Typically teams line their best pass rusher up on the right side (against the left tackle) to attack the quarterback's blind side. That's why left tackle is considered the much more important position - protect the qb's back side and face usually the best pass rushers. Also, the right tackle usually has the tight end line up on his side who can chip blockers or stay in to block on the play.
Sure, I understand that but is there any significant change in technique required between playing left and right side as a tackle? Surely if anything playing right tackle should be slightly easier for Ducasse, as he won't be facing quite the same quality of rusher?
The footwork is opposite, but the biggest thing is that the LT must be a top level pass blocker. The RT must be a very good run blocker.
I was having a shitty enough day as it was, but this just made me sadder. I'm trying to remain hopeful. Anyway, don't want to hijack this thread, so I'll go back to my original question of how does the delay affect moves the Jets plan to make (both free agent and draft wise) for players who need to improve in the "off season"?
Historically whern the CS moves a player to other then his college playing position it means that they have reached the conclusion that he is not able to play that position in the NFL ( See VG as a perfect example) Hope I am wrong but have seen this far to many times in the past so I am going here on history with nothing else to back it up
I think Vlad is going to end up being a good player, and if Woody is indeed a cap casualty, I imagine they'll try to bring back Hunter as an insurance policy.. between the 2 of them I have faith they can get it done on the field. I am a little concerned with the Jets potentially cutting ties with several valuable veteran leaders this offseason though, especially with some of the characters we have on the team. It looks like Woody and T-Rich are goners, Jenkins and Shaun Ellis could both be gone, who knows about Brunell or Tomlinson. Next year could be the year our young crop of players will really need to step up and take control of the team.. Mangold, Sanchez, Revis, etc.
They didn't draft Vlad to be a Left Tackle. And moving from LT to RT is a much easier transition than moving from DE to LB and stepping into a whole new world with learning coverages, etc. Btw, the Jets drafted Brad Smith who was a QB in college.. that one didn't work out too badly.
Totally a bust... I mean nobody, especially people on this board, has talked about his potential to play RT since he was drafted. This comes so far out of left field that the only reasonable conclusion to come to is that he is gonna bust so hard that it will be reasonable to compare him to Vernon Gholston.
I think if you look at offensive linemen changing to another position from college to the pro's you'll see a much lower position change to bust ratio. Vlad was drafted to be an NFL RT. That's where his skill set projects to in the NFL.
Didn't #50 play as a DE in college, get switched to OLB in the NFL and then switched back to DE by Rex? Which would presumably make him nothing like a perfect example?
Do you really think the Jets drafted Vlad to replace Brick? Because Vlad was a LT in college. He was drafted because he has raw skills, things you can't teach that can be molded into a number of things. I fully believe that the Jets already suspected Slauson was going to be the left guard this past year, but they'd make it a competition just in case Vlad surprised them or Slauson shit the bed. I think it was Slauson's job to lose and he didn't. I'd like to see them keep Hunter because of his potential to fit in a number of places if needed. Woody is better, but his downside is mounting up.
This. Getting rid of Woody, regardless of his age, contract, or recent injuries, would be stupid. He is an excellent run blocker. Ducasse has shown little or nothing as far as we know. Even Hunter is still somewhat a question mark. If the Jets seriously hope to win the SB (per Rex's prediction) in 2012, they can't even consider not re-signing both Woody and Hunter. If Ducasse shows in OTAs and TC that he's ready, great, then they can try to deal Hunter before the season starts. Otherwise, keep the OL and depth intact and give Ducasse another year of tutelage before he has to prove that he wasn't a wasted draft pick
Good calculated risk move to me. As much as I love Woody, if Vlad can prove he's worthy of starting at LT we save a good chunk of money if we cut him. If Vlad still needs more time to adjust to the NFL, Hunter (who I think will be resigned) proved this past year that he can be a capable LT in this league.
no gholston was just a horrid NFL player. I cannot see him having success anywhere. also I cant wait til we cut gholston, and he gets 1 sack against a shitty team. this forum will explode. btw on topic: i'd like to see Vlad sit another year, and have Hunter start.
