Aug

30

Keydrick Vincent to replace Pete Kendall?

Posted by Michael Sciannamea

August 30, 2007 |

Keydrick VincentReports are suggesting that the Jets are looking at Keydrick Vincent, formerly of the Ravens, as a possible replacement for the departed (and not dearly) Pete Kendall. Apparently, talks are going on between the team and Vincent’s reps, but no one is saying anything for public consumption.

Vincent is a 6-5, 325-pounder who’s been around for seven NFL seasons and was let go early on in training camp by the Ravens after losing his starting job. Right now, the Jets’ left guard position is being manned by rookie Jacob Bender from that football “powerhouse” Nicholls State and by third-year veteran Adrien Clarke, formerly of the Eagles.

If Vincent doesn’t get signed, it looks like the job will go to Bender. It’s unclear as to whether Coach Mangini will want to go with another rookie on the offensive line going into this season. Of course, Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson were rookies last year and did a pretty good job, but they were first-round picks and played at a very high level in college and the transition wasn’t as difficult for them as it apparently will be for Bender.

That’s not to say that Bender can’t do a good job–he is big (6-6, 316), so that is a plus. Obviously, we’ll have to find out if he can pass-block, since he’ll be on Chad Pennington’s blind side and the team can’t afford to have their quarterback be at risk when he drops back to pass.

If a deal can be worked out with Vincent, they might as well bring him in. He’ll probably (and most likely) start, but Bender should be able to get some playing time along the way in order to gain some experience. If not, Bender gets the nod, and we’ll all have to keep our fingers crossed.


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