I wasn't too warm on the idea of AJ at 7, but that is a great comparison. I didn't see Nicho as a 7 coming into the year, he's not your stereotypical game manager but he is just absolutely every where. That game on the weekend was crazy, he was playing fullback and halfback at the same time and had his hand in everything. I see no reason why AJ couldn't play a similar role, albeit with not as good ball playing skills.
Next year I think JC 1, AJ 6, Foran 7 could be the go. Let Sexton learn under Foran at training in year 1 and then hopefully he is ready to take over him in year 2.