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Jets Draft Analysis: Offensive Line

Current Situation: 

Starters - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Brandon Moore, Matt Slauson, Nick Mangold, Wayne Hunter

Top Backups - Robert Turner, Vladimir Ducasse

You aren't going to find a better tackle-center-guard combination in the NFL than Ferguson, Mangold, and Moore, who anchor this unit. Matt Slauson was better than expected in his first season as a starter. One of the major questions surrounding the team this year is who will fill in for the recently released Damien Woody at right tackle. Second year player Vladimir Ducasse will likely compete with veteran Wayne Hunter for the spot. Hunter is currently not under contract but the Jets will likely bring him back as insurance if Ducasse can't step up and seize the job. Robert Turner played a good amount of reps in the Jets big packages last year and is a quality versatile backup, who is also not currently under contract. It would be a mild surprise if the Jets don't bring him back. 

Recent History

The Jets spent a second round pick on Ducasse last year who wasn't a factor. Ducasse was beat out by Matt Slauson, a 2009 sixth round pick who is the current starter at left guard. The Jets also took a lineman in 2008 when they selected tackle Nate Garner in the seventh round. Garner is no longer with the team.

First Round Probability

It would be a shock if the Jets took an offensive lineman in the first round. They did just host Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi for a visit but he will likely be off the board by number 30 and they were likely just doing their due diligence. 

Later Rounds Probability

It is pretty likely the Jets will draft a lineman at some point in one of the middle or later rounds. Arkansas tackle Ray Dominguez, Slippery Rock center Brandon Fusco and Central Florida tackle Jah Reid have all visited the team and could all be potential targets.

Prediction

The Jets are going to draft a lineman at some point, likely in one the middle rounds. I would expect them to draft a player with the versatility to swing between either guard or tackle.