Which Saint has the right stuff for right tackle?

By Darrell Laurant  |   Thursday, August 03, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New Orleans Saints
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Jamar Nesbit has been around -- in more ways than one.

He's been around the world, having grown up in Germany and Saudi Arabia as a military brat. And he's been around the New Orleans Saints' offensive line, having played guard, center, tackle and even tight end.

Now, as the late summer heat presses down on the Millsaps College campus in Jackson, MS, the University of South Carolina grad is engaged in a lively competition with Jon Stinchcomb for the starting right tackle spot.

Jammal Brown handled that position last season, but he's been moved to left tackle to become Drew Brees' primary protector. Free agent Adam Meadows, a former Colt, stopped by to meet with team officials last week but wound up signing with Denver. That leaves Nesbit and Stinchcomb.

Jon Stinchcomb had major surgery last year, on the patella tendon of his right knee. Some day, he might be performing major surgery -- a microbiology major at the University of Georgia who graduated with a 3.75 average, he hopes to go on to medical school when his pro career is over.

On this point in his career track, however, knowledge of microbes and treatment options won't help him keep Patrick Kerney or Simeon Rice out of the Saints' backfield.

According to the New Orleans team Web site, the 6-foot-5, 315-pound Stinchcomb and the 6-4, 328-pound Nesbit have been "equal since the last mini-camp in June and have split first-team reps so far in training camp."

The very thing that makes Nesbit so valuable could hurt him in this battle, however -- because he's so versatile, the Saints' coaches may prefer to use him as a spare part.

But Stinchcomb, whose brother Matt was drafted No. 1 by the Oakland Raiders a few years ago, was injured in training camp last summer and missed the entire 2005 season. Obviously, he has some catching up to do.

Stinchcomb may be the better pass blocker, Nesbit -- with his guard experience -- better able to lead running plays.

Both players are known for their community involvement, have families, and are regarded as a steadying influence in the locker room.

Now, all they have to do is block.

- Get more original New Orleans Saints coverage at Realfootball365.com
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