Jets’ rookie linemen learning to swim

By Krupka  |   Wednesday, June 28, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Jets
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When the New York Jets spent their first two picks on former University of Virginia left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and ex-Ohio State center Nick Mangold, the original plan was to have Ferguson anchor the line. Mangold wasn't expected to start right away, because the team signed nine-year veteran Trey Teague to be the immediate starter. An ankle injury sustained by Teague forced him to miss the Jets' recent minicamp, and voila, Mangold is now No. 1 on the depth chart.

Essentially, the two first-round picks will be submerged into the water, like a small child learning how to swim. The coaching staff might act as floaties, but both rookies will be forced to move their legs and arms to learn on the job.

It won't be the easiest task, but both certainly have the talent and work ethic to succeed as first-year pros. Although we haven't even reached training camp, in offseason workouts thus far, the two have the coaching staff excited. They look to be two players that can anchor the line for countless years to come.

Mangold understands the task at hand, and how different the NFL game is from the collegiate ranks. Ferguson also knows and has already increased his phenomenal work-ethic in hopes of becoming an elite bookend tackle.

"Get stronger, get better, and try not to stress out too much," said Ferguson. That's the 22-year-old's plan heading into training camp and his first season in the New York spotlight.

While nothing is a stone-cold lock at this point, expect both rookies to be starting come opening day.

So far, it's been a learning experience. So much so that the two will be swimming in no time. In fact, head coach Eric Mangini proclaimed that they are, indeed, "swimming."

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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