the quarterback.
Ford did a good job on this 3rd-and-short run that he helped spring for a much bigger gain.
Screen Blocking
UCLA also didn’t have much success in the screen game last year, with two key turnovers on screens and no big plays. They were much more effective during Ford’s USC days, although most of these were receiver screens or plays where Ford was staying in to block rather than getting downfield.
Footwork/Technique
Pad level was a constant issue for the 6’6” Ford, who lets his base get narrow at times and this hurts his ability to anchor.
His handwork needs some refinement, although he battles for leverage. He can be late or inaccurate with his hands and susceptible to swipes and chops.
His footwork is pretty good, especially when mirroring in pass protection. He also impresses with his ability to fire off the line.
He has previously said that he models his game on former Jets tackle Tyron Smith.
Penalties
Penalties had a tendency to come in bunches for Ford, who didn’t have any in his first four career starts but then had six in his next five starts.
Last season, he had eight penalties in the first six games but then was penalty-free in the last five games.
Those eight penalties included four for offensive holding and four of them came in one game.
Special Teams
Ford’s only special teams role during his career has been as a blocker on the placekicking unit, during which time he had no significant mistakes. He did not play special teams at all last season.
Instincts/Intelligence
Ford’s high school head coach has previously praised Ford for being smart with a great football IQ. At Kentucky, his offensive line coach called him “wise beyond his years”.
He had mixed results in terms of reacting to and passing off stunts, though.
Three of his penalties last year were false starts and one was for illegal man downfield on a pass.
Attitude
Ford became a leader with UCLA last year, as one of their older and more experienced players.
He was previously praised by his high school’s running backs coach for his humility and work ethic.
Injuries
Ford had some injury issues over his career, the most disruptive of which was probably his 2024 wrist injury which required surgery and limited him to two appearances.
In 2021, he missed one game with a leg injury and two due to illness (mono). He then had an offseason procedure after the 2022 season that limited him in the spring.
His pro day workout was affected by an ankle issue.
Scheme Fit
Ford looks certain to be one of the third team tackles heading into preseason. His experience in multiple college programs should be useful and he has experience of zone and man blocking schemes.
He has been a teammate of current Jets running back Chip Trayanum while at Kentucky.
Conclusions
Ford may not bring much in the way of college success or accolades and perhaps doesn’t have as much upside as some of the Jets’ other undrafted rookies but he’ll get a chance to compete for a role in camp.
The Jets aren’t exactly overflowing with depth on the offensive line but there are enough experienced players ahead of him that it seems unlikely that Ford will sniff a spot on the 53 unless there are multiple injuries.
His best bet is to establish himself as a dependable worker, who will practice hard and can show that he’s capable of holding his own in preseason. That could earn him a spot on the practice squad.
