The Defense that the Jets run makes it difficult to establish who is truly a Defensive End vs. an OLB vs. a Defensive Tackle. If you feel someone is missing from this list, it is probably because in my opinion the player is more of a OLB or DT, and they will probably show up on those lists when I post them. 2011 Starters: Mike DeVito – 5th Year: Blue collar defensive lineman, hard working and strong. Excels against the run, doesn’t get a lot push on pass rushing, a good rotational player, not a 3 down starter, I would prefer to him coming off of the bench next season. Has progressed nicely each season since being signed as an UFA. Muhammad Wilkerson - Rookie: 1st round pick will probably be the opening day starter unless Shawn Ellis is re-signed, at the very least he will see a lot of PT in the DL rotation. The big DL has all the measurables that you want for a 3-4 DE. Should hold up against the run as well as be able to provide some pass rush from the DL position. He is able to play both inside and outside in this D and will be moved around the line by Rex to create favorable match-ups. He was a great value pick and probably the best player available when the Jets drafted him. 2011 Backups: Jarron Gilbert – 3rd Year: Big, Powerful, Athletic, Versatile and mobile. Didn’t really fit in with the Bears Defense, they saw him as a DT and made him gain extra weight that seemed to slow him down a bit. If he dedicates himself to the weight room this off season and comes into camp in shape, he could be a steal of a pickup for the Jets, has a lot of upside. Lorenzo Washington – 1st year: Don’t know much about him, other than he has a great frame to play DE in a 3-4. The scouting reports that I have looked up makes it sound like his motor isn’t always running at full speed. Seems to be a marginal prospect. Marcus Dixon – 2nd Year: Dixon has the prototypical Size for a 3-4 DE, and is large enough to move inside when they play a 4 man front. He got some snaps and experience with the Jets this season. He is strong and stout at the point of attack, plays with a high motor. He is not particularly explosive, he is more of a run stuffer then a pass rusher. Has a chance to sick as a backup, probably will never be/should never be a starter. With the Jets drafting "Big Ken", Dixon is almost guaranteed a roster spot as has been mentoring Ellis since college. Ropati Pitoitua – 3rd Year: Rex had high hopes for Pitoitua this last season before he was lost after tearing his Achilles in the preseason. He is a huge physical specimen who has showed good quickness, moves and power, but he is very raw, still learning the position. Hopefully he has been studying a lot film this off season and mentally preparing himself to return from his injury to be ready to join the rotation next season. 2011 Unrestricted Free Agents: Shaun Ellis – 12th Year: Ellis has had solid pro career, unfortunately he isn’t the player he once was. He is still solid against the run, but he is not as effective as he used to be at rushing the passer on a consistent basis. Against New England in the playoffs, he showed that he still has some gas left in the tank as he had his best performance of the season with 2 sacks and several more pressures on Brady. Even with losing some of his skills, he was still the best DE on the Jets roster last season. I hope the Jets bring him back for another season and to mentor any new draft picks the Jets might add this season. If nothing else he would provide solid depth on the line. I would like to see him re-signed to work in a rotation with Wilkerson. He should probably be limited to 20 snaps a game at this point of his career to keep him fresh throughout the season. Trevor Pryce – 15th Year: Pryce joined the Jets during the season when the Jets grabbed him off the waiver wire from Baltimore. He has had a tremendous NFL career and he is contemplating retiring this off season, said if he decides to return to the NFL, Rex is the only coach that he would play for. While I was not overly impressed with his play while with the Jets, it’s nice to know that if the Jets need to add additional depth at or after training camp, that Pryce could probably be talked into returning to play with Rex for another season. Outlook: The Addition of Wilkerson adds a versatile and talented DL to complement all of the blue collar type players on Defensive Line who excel in run defense. Wilkerson should help the Jets pass rush as a down lineman, which will hopefully allow Pace to rush from a standing position rather than with his hand down. Wilkerson has the size and versatility to play outside in a 3 man front or inside on 4 man fronts, gives Rex a lot of options where to line him up. Against the run this group was already solid before Wilkerson's arrival and should continue that trend. Hopefully they Jets will resign Shawn Ellis for another year to work in rotation with this line and help teach Wilkerson in his rookie season. The Defensive Ends on the roster is solid and could develop into a special group if Wilkerson plays like we hope and if Gilbert and/or Pitoitua athleticism can be molded by Rex and crew to become a productive DE on passing downs. Cut: Vernon Gholston – 4th Year: Welcome to dumpsville, population you... I'd be surprised to see him in a Jets uniform again. Signed by the Bears, we will see if he was meant for a 4-3 Defense.
Shouldn't Marcus Dixon also be listed as a DE prospect? He's 6'4", 295 pounds, which is pretty prototypical size for a 5 technique DE (although he may be a little shorter than desired). He can possibly play DT in 4 man fronts, but won't play NT. I think between Pitoitua, Gilbert and Dixon, the Jets have a pretty strong chance that they'll have at least a couple of solid rotational guys, if not a solid starter or two. Still, I'd love to see them draft a DE like JJ Watt, Cameron Jordan, Cameron Heyward, Muhammad Wilkerson, Jarvis Jenkins, or someone in a lower round. I'd also love to see Ellis back. In the event that they were able to re-sign Harris, Edwards, and whatever other of their own FAs AND Cullen Jenkins, then I'd be willing to forego Ellis' coming back, but I can't see that happening. He's gonna want too much money.
I have Dixon listed as a DT, given his size he might be better suited as a DE. I will add him onto this list. I also wouldn't mind seeing Cullen Jenkins as a Jet.
I don't think it's fair to say DeVito should be coming off the bench. He very quietly had an excellent season for us last year. If Jenkins comes back, and we get 2 out of Pitoitua, Dixon, Gilbert, Tevesau to step up and make a Devito-like leap this year to become good rotational players, we are set on the d-line. If Ellis or Pryce come back, or we draft a guy in the mid-rounds, all the better.
This is where it helps to remember that no team can have stars at every position. Ryan doesn't need high end DE's, but prefers solid hold the line blue collar guys at DE ala DeVito. Its not glamorous, but our DE's aren't going to be All Pros. I do think NG needs to be addressed. Pouha is a decent backup, but when he starts Ryan has to devote an extra LB or S to covering the middle. If the Jets can draft or sign a true NG early that can step in immediately, and if Jenks can return, I see Kris as the DE everyone craves because he is one of the very few that can do both exceptionally (when healthy). However, I don't see KJ returning after two major knee operations in two years along with his tonnage. If the Jets truly want more pass rush, then they need to replace Bryon Thomas at OLB. Pace should be better next season after a second surgery on his broken foot. I would love to see Westerman get a shot at Thomas' OLB position. Seems he has the motor and the moves. Must be that he is slow to read running plays.
I saw that Cullen Jenkins said that doesn't feel that the Packers will resign him, Hopefully he will want to play with his big brother.
Cullen Jenkins is going to be too expensive and he's an injury case. He's a playmaker when he's healthy, but the Jets have their own guys to sign.
Shaun Ellis probably won't be back. Pouha and DeVito are both solid but that's about it. I'd like to see us invest our first round pick on the defensive line (if we sign a pass rusher).
I don't think Ellis comes back for another season. Team's choice. DeVito is a favorite among the CS and for good reason. The guy never quits. He's the type of worker you want on the field. Pitouitua has to be the most aggravating guy on the IR. So much potential for last season. Dixon and Gilbert are guys I hope the CS keeps around. I really want to see them develop into something dangerous.
This is a huge need area. If we lose Ellis there is a huge hole here. As much as I like Ellis I think the money would be better spent on youth and speed.
Ellis isn't going to command a ton of money on the open market at his age. An offer of 2-3 mil a year on a short term contract might get it done. I'd like to see Ellis signed and playing next two years. Drafting his replacement is a need whether he's back or not. Watt and Wilkerson look interesting. If we have Ellis signed though, might make it easier to go OLB or even NG/DT in first round. Devito has been solid. Hopefully, between Ropati, Gilbert, and Dixon, we find a key rotatational player who can eventually assume a starting role. Pryce not likely back unless we pull him out of retirement due to an injury need.
