Position Battles: Who wins 'em?

[Jetsfan80]

LG: Vlad Ducasse vs. Matt Slauson

My Take: In my mind, Ducasse has already won the job, and its not really going to be close. Ducasse was targeted at # 29 in the draft before the Jets took him in round 2, and he's been getting the lion's share of the first-team reps in practice.

Also, the more "creative" solution, putting Slauson at LG and prepping Ducasse for RT after Damien Woody leaves, just doesn't seem to be in the Jets' plans. Slauson may be Bill Callahan's boy, but his role on this team seems to be to be a capable backup and a guy who can help incoming linemen make the transition.

Projected Week 1 Starter: Ducasse

FB: Tony Richardson vs. John Conner

My Take: It appears that John Conner is definitively the fullback of the future for the Jets, and Rex is raving about him. However, does this translate into an immediate starting role? I can't imagine so.

For one, Richardson, while showing some signs of decline, is still an adequate starter who knows the offense. Also, the Jets probably don't want to cause any locker-room issues if they can avoid it.

However, this doesn't preclude Conner from earning the starting job at some point in 2010. Whether it be injury or a more pronounced decline for Richardson, who some thought would retire after 2009, I expect Conner will see the field for some significant playing time next season.

Projected Week 1 Starter: Richardson

# 5 WR: David Clowney vs. Aundrae Allison

My Take: While not a particularly important position battle, many Jets fans may find the final WR spot on the Jets' roster a statement on whether or not the Jets think David Clowney has ANYTHING to offer to the Jets other than some fine performances in August.

Allison, a former 5th rounder out of East Carolina, tore an ACL in his final preseason game in 2009, and will be hungry to try to make the team. Clowney had better watch his back.

Projected Winner: Allison

DE: Mike DeVito vs. Vernon Gholston

My Take: It doesn't get too much different when it comes to these two players, both on and off the field. While DeVito strikes you as a blue-collar, likeable player with a solid understanding for the game coupled with a giant frame whose best attribute is clogging running lanes, Gholston is a highly-paid, somewhat aloof personality with questionable football IQ but extremely high athleticism to go with a more sleek frame.

What brings them together is that both are competing for playing time at the DE spot. Seeing that DeVito is more of a "Rex guy", he certainly has the edge when the season gets started. In addition, Gholston may find more time on the field giving Ellis a breather than replacing DeVito.

However, expect Gholston to be in there on lots of passing downs, playing a substantial role in the defensive line rotation. There may be time for him to turn his career around after being a colossal bust at the OLB position.

Projected Week 1 Starter: DeVito

# 5 CB: Drew Coleman vs. Marquice Cole

My Take: The last image Jets fans have of Drew Coleman is getting completely and utterly abused in the AFC Title game against the Colts. While not necessarily a fair outcome for a corner who was called into action thanks to several injuries in the secondary, it would not be unfair to say that, if he sees the field in 2010, the Jets are in trouble.

Cole was a long-shot to make the team in 2009, but the undrafted free agent out of Northwestern did so anyways. While he was cut to make room for previously injured Shaun Ellis, he's back in camp trying to reach the roster again. With the Jets likely set to carry 5 safeties, its improbable that both he AND Coleman can make the roster.

Projected Winner: Cole

5th Safety: James Ihedigbo vs. Donovan Warren

My Take: Ihedigbo, an important piece to Mike Westhoff's coverage unit, has not been asked to take on an expanded role with the Jets as of yet, but he may just have to if he wants to keep his job. Undrafted free agent Donovan Warren has impressed the coaching staff after making the transition to safety.

While Eric Smith is not entirely immune to getting released, that is a possibility as well. However, for these purposes, Ihedigbo is in greater danger because of Smith's place on the depth chart last season (he backed up Kerry Rhodes and will likely backup Brodney Pool as well).

Projected Winner: Warren

K: Nick Folk vs. The Field

My Take: Few have had a more up-and-down start in OTA's than Folk. After not being able to hit the broadside of a barn in his first audition in front of Rex, he spent the next day making 7 straight 50+ yard kicks. Then, he returned to the form of day 1.

Its early yet, but uncertainty at the kicking position is, surprisingly, becoming a pretty significant concern for the Jets, and one that could be addressed with another change later in the off-season. Two unrestricted free agents that could be available after July 22 when the final 4/8 rules get lifted are Matt Stover and John Carney, while Denver's Matt Prater remains an unsigned restricted free agent. Expect those names and others to be floated around next month.

Projected Week 1 Starter: The Field

[Bruce Banner]

I think Richardson really declined last year and there is no reason to keep two FBs on a team, especially when one of them is in his last year. I don't think Richardson has announced that, but does anyone really think he has more years in him?

I figure Rex will handle Ducasse and Kyle Wilson the way he handled Sanchez and throw them right in.

I think a lot of the older project guys need to be given up on. Ihedigbo, Drew Coleman and Clowney have never panned out, move on and let younger project guys take their place.

A big issue is that this roster is so deep you have to cut decent players if you want to carry extra players at a position. Do you want to cut a decent player to have four QBs? Or 2 FBs? I also think we might have trouble keeping Basped on the practice squad, might have to protect him by putting him on the roster. So I think Richardson and Clemons need to go.

[Jetsfan80]

A big issue is that this roster is so deep you have to cut decent players if you want to carry extra players at a position. Do you want to cut a decent player to have four QBs? Or 2 FBs? I also think we might have trouble keeping Basped on the practice squad, might have to protect him by putting him on the roster. So I think Richardson and Clemons need to go.

My guess is we end up with 3 QB's, Sanchez, Brunell, and either Ainge or O'Connell (probably Ainge).

[flgreen]

Great Thread.

　

One that should be kept alive when camp begins. I

[stoicsentry]

Hoping Slauson wins at LG. If Slauson wins, we have starting quality depth on the line. If Ducasse wins, we are back at square one.

[Sperm Edwards]

Hoping Slauson wins at LG. If Slauson wins, we have starting quality depth on the line. If Ducasse wins, we are back at square one.

I hope whoever is going to be better this year wins.

Don't know if I agree on the depth assessment. Ducasse was not going to be on the depth bubble at tackle after spending all spring and summer (and through the fall if there are no injuries) practicing solely at LG. If Ducasse wins the job the #2 is Slauson and vice versa. But we don't lose tackle depth if Callahan thinks he'll be a better LG than Slauson this year. In a horrible situation, Ducasse could slide over from starting LG to starting OT same as he could as Slauson's backup. If we're down to #3 on our LT or RT depth chart, we're probably in some trouble anyway.

Long-term Jets goals, if you're worried at all about retaining starting players in the future, then root for Ducasse. If Slauson is nothing more than a backup here for 3-4 years no one's going to offer him starter money when his rookie contract is up. He'll likely stay here (assuming Callahan is still here anyway) because after 4+ years the Jets know him well and would be less likely to cut him. He'll be cheaper to re-sign as a backup. Ducasse will cost the same since he'll end up a starter sooner or later either way. Might as well ride Woody at RT until he's a liability then draft a RT.

But back to my original statement, I'm just rooting for one of them to be worthy of starting week 1. It will make me happy enough if the starter isn't merely the lesser of two evils.

[stoicsentry]

I hope whoever is going to be better this year wins.

Don't know if I agree on the depth assessment. Ducasse was not going to be on the depth bubble at tackle after spending all spring and summer (and through the fall if there are no injuries) practicing solely at LG. If Ducasse wins the job the #2 is Slauson and vice versa. But we don't lose tackle depth if Callahan thinks he'll be a better LG than Slauson this year. In a horrible situation, Ducasse could slide over from starting LG to starting OT same as he could as Slauson's backup. If we're down to #3 on our LT or RT depth chart, we're probably in some trouble anyway.

Long-term Jets goals, if you're worried at all about retaining starting players in the future, then root for Ducasse. If Slauson is nothing more than a backup here for 3-4 years no one's going to offer him starter money when his rookie contract is up. He'll likely stay here (assuming Callahan is still here anyway) because after 4+ years the Jets know him well and would be less likely to cut him. He'll be cheaper to re-sign as a backup. Ducasse will cost the same since he'll end up a starter sooner or later either way. Might as well ride Woody at RT until he's a liability then draft a RT.

But back to my original statement, I'm just rooting for one of them to be worthy of starting week 1. It will make me happy enough if the starter isn't merely the lesser of two evils.

To clarify: it looks like Ducasse will be a starting quality lineman, either now or eventually. Slauson is not as much of a sure thing. So, if Slauson beats him out then to me that would signal that we might have more in Slauson than I thought.

Hope that's not too convoluted.

[#27TheDominator]

I like Clowney. I think too many people are down on him for the tweeting and the hype. I believe he is a decent WR and is already at the point of being a decent spot starter. If people just treated him like the FA pick up that he was rather than the next Tim Brown they'd be better able to accept his shortcomings.

[Maxman]

Thanks!

http://www.jetnation.com/?p=4397

[Maxman]

The Jets camp battle I am most interested in revolves around Vernon Gholston. His battle is basically against himself.

[SoFlaJets]

Good job 8-0 the one scenario I disagree with though is Ihedigbo v Warren. James showed his worth to this CS in the Championship game when he had to play for Bart Scott on passing downs at LBer. Also, I read not word one about Warren during the mini-camps. I'll bet you he is a practice squad player come September. One more thing from what I'm reading it looks like Lowery will be moved to safety which will also hinder Warren's chances

[faba]

Some one beat out Drew Coleman please.

Nick Folk will have competitiion brought in - bank on it.

[#27TheDominator]

Nick Folk will have competitiion brought in - bank on it.

They have brought in competition for Folk. The problem is the competition has sucked worse than Folk does.

[Jetsfan80]

One more thing from what I'm reading it looks like Lowery will be moved to safety which will also hinder Warren's chances

I thought I read a recent article saying that Lowery was going to be a "blitzing dime corner" of some sort.

If we move him to safety, that hinders our depth at corner. At the beginning of the season, I don't want our depth chart to read: 1) Revis, 2) Cromartie, 3) Wilson, 4) Coleman.

[LWC611]

Great post 80.

The kicker situation is horrible, we need to get that fixed as soon as we are able to sign free agants.

On moving Lowery, I also read somewhere that they were keeping him at CB but were going to use him as a blitzer....

There is no reason why Conner should not be able to beat out Richardson. I like TRich, but we could use some more youth regularly appearing in the backfield. Let him spell conner if we have to keep to FB's on the roster.

[slats]

I also think we might have trouble keeping Basped on the practice squad, might have to protect him by putting him on the roster. So I think Richardson and Clemons need to go.

The Jets need special teams help. If Basped can shine there, he'll stick. In this instance, he's battling with guys like Warren and Woodhead for the last couple roster spots.

I like Clowney. I think too many people are down on him for the tweeting and the hype. I believe he is a decent WR and is already at the point of being a decent spot starter. If people just treated him like the FA pick up that he was rather than the next Tim Brown they'd be better able to accept his shortcomings.

I think my negativity towards Clowney has a lot to do with his superstar status as the receiving end of all-world Brett Ratliff's rainbows. He's probably okay, which is all anyone should really be expecting from a #4 WR (Brad Smith is not a WR, he's just listed as one).

Still, I like him in a competition. I'd love to see a guy like Britt Davis beat him out. Nice big WR that might be able to do something on specials, too. They list Clowney at 6'0", but there's no way he's really taller than 5'9", is there?