Honestly, I would start Vlad over Color or Winters at this point. Colon has no future here, and Winters deserves to be benched. Vlad played decently well when he started, he manhandled Wilfork... And I cant see him playing much worse than the guard play we've gotten so far. If he sucks, cut bait and put the rookie back in there and say it was used as a motivational tool for Winters and that he's responded well. If he plays well, then its only a good thing.
Of the 5 great lineman we've had (Jumbo Elliot, Faneca, Mawai, Mangold, Brick) 2 came via the first round of the draft, 3 came via FA (I realize Jumbo was on the downside and only here a short time, but he was huge, the best LT in the league for a long time, AND he caught the Miracle pass). So, if History is correct, we either use our 1st round pics on top lineman or we get good lineman through FAs. There doesn't seem to be any in between. 3rd, 4th, 5th rounds are an ok place to pick up backups that can develop and spell guys a play here and there, but we haven't had much luck getting solid starters in those later round.
Brandon Moore was a UDFA project who struggled mightily early in his career in pass protection and with penalties. He ultimately became a mainstay on the line, a leader in the locker room and borderline Pro Bowler later in his career. Moore used to drive me nuts the same was Vlad does many of you. I've seen Vlad improve every year just like I saw steady improvement with Moore in his early years. I find guys like that the most gratifying as a fan. I hate when we let them realize their potential elsewhere (see Woodhead, Farrior..etc.).
No. Vlad offers nothing. At least Colon offers solid play and a tough, tenacious attitude. He has been a bit of a leader this season.
People in this thread have a huge bias against vlad. He had an unbelievable game against wilfork. ----------- Brian winters has been way worse in replacement, and doesn't get enough blame when it comes to all our offensive struggles.
1. Fuck him. Shitcan this tub of lard. 2. If I could have it my way, I would also shitcan Hill. 3. Also, let that be a lesson for you: you must NEVER draft a project with top 3 picks. UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.
FWIW, I think you're right. What people are forgetting is that Vlad has a number of humps to overcome. He isn't just transitioning to the pro game. He basically has been learning to play football the past few years. So he is literally starting from scratch. Moreover, he has done this with a language barrier. I don't know why people don't realize how much these two factors would slow development. For me, Vlad has to be brought back next year. He contract needs to be cheap and easy to dump, but he showed some capability this year. If he breaks they next year then the jets patience will have been rewarded, if not then he will be much needed depth next year. Either way, he will be needed if we are looking to add starters on both sides of the ball. We may have a nice chunk of change to play with next year, but if we don't want to kill our cap again the FO needs to be careful. Signing a half dozen starters is gonna get expensive fast!
no way i re-sign Vlad. i would re-sign Howard for sure, and outside shot at re-signing Colon strictly for depth reasons. but no way Vlad. he still cant pass protect straight on, and is clueless on stunts and blitzes.
I think maybe there's a reason he played at Umass and not some real football program. Sometimes you have to cut your losses. If he wants to hang around for depth at vet minimum, sure, but beyond that, hell no.
Vlad played offensive line in college. Brandon Moore was a defensive tackle. You can't really compare the two of them. William Campbell is the guy who compares to Moore.
