I voted Freeman. He's a natural Center who also practiced at Guard (as well as long snapping) throughout college. He's a true interior Olineman, who won't have as big a position learning curve. That experience on the interior, as well as his versatility, could make him an attractive backup to make the team. Also like his height at 6'5", and the good football intelligence you come to expect from someone with that much experience at Center. While he does have good athleticism for a lineman, he needs to put on more weight to play G though, and needs to prove that versatility at this level. Someone to keep an eye on during camp. Wanted to vote Campbell, but just haven't seen enough yet, and don't know the severity of the arm injury. He may make the position conversion quickly, but better chances are it will take some time. With his athleticism, balance and strength, he could earn reps in the 6th lineman blocker role as he continues his transition. With Dozier switching positions, and transitioning from Furman opposition to NFL opposition, he'd have to be an extremely quick adapter to be trusted out there. Could also be a 6th lineman type this year. Bold prediction: Freeman, Campbell, and Ijalema win the backup jobs, with Dozier essentially red shirted most of season w/o dressing for games. Next offseason, we are looking for OT's very high in the draft, as well as a C/G combo player to provide competition with Freeman. We have too many developmental lineman to carry, and someone won't make the team. I'm betting Aboushi ends up the odd man out unless he shows something at OT.
I have not given up on Winters. The point about him is that the Jets threw him into the fire because they chose Ducasse over Slauson. If Slauson was still on the roster, he would be starting and the Jets could have afforded to bring Winters along more slowly.
Yes, I count the handling of Slauson's situation as a mid level blunder by the FO, especially when one considers how weak their alternatives to retaining him were.
