Jansen at Guard?

DarthMonk · Post by **DarthMonk** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 12:31 pm

Late in Jacoby's career, Jake played left guard next to Lachey. For the short time it lasted it gave us an unbeleivable push on that side.

Last year Todd Wade filled in for Jansen and looked awesome. Here's an idea. Start Todd Wade at right tackle and move Jansen into Dockery's old spot.

Waddayathink?

Career Highlights

Todd Wade is a veteran offensive lineman who will begin his eighth NFL season in 2007. Originally a 2000 second-round draft choice out of the University of Mississippi for the Miami Dolphins, Wade has played in a total of 87 games with 86 starts at the tackle position.

How Acquired: Signed with the Redskins as a free agent on Sept. 5, 2006.

2006: Wade served as a reserve offensive lineman for the Redskins, backing up at right tackle. He played in one game, starting for the injured Jon Jansen.

In Week 15 at New Orleans, Wade started in place of injured right tackle Jon Jansen. It was his only start of the season. He helped the Redskins' offense compile 161 rushing yards. Pass protection units yielded zero sacks.

2003: Started all 16 games at right tackle for the Dolphins and helped running back Ricky Williams rush for 1,372 yards and nine touchdowns.

2002: Started all 16 games at right tackle and helped Williams lead the NFL in rushing with 1,853 yards and the Dolphins record their highest single-season rushing total in 19 years (2,502 yards). He missed just 19 offensive snaps, all in season-opening win over Detroit.

2001: Started 15 games at right tackle. He was part of an offensive line that allowed just 27 sacks, second-fewest in the conference. He also started wild card playoff loss to Baltimore.

2000: Started all 16 games and two playoff contests as a rookie. He became the first Dolphins offensive lineman to start all 16 games as a rookie since fellow tackle Richmond Webb in 1990. He helped offense rush for 1,894 yards and allow just 28 sacks.

He earned NFL Co-Rookie of the Month (along with Redskins offensive tackle Chris Samuels) for October after helping Dolphins average 154.3 rushing yards over four games.

DarthMonk

sonofyens · Post by **sonofyens** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 2:54 pm

I dont like the idea at all. Jansen is a tackle through and through, and it is not nearly late enough in his career to consider this switch.

I think the reason for all the rumored wheeling and dealing is b/c they want a 2d and 3rd rounder to get us a guard to hopefully replace Dockery and another db or MLB to add to the depth.

The othe rproblem is that tackles cost mor than guards do usually, so you'd essentially be paying 3 tackles instead of two, even though only 2 of em are actually playing tackle.

BossHog · Post by **BossHog** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 3:49 pm

Todd Wade is not going to demand 'tackle' money. He just wants to play and would likely come on the cheap. I think this offseason has proven that guards are getting paid now too hasn't it? After all Dockery got $49M, Steinbach got about the same, and so did Leonard Davis (who will play guard in all likelihood).

I don't think that there is any way that we go into the draft needing to use the draft to get a guard either. I'm not saying we won't draft one, but I don't think that we'd rely on that rookie STARTING this year if we did. EVEN if we drafted a good up and comer, I think it's much more likely that we'd try and patch the hole with a veteran as well. That way, if the rookie happened to shine early and was able to play - great. If not... we don't have a giant hole in our line in 2007.

Having no 2nd and 3rd drastically affects that as well. While I'm sure the Redskins F.O. would like to get some more picks on draft day via a trade... you can't scheme your off season COUNTING on it. Anything can happen on draft day... and if a deal couldn't e made, then a late round guard pick up would just be Kili Lefotu but a year behind IMO. We'd be stuck scouring the wire on June 1st desperate for o-line help and praying that the respective player didn't realize how desperate we were to have him when negotiating his contract.

Jon Jansen is no spring chicken. He's 31 years old. He also had a few minor injuries last year, some more serious ones the year before that, and sat out the entire year the season before that. All I'm trying to say is that he has a lot of mileage... he's been 'The Rock' here since 1999, he was the same 'Rock' in college and saw a lot of action... and that CAN have a cumulative effect on a lineman's body. It isn't just about age, it's also about wear and tear.

I'm not for one second saying that we'll bring in Wade and move JJ inside... please don't misinderstand. I just don't see it as being debunked because Wade would demand tackle money, we're going to draft a guard, or because Jon Jansen's too young to move inside. And if we can't get a good guard at a decent price... there are worse options if you ask me.

... like counting on the draft to fill the starting guard spot when you have the number six pick (way too high for a guard) and then no more picks on the first day.

My 2 cents

SkinsJock · Post by **SkinsJock** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 4:55 pm

I agree BH! I think that this is an option that will probably be considered and I would not be at all surprised if both Bugel and Jansen have not also considered the option already. If Jansen is anything he is a very good NFL lineman and while he has shown he is a great tackle there is also the chance that if needed he could provide us with some very good quality play at guard. :lol:

sonofyens · Post by **sonofyens** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 5:11 pm

BossHog wrote:Todd Wade is not going to demand 'tackle' money. He just wants to play and would likely come on the cheap. I think this offseason has proven that guards are getting paid now too hasn't it? After all Dockery got $49M, Steinbach got about the same, and so did Leonard Davis (who will play guard in all likelihood).

I don't think that there is any way that we go into the draft needing to use the draft to get a guard either. I'm not saying we won't draft one, but I don't think that we'd rely on that rookie STARTING this year if we did. EVEN if we drafted a good up and comer, I think it's much more likely that we'd try and patch the hole with a veteran as well. That way, if the rookie happened to shine early and was able to play - great. If not... we don't have a giant hole in our line in 2007.

Having no 2nd and 3rd drastically affects that as well. While I'm sure the Redskins F.O. would like to get some more picks on draft day via a trade... you can't scheme your off season COUNTING on it. Anything can happen on draft day... and if a deal couldn't e made, then a late round guard pick up would just be Kili Lefotu but a year behind IMO. We'd be stuck scouring the wire on June 1st desperate for o-line help and praying that the respective player didn't realize how desperate we were to have him when negotiating his contract.

Jon Jansen is no spring chicken. He's 31 years old. He also had a few minor injuries last year, some more serious ones the year before that, and sat out the entire year the season before that. All I'm trying to say is that he has a lot of mileage... he's been 'The Rock' here since 1999, he was the same 'Rock' in college and saw a lot of action... and that CAN have a cumulative effect on a lineman's body. It isn't just about age, it's also about wear and tear.

I'm not for one second saying that we'll bring in Wade and move JJ inside... please don't misinderstand. I just don't see it as being debunked because Wade would demand tackle money, we're going to draft a guard, or because Jon Jansen's too young to move inside. And if we can't get a good guard at a decent price... there are worse options if you ask me.

... like counting on the draft to fill the starting guard spot when you have the number six pick (way too high for a guard) and then no more picks on the first day.

Well, while respecting your opinion, I respectfulyy decline. Why do you claim that Wade wount be seeking tackle money? he plays tackle. Also, he wants a chance to start which means he wants to be paid like a starting tackle.

I disagree that jansen has alot of mileage. Consider the evidence. The "year" he lost was b/c of an achilles problem, an out of the blue injury. The ROCK came back from that injury faster than anybody ever thought possible. Why? B/c he is in immaculate shape. If his body had so much mileage as you suggests his recovery would have been alot longer. Also, the fact that he missed a year allowed his body to recover from other nagging injuries, thus alleviating wear and tear.

jansen has had several broken thumbs, but in manyw ays that has actually improved his pass blocking technique as it forced him to learn to use leverage better as opposed to just grabbing jerseys.

The guy that worries me is Randy Thomas. he has had nagging injuries that are more indicative of wear and tear, hammy injuries for example.

I agree that what has been suggested is indeed an option, but I dont for a second think its very realistic.

Nice post though. I enjoyed reading your thoughts.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 5:26 pm

sonofyens wrote:Well, while respecting your opinion, I respectfulyy decline. Why do you claim that Wade wount be seeking tackle money? he plays tackle. Also, he wants a chance to start which means he wants to be paid like a starting tackle.

If he were going to get starting tackle money he would have gotten a offer by now ( he is barely taking visits)

sonofyens wrote:I disagree that jansen has alot of mileage. Consider the evidence. The "year" he lost was b/c of an achilles problem, an out of the blue injury. The ROCK came back from that injury faster than anybody ever thought possible. Why? B/c he is in immaculate shape. If his body had so much mileage as you suggests his recovery would have been alot longer. Also, the fact that he missed a year allowed his body to recover from other nagging injuries, thus alleviating wear and tear.

jansen has had several broken thumbs, but in manyw ays that has actually improved his pass blocking technique as it forced him to learn to use leverage better as opposed to just grabbing jerseys.

It's not the point that JJ is getting up there in age, he is capable of moving to guard and more than likely do so sometime in the future... Maybe the future is now if it helps the team he'd be all for it. he just signed a new deal right before Thomas did. The guard spot would be set for the foreseeable future. The tackle would also be tied up to recent deals

sonofyens wrote:The guy that worries me is Randy Thomas. he has had nagging injuries that are more indicative of wear and tear, hammy injuries for example.

He's missed 3 games in the 4 years he's been here :hmm:

sonofyens wrote:I agree that what has been suggested is indeed an option, but I dont for a second think its very realistic.

It's a very realistic option, it's better than bringing in someone that has to learn the system and the locker room, he practiced with this group for a year and played along side Thomas like he'd been doing it for years in the game he was able to play in. he's started at tackle and the Rock shouldn't have a problem moving to guard. I do wonder about switching from the right-side to the left will be a issue though.

The Hogster · Post by **The Hogster** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 5:40 pm

Not sure I like that idea. Tackles are a hot commodity, and though Jansen is no pro-bowler he is more than adequate..besides, if we did do something like this, who would be our backup tackle. It would hurt us depth wise, and it's tough to find another good tackle.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 5:46 pm

The Hogster wrote:Not sure I like that idea. Tackles are a hot commodity, and though Jansen is no pro-bowler he is more than adequate..besides, if we did do something like this, who would be our backup tackle. It would hurt us depth wise, and it's tough to find another good tackle.

There is no one in that slot now, and no one at guard - this would possibly fill one hole.

SkinsJock · Post by **SkinsJock** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 5:52 pm

It's just an option and it will be interesting to see what develops on our line and the players who are brought in.

BTW - while Jansen was not officially "elected" to the pro bowl he is still one of the best RT's in the NFL. Not saying Jansen is not as good a RT as the guy who was "elected" is the same as saying Brady was not as good as whoever was "elected" behind Manning for the AFC.

The Pro Bowl is no longer a recognition of who the best players are - this is just a popularity contest and a made for TV event. :lol:

SkinsFreak · Post by **SkinsFreak** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 8:04 pm

I seem to remember Jansen struggling last year and a lengthy thread here at THN discussing it. I love the guy but he's not the player he used to be. $.02

fleetus · Post by **fleetus** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 8:54 pm

Wade is not good enough. Jansen is a much better tackle than Wade. If your going to have a week link in the line, LG is a better place to plug in a scab than RT. So moving Jansen makes little sense. Depending on Wade at RT makes even less sense. Wade is nice depth and I'd love to see him elevate his game to starting caliber but depending on it to happen would be scary. There are several FA guards that we could sign who would offer better options than haiving to start Wade at RT. Even if we don't sign a guard, June 1st may bring us a gift. Leave Wade on the bench.

SCSkinsFan · Post by **SCSkinsFan** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 6:00 pm

Gee, what an original thought! I threw this suggestion out 11 days ago in two other different threads, and nobody commented on this scenario. I thought it might be an idea that could work, and still do.

"Scott (JansenFan), you might be the best one to answer this question though. Can Jansen play guard? I had similar thoughts about making a push to re-sign Todd Wade whose main desire is to be a starter and let him be our RT and move Jansen inside to LG. Do that intead. Of course if we can get Leonard Davis at a reasonable (in this years FA climate, anyway), then that would solve the problem of who to plug in at LG."
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Last edited by SCSkinsFan on Sat Mar 03, 2007 10:43 am; edited 1 time in total

Well we didn't get Davis (I'm glad), as his price was totally out of reason, ala Dock and Steinbach. But, if we could get now Mulitalo (reasonably), that would solve the problem too.

USAFSkinFan · Post by **USAFSkinFan** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 9:59 am

I know some of you guys have seen Wade in person... the first thing I noticed about him when I saw him in person (and I didn't know who was at the time) was how awkward and non-athletic he was... bordering on uncoordinated... I know that sounds odd to say about a professional athlete, but he really struggled with the hand-eye coordination stuff compared to the other guys... looked really goofy for a big strong guy, it actually worried me a bit... we only really got to see action from him once, so I'm concerned that we might be putting too much on that one performance...

JansenFan · Post by **JansenFan** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:09 am

He's never played guard, but he is a technically proficient player and intelligent, so there's no reason to think he couldn't make the switch. He have to take on bigger players than he has been, but he'd have more help than he gets on the edge. He's got good hands and good feet, and really, that's the most important thing for a lineman. He'd just need to learn the new responsibilities.

That being said, I think it would be better to put Mike Pucillo at RG and leave the rest of the line in-tact, rather than basically start two new players.