OLB/Pass rusher an overrated need.

The Jets have 2 quality starters at OLB. We don't have enough quality on the DL.

 

Good fucking post.

If we can bring in a high-motor pass rusher like Brandon Graham at 29, then we should do it. Lamarr Woodley, who is also a former Michigan OLB, had a nice rookie season coming off the bench as a rotational linebacker.

I really like Kyle Wilson, and I've been praising him all year long, but if Graham's there at 29, it'd be hard to pass on him.

Eric Norwood would be a nice player to look at in the second. The guy's more versatile than most players in this draft. He can blitz from anywhere and get to the quarterback.

 

I don't know how you can call Bryan "The Cactus" Thomas quality.

Quality is the point in NDmick's post - he wants someone like a Merriman or a Suggs. A scary player that the quarterback has to look for on every play before he snaps the ball. Not some mediocre-at-best former first rounder like Bryan Thomas.

 

I think there are some really good points in this thread but all of the points made can be debated on either side. I have my own opinion which I will share.

Of all the arguments being posted, there are two glaring constants from all of the TGG posters in most of the "The Jets need" threads:

The NFL has become a "Passing" league
The Jets/RR are a Defense first, TOP/Ball Control team

That being said, that equates to the Jets needing a Corner first as foremost. Revis doesn't have a twin brother or a cloning machine so in order to defend against the pass, we need a solid number 2 corner. And unless Strickland finds. the fountain of youth, the team needs to add depth to our secondary.

Now I realize that a better "pass rusher" allows the 3-4 OLBs to roam free because an elite pass rusher allows the D to bring less people but brings more pressure, allowing for more players protecting the slot routes and a better chance of INTs. That is a completely valid argument. For example, if we replace BT with Dwight Freeny (as an example - we know the Jets are NOT trading for him), the ceiling on this D is almost endless because the opposing OLine will need to double a Freeny and then sending Harris or Leonard to the QB would force either a) sack b) pass defensed, c) incomplete, d) INT. So in essence this defense could improve by adding either position.

Conversely, if you feel our front 7 is sufficient then adding another top notch corner could literally shut down the opponents passing game. Then even Manning would have a hard time moving the ball because another top notch corner takes away the other side of the field. That leaves our safeties to cover the dink and dunk passes. Rhodes Leonard and Smith could have easily taken out Garcon and Clark if we had a #2 CB covering Collie.

STATS:
I think to look at stat numbers and just make a general assumption about a team's ability in a certain area is unfair. Too many factors in each play can cause certain results. The Jets are 18th in sacks but they are #1 in 3 and outs. Could this be because opposing QBs are releasing super fast to avoid the sack? Whats the difference if the defense is ranked below, above, or at the top in sacks. If the D is forcing QBs to release fast and early, the sack numbers should be down but again, the 3 and outs or QB pressures/hits should be high. If the sack totals start to climb, it could be another key stat starts declining, but that also could mean that opposing QBs have more time to hold onto the ball. The variables are too great to measure an entire team's ability by a single stat.

If the Jets have no sacks in 2010, and are #1 in 3 and outs, with a top or near top rated defense, which do you want? Stats are meaningless unless the team is winning. Its nice to see the NFL stat page and see a sea of green, but unless the Jets post a 10+ win season and have a home game in the PO, then sack numbers or any other stat is worthless.

As for WR, yes the Jets need a good slot guy. Clowney, WoodCOCK, and Wright are NOT the answer. Clowney good be but he's too fuckin busy tweeting about everything he does. However, spending our 29th on Tate is a waste.

 

1) Rex

2) It's not a need, it's a playing philosophy. Rex philosophy is "the QB must not know where the blitz is coming from". If you have a pass rushing specialist at OLB either:

a) The QB knows the rush is coming from there (and that invalidates our philosophy).

b) The blitz isn't coming from the best pass-rushing OLB (that means we aren't using him to his strengths).

Suggs had 8, 9.5, 5, 8 sacks with Ryan as DC. Average is 7.625 sacks a year.
Pace had 8 this year (first year in the system) missing 4 games.

3) Rex doesn't want other teams to be able to game plan against a specific player but against his whole D. No matter how good a player is it's much more difficult to game-plan against an entire D.

 

Kimo and Douglas have been stopgaps, I agree with that. Its time for a kid to come in and be the next Shaun Ellis or better.

DeVito will always been a talented rotational guy, unless he breaks out and is the guy we are looking for, but I doubt it.

I wouldn't call Thomas quality. Average is more the word. That's why Gholston was drafted. The DL depth is good, yes it needs a starter, but the OLB depth is horrible. That's why everyone wants an OLB.

I don't want a OLB in the 1st round, but I do want one drafted. Its not an overrated need if its addressed in the 1st two or three rounds (I know the Jets don't possess a 3rd rounder)

 

I think I was the one that reminded you of that when you were claiming that Vernon Gholston was just as good as Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley.

As a rookie in a limited role, Woodley had 4 sacks...more than Bryan Thomas did all season as a starter (2).

Jammal Westerman is not even close to being as good as Norwood. That's pure homerism right there.

 

Holy shit Senor Gato...you're telling me you still think Vernon Gholston is on the same level as Woodley and Timmons?

Well, for one, Westerman didn't get drafted, and Norwood should go somewhere in the first three rounds.

Norwood was a top tier defensive player in the best conference in all of college football.

This isn't even really an argument, is it?

 

I find it the other way.

Pace is the complimentary guy to who the Jets need.

I find that a balance between most of the opinions on here through the draft can create a defense that will best the defense of last year and rival the elite defenses of the last decade.

A true pass rusher who is versatile enough to understand and play this defense that doesn't have to be found in the 1st round can do it. Also, since this draft is so deep, you can go backwards and forwards with what is needed 1st - DL is deeper than 3-4 OLBs and CBs. So take the skill player before the trench guy. The rookie who is picked who isn't a CB will not be a starter anyway. I guarantee you this is what is being discussed at the draft table right now. Which way do you go to fortify this defense? Because its getting old and needs fresh blood.

 

We need a pass rushing specialist, period. I don't care where on the front 7 he is, but we need someone who can actually wreak havoc. Even if it is just for passing situations, we need someone who can get in the QBs face.

 

I'd also like for the jets to play a base defense every now and then, so that the exotic blitzes aren't being overused.

Teams adjust after a while.

 

Graham is one of the best in coverage of the 3-4 OLB's in this draft.

 

It's called a safety blanket. And a young QB should have one.

You build a QB by increasing his YPA from year to year, not by making him go deep early and often.

Thats what ruined Testaverde, till parcells brought him here.