If Ducasse doesn't do anything more than prove he's a viable backup this training camp, we're in a much better place. If he actually wins the job - wow.
Yeah Im just glad they are giving him a chance. At the very least it should push Slauson to step up his game while giving Ducasse valuable experience for a backup.
If by a miracle Ducasse wins the job, could Slauson possibly be moved over to RT if Otah doesn't work out?
He played tackel in college, but IMO lacks the strength to be a decent NFL RT. He is also more of a zone guy. I think Cunter (see what i did right there) is still the starter, even with Otah in camp. Now if Otah by some mirical can maintaine some motivation/health; he is the starter and hunter is the 6th or 7th line man. Thsi would be the best case as we would have some decent depth (if Vlad improves this year). Brick, Slauson/Vlad, Thor, Moore, Otah (if above come true) *Vlad, Hunter, Howard, RG
http://nfl.si.com/2012/07/26/position-battles-to-watch-in-training-camp/?hpt=hp_t2 3. Vlad Ducasse vs. Wayne Hunter vs. Jeff Otah (Jets RT) More on this battle here. None of the choices are all that terrific, so it may come down to which guy is the least of three evils. An oft-injured Otah, if he can stay on the field, should have an edge over an overmatched Hunter and the disappointing Ducasse. If Otah can’t stay healthy, Hunter may be back in by default. The Jets need better play at RT, especially if southpaw Tim Tebow sees extended time. Projected winner: Otah Importance: 8 Desperate Jets might have found their answer at right tackle New York Jets | Comments Decrease font Enlarge font Jeff Otah (left) was a first-round draft choice (19th overall) in 2008. (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE) You won’t find anyone in NFL circles to tell you that Jeff Otah is a “sure thing” at right tackle for the Jets, in light of their trade to acquire him from Carolina on Monday. But the Jets didn’t have the luxury of waiting on a sure thing to come along, either. After watching Wayne Hunter butcher that position last year (and failing to see any substantive progress from 2010 draft pick Vladimir Ducasse), the Jets shipped a conditional draft choice to Carolina for the underachieving Otah. Otah has played all of four games over the past two seasons while dealing with various injuries, including lingering knee ailments. He’s also never played more than 13 games in his four NFL seasons. This is like picking a number in Roulette: Odds are that Otah won’t make it through all of 2012, but if he does … the payoff will be huge. That high-reward potential is enough to justify this deal for the Jets. Hunter played almost every down for the Jets last season, but he allowed 11 sacks (third-most in the league), 32 QB hurries and was flagged 11 times. Rex Ryan has almost out of his way to stand by Hunter, proclaiming in April, “I believe that Wayne will have a big year for us.” Contrast that, though, to what offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo told The Associated Press: “Until they ship him out of here or shoot me dead in my office, the guy’s the starting right tackle.” Not exactly a ringing endorsement. Despite Hunter’s struggles, the catalyst for Monday’s move may have been Ducasse’s slow development. The Jets took a chance on the massive linemen in Round 2 of the 2010 draft, but he has yet to step up his game, either at RT or guard. Otah is in a similar camp — he was the 19th overall pick in 2008 and the Panthers basically gave him away Monday — except that we saw very real glimmers from him back in his rookie season and, to a lesser extent, his second year. We’re a ways removed from those performances, of course, but they’re something for the Jets to point to with at least a tiny measure of confidence. One more thing worth pointing out: The right tackle spot on the Jets’ line becomes even that much more important when Tim Tebow’s on the field. His left-handed throwing motion would turn the Jets’ right tackle into a blindside blocker, amping up the pressure. Is Otah a sure thing? There are very few of those walking around in the NFL. Let’s call him a smart gamble by a team that needed to do something at right tackle.
I found this very interesting. Wasn't Vlad always drafted to play Guard but the Jets tried to get him to learn T and other positions to make him versatile? If he can supplant Slauson at LG then Slauson can either take RT or become a backup interior lineman which is something the Jets need. I'm not really expecting much out of Otah. Would be really surprised if he was able to start 16 games for us.
Manish Mehta @MMehtaNYDN Rex says he has been disappointed in Kerley for not progressing on sparano's system. #nyj Manish Mehta @MMehtaNYDN Jeremy Kerley will miss about a week in practice due to a hamstring injury. #nyj Brian Costello @BrianCoz Ryan said if Kerley doesn't progress, Holmes could be in the slot #nyj Jake Steinberg @Steiny31 "Chaz has jumped out to me. Westy came over to me and said that #85 can really help. He's only of the top blockers as a WR in the NFL" -Rex
Would be great to see Vlad win at LG and Otah at RT. Unfortunately I am guessing it will be Slauson and WFH.
Just saw an artical that Powell is really impressing this camp, so far. Report said that he looked quick and decisieve when hitting the holes. I am excited to see the competition for the 2nd and 3rd back this camp. Cant wait for the 1st pre-season game to see how these young guys handel game situations.
