It is possible that despite the absolute lack of on field ability that VD could become a solid contributor. Possible. But to expect him? Why? Because he is a big guy? Because the Jets drafted him in the second round? Gholston was drafted in the first round, stayed with the team longer than VD so far, sure looked like a football player, and oh yeah he sucked.
There a few rays of optimism. One was last year when he knew what to do, he did it well. The troubles he ran into seemed to be more finding who to block than how to block. This is his first full offseason to learn the playbook and get trained. Those are the two rays of optimism. Now I personally think Vlad is going to turn into a good OL for us but that is completely based on optimism than any actual reasons. But as of now if I had to bet money on Vlad I would be he won't turn into a strong 6th OL or starter.
My optimism comes from the new blocking scheme brought in by Sparano. It's simpler and doesn't require the pre-snap reads Schotty's did. Vlad couldn't have felt comfortable about his game last year and as a result was hesitant to explode off the line like he would if he was confident he knew the assignment. A simpler system with easier reads will allow him to have the confidence in himself to show us what he can do this year. If we don't see anything, it'll be time to accept he's nothing but a career reserve.
Vlad may be able to excel in a straightforward, just hit the guy in front of you, blocking scheme. Physically, the guys a monster.
Why does everyone think man blocking is simpler? It really isn't. It's just a different style, but I wouldn't call it simpler.
It requires less thinking. Zone schemes are exactly that you have a zone you could block finite player.Meaning on a blitz u are in charge of your zone With Man it is boiled down to but not entirly within arms length
I see a lot more optimism with Vlad. He has demonstrated solid blocking skills and can hold his own against the big boys, its too much thinking that gets him in trouble. Let's keep in mind that Gholston was not drafted as a project, but as a top pass rusher from the get go. Second, not once in my humble opinion he showed a ray of light that he could be a contributor. Third, not much was asked of him from a thinking perpective, except to go after the QB on passing downs, even without those complications, he had a hard time getting it. My sense is that Vlad has football instinct and Vernon did not. You might be right but for know I feel good about Vlads chances this year.
I'm optimistic about Vlad. Much more than I am about Hunter, anyway. Any word on how the big boy from Baylor is doing in mini-camp?
Noteworthy: When searching for the best available free agent right tackle, don't google "best FA RT". A lot of folks think they have the best fart.
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2005/zone-blocking-vs-man-blocking Man blocking is simpler, because it comes down to hitting the guy across from you, unless your a pulling guard. It takes more raw power, but less fluid movement. Its better for the power running/ Play action game Rex and Tony want. There should be less for guys like Vlad to think about at the line on any given play and less varibles like the back choosing his gap. Line up, drive forward, gain yards, Old school style. Vlad is not a small agile Guard but a big powerful bruiser. This scheme should fit him better. I'm not saying he's going to rebound, but this should be his best chance.
