New York Jets fans used to howl in laughter at the drafting of mediocre offensive lineman Vladimir Ducasse. But at least he lasted nine NFL seasons.
Mike Maccagnan thought he’d struck gold, trading up in the fifth round of the 2016 draft to secure South Carolina right tackle Brandon Shell, nephew of NFL great Art Shell.
For what it’s worth, most analysts saw Shell as a seventh-rounder or UDFA. Sometimes, the experts do know what they’re talking about.
Joe Douglas plans to totally remake this offensive line, but that process may take time, and there are pieces worth retaining, in reserve roles.