Hahaha. Not to belittle the intricacies of the guard position, but I just can't imagine a world where this man can't win the "push people backwards" job. In other news, is Ducasse's head too small for his body? Discuss.
I've been saying Slauson for a while, although I can see the possibility of them throwing Ducasse into the flames. I can't say it with any knowledge of how they are developing to this point, however. I don't know if Slauson possesses the lateral foot movement required for a pulling guard. Ducasse either, for that matter. My hope is definitely that the Jets were thinking forward, knew Slauson was the guy they wanted to replace Faneca with (as Faneca intimated in an NFLTA segment), and are grooming a raw but extremely gifted young OL in Ducasse to take over the RT spot at some time in the not so distant future. Logistically, that is the best scenario.
I'd love that. Although I think Ducasse is being groomed as a G and not a T atm. that said in the first game of the season against a DL like the Ravens I'd like to have someone who isn't a rookie at LG. That's why I'm going with Slauson. After that game I think if Slauson holds his own he'll stick, otherwise they'll try Ducasse.
As many have said, the ideal scenario is for Slauson to play LG and Vlad to be groomed to replace Woody.
OL coach Callahan will also be pushing for Slauson to start. Hes a major reason we drafted him out of Nebrasks, when Callahan was there he really liked him and saw his potential. Its going to be a good battle to watch.
I don't know if I'd say the best player will win, but I will say that I firmly believe the player who performs best will be the opening day starter. The best Player potential wise is clearly Vlad, however the more polished player at this point is probably Matt. Every report I've read on Ducasse prior to the draft and even post draft, has Ducasse as a very high ceiling but raw player who was viewed as more of a project than a first year starter. Given Ducasse's lack of football experience and the "weaker" scheduling of his college career I'd generally agree with those assessments. The question that we'll see answered in TC is whether Vlad has enough raw talent to overcome Slausson's greater polish, should be especially interesting to watch since when both were drafted Run blocking was both players strength and pass blocking was both players weakness.
I agree that sounds great as a scenario. But this is a prediction thread, which I normally enjoy, this time, however, I really have no idea who is ahead. Experience for Slauson that some have touted is actually pretty limited, as he didn't see the field much (only three games), and i frankly do not remember him doing anything. So, he practiced with the team last year and rotated in on three games - that's all he's got on Vlad. Referring back to the ideal scenario, yeah it would be great if both these guys could be starter level quality. Do we have reason to think they will be? Not so much, not yet, anyway. Nice thread, but I can't answer yet.
I beleive it will be Slauson. They were starting to work Slauson in late last year, and there is the Callahan connection. He has a year in the Jets' offense. Ducasse played Tackle. Those are two pretty big jumps to make, college to the NFL and T to G. He not only has to learn the new position, it's an entirely new scheme as well. Even as a tackle, reports on him were that he was still raw. If Ducasse wins, it means Slauson is not NFL material. I think Callahan has a better eye than that. They want to protect Sanchez. That is why Fanecca is gone. Ducasse would surely suffer some breakdowns in his pass protection if he gets thrown in there too soon.
