Best fit for Jets draft pick Lorenzo Mauldin - Bleacher Report Article

[JetBlue]

Which linebacker spot is the best fit for Jets draft pick Lorenzo Mauldin?

There are plenty of prominent questions the Jetswill try to answer during their no-pads, no-contact spring workouts — and when things get cranked up during training camp.   The right guard spot is one significant position battle. There also will be jockeying for playing time at running back.

 

A less-prominent, but not unimportant storyline involves outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin, whom the Jets drafted in the third round this year.   Will he be a strong-side linebacker or a rush outside linebacker?

 

That is a question the Jets' coaches are attempting to answer. While the Jets' inside linebacker spots are solidified, with Demario Davis at weak-side linebacker and David Harris at middle linebacker, the outside linebacker positions are shakier.

Yes, starters Calvin Pace (strong side) and Quinton Coples (rush) both return, and so does pass rushing specialist Jason Babin, who saw significant action at the rush spot last year.

 

But Babin is 35, and Pace will turn 35 in October. Coples, the Jets' first-round draft pick in 2012, has mostly underwhelmed so far in his career. If he continues to struggle, the Jets can cut him after this season, with no salary cap repercussions.

 

So the Jets are looking for some answers at the outside linebacker spots. And though they don't need Mauldin to blossom into a starter in Year 1, he could carve out a role for himself at a position that might soon be overhauled. The Jets needed to address the outside linebacker position in the draft, and they did, by drafting Mauldin.

 

It's hard to get a feel for where Mauldin best fits — strong-side linebacker or rush linebacker — during no-pads, no-contact practices. But there are some particular things that Jets coach Todd Bowles is looking for out of Mauldin, to determine his role. Once the pads go on during training camp, Bowles will be keeping a close eye on these areas.

 

"First, we have to see how he handles the point of attack," Bowles said. "If they run the ball at him, how strong he is at the point, with the bigger tight ends in the league, as opposed to college; how he plays in space when the tight end is not on him; how he reacts to certain things. You kind of get a feel that way, to see what his strengths and his weaknesses are."

 

Bowles actually has all of his outside linebackers working on both sides right now, as he tries to determine who fits where. It's still early in the process for Mauldin, but the things the coaches notice out of him now will give them a baseline for how to slot him going forward.

 

Other than Coples and Babin, second-year pro IK Enemkpali is in the mix at rush outside linebacker, just as second-year pro Trevor Reilly is a reserve player at strong-side linebacker.

 

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.

 

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/05/which_linebacker_spot_is_the_best_fit_for_jets_dra.html

[SickJetFan]

Ik gonna show them how its done as the rush backer...babin a goner will end up on bills or pats

[ljr]

One of the things I am very curious about!

If anyone has or does hear anything about him looking better or getting more reps at one spot vs. the other please pass it along!

[JetBlue]

I could see a rotation of Coples, Mauldin, IK and Reilly.  We also have several talented UDFA Dion Barnes, Davon Walls and Jason Hoshare (sorry about spelling) all vying for that OLB/DE positions; one or two could make the PS.    Honestly,  I can see both Pace and Babin getting cut.... 

[Gas2No99]

Pace is NOT getting cut.

Bowles GUSHES over Calvin Pace, #97 ain't goinz no where.

Bowles recognizes that you need veteran role models in the lockerroom in order to have a cohesive unit; something his predecessor failed to recognize.

"Bowles has a great deal of respect for veteran linebacker Calvin Pace:

He can keep doing what he’s doing. Calvin has been a great pro. If you look at him, he’s a good looking guy, very muscularly built, he keeps himself in shape, and he understands what it takes to be a professional. He comes in in shape every year. Every year you want to say a guy like that is done, but every year (he gets it done). He’s a valuable guy, he’s valuable to me. He does a lot of things well and he understands the game. He understands the professional part, keeping his body together and doing the things he needs to do. I like Calvin the way he is."

Pinky swear he said all that verbatim.

[ljr]

Hope that is all true ... But how-the-F does Bowles know he comes in in shape every year???

I expect Pace to remain ... That line sounds fishy though

[Sperm Edwards]

Calvin has been a great pro. If you look at him, he’s a good looking guy...

 

Bowles is blind if he actually said that. 

[Jetmech]

Pace is NOT getting cut.

Bowles GUSHES over Calvin Pace, #97 ain't goinz no where.

Bowles recognizes that you need veteran role models in the lockerroom in order to have a cohesive unit; something his predecessor failed to recognize.

"Bowles has a great deal of respect for veteran linebacker Calvin Pace:

He can keep doing what he’s doing. Calvin has been a great pro. If you look at him, he’s a good looking guy, very muscularly built, he keeps himself in shape, and he understands what it takes to be a professional. He comes in in shape every year. Every year you want to say a guy like that is done, but every year (he gets it done). He’s a valuable guy, he’s valuable to me. He does a lot of things well and he understands the game. He understands the professional part, keeping his body together and doing the things he needs to do. I like Calvin the way he is."

Pinky swear he said all that verbatim.

Seems like yesterday that Pace was labelled a bust in Arizona and the Jets were making a mistake. Has had a good career.

[Cyberjet]

Pace is NOT getting cut.

Bowles GUSHES over Calvin Pace, #97 ain't goinz no where.

Bowles recognizes that you need veteran role models in the lockerroom in order to have a cohesive unit; something his predecessor failed to recognize.

"Bowles has a great deal of respect for veteran linebacker Calvin Pace:

He can keep doing what he’s doing. Calvin has been a great pro. If you look at him, he’s a good looking guy, very muscularly built, he keeps himself in shape, and he understands what it takes to be a professional. He comes in in shape every year. Every year you want to say a guy like that is done, but every year (he gets it done). He’s a valuable guy, he’s valuable to me. He does a lot of things well and he understands the game. He understands the professional part, keeping his body together and doing the things he needs to do. I like Calvin the way he is."

Pinky swear he said all that verbatim.

Great post - Pace is viewed in the same light as Harris by Bowles. Professionals experienced and far more valuable than the stats sheet.

[JetBlue]

Pace is NOT getting cut.

Bowles GUSHES over Calvin Pace, #97 ain't goinz no where.

Bowles recognizes that you need veteran role models in the lockerroom in order to have a cohesive unit; something his predecessor failed to recognize.

"Bowles has a great deal of respect for veteran linebacker Calvin Pace:

He can keep doing what he’s doing. Calvin has been a great pro. If you look at him, he’s a good looking guy, very muscularly built, he keeps himself in shape, and he understands what it takes to be a professional. He comes in in shape every year. Every year you want to say a guy like that is done, but every year (he gets it done). He’s a valuable guy, he’s valuable to me. He does a lot of things well and he understands the game. He understands the professional part, keeping his body together and doing the things he needs to do. I like Calvin the way he is."

Pinky swear he said all that verbatim.

You are probably right but I can see his playing time reduced as the season goes on.  He is a veteran presence but he is also slow as molasses and not getting any faster.  The have brought in some nice young talent and the sooner they can get some reps the better.  This is a young mans game and and 34 going on 35 his days are seriously numbered. 

[JetBlue]

Great post - Pace is viewed in the same light as Harris by Bowles. Professionals experienced and far more valuable than the stats sheet.

The problem is both of them are slower than Molasses.  A fact Bowles will see first hand soon enough.   

[Cyberjet]

The problem is both of them are slower than Molasses.  A fact Bowles will see first hand soon enough.   

Not everything is about absolute speed when it comes to a football player. Experience field awareness makes you faster. Bowles knows exactly how fast these guys are.

[JetBlue]

Not everything is about absolute speed when it comes to a football player. Experience field awareness makes you faster. Bowles knows exactly how fast these guys are.

 

Of course not, but if you have seen them get beat constantly over the last year, it is a concern; field awareness or not.  I am hoping Bowles will do his best to minimize this weakness of theirs.  

[#27TheDominator]

Bowles actually has all of his outside linebackers working on both sides right now, as he tries to determine who fits where. It's still early in the process for Mauldin, but the things the coaches notice out of him now will give them a baseline for how to slot him going forward.

 

Other than Coples and Babin, second-year pro IK Enemkpali is in the mix at rush outside linebacker, just as second-year pro Trevor Reilly is a reserve player at strong-side linebacker.

 

-Darryl Slater

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2015/05/which_linebacker_spot_is_the_best_fit_for_jets_dra.html

 

 

Everybody is playing both sides, but they are already pigeonholing Enemkpali and Reilly?

 

Bowles is blind if he actually said that. 

 

Maybe his is an ass man.  No, no, no... leave the helmet on!

 

The problem is both of them are slower than Molasses.  A fact Bowles will see first hand soon enough.   

 

Not everything is about absolute speed when it comes to a football player. Experience field awareness makes you faster. Bowles knows exactly how fast these guys are.

 

Pace is probably just as fast as Mauldin.  It's not like the Jets drafted Vic Beasley.

[JetBlue]

Everybody is playing both sides, but they are already pigeonholing Enemkpali and Reilly?

 

 

Maybe his is an ass man.  No, no, no... leave the helmet on!

 

 

 

Pace is probably just as fast as Mauldin.  It's not like the Jets drafted Vic Beasley.

At age 35? I sure hope not!!  Seriously I don't think he has Mauldins quickness.  Plays faster than his 40 time. 

[Beerfish]

I'll be sorely disappointed if these younger players do not force Babin at the very least and perhaps Pace to the sidelines.  Pace is a great character guy?  Keep him on the team as a backup.

[#27TheDominator]

I'll be sorely disappointed if these younger players do not force Babin at the very least and perhaps Pace to the sidelines.  Pace is a great character guy?  Keep him on the team as a backup.

 

I agree on Babin.  I think that the main reason they all love Pace is how good he is at setting the edge.  He is only a year removed from a 10 sack season and he certainly wasn't going to have an opportunity for any coverage sacks in 2014. I don't see him losing his job, but I sure hope he is pushed and gets spelled by the younger guys. 

[Jetsfan80]

I could see a rotation of Coples, Mauldin, IK and Reilly.  We also have several talented UDFA Dion Barnes, Davon Walls and Jason Hoshare (sorry about spelling) all vying for that OLB/DE positions; one or two could make the PS.    Honestly,  I can see both Pace and Babin getting cut.... 

 

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

 

[ylekram]

Pace is probably just as fast as Mauldin. It's not like the Jets drafted Vic Beasley.

I was watching tape on randy Gregory & mauldin the other day. they don't appear to be even the same species. Gregory looked like a freak and mauldin looks like if he makes it in the nfl, it wont be because of his physical gifts

[JetsHex]

Seems like yesterday that Pace was labelled a bust in Arizona and the Jets were making a mistake. Has had a good career.

The Cardinals pigeon holed him at DE and he never produced much his first 4 years. They finally moved him to strongside OLB and he broke out his 5th year. His strength is setting the edge which he has done really well for us as well. 

[#27TheDominator]

The Cardinals pigeon holed him at DE and he never produced much his first 4 years. They finally moved him to strongside OLB and he broke out his 5th year. His strength is setting the edge which he has done really well for us as well. 

 

#FarriorEffect

[Beerfish]

I agree on Babin.  I think that the main reason they all love Pace is how good he is at setting the edge.  He is only a year removed from a 10 sack season and he certainly wasn't going to have an opportunity for any coverage sacks in 2014. I don't see him losing his job, but I sure hope he is pushed and gets spelled by the younger guys. 

I am sooooo sick of 'setting the edge' being our big feature of our olbs.  Before Pace Bryan thomas.  The thing that is preventing this team and even some of rexs teams from being dominant defense is a real edge rusher threat.  A 12 sack guy, a guy other teams have to worry about thus freeing up our monsters up front.  Pace's 10 sacks would have been 15-20 with a guy with any real pass rush talent imo.  Hey I agree Pace is a good run defender, will get to the Qb if you give him lots of time to do it but I want players, getting sacks, forcing turnovers etc.

[JetBlue]

I was watching tape on randy Gregory & mauldin the other day. they don't appear to be even the same species. Gregory looked like a freak and mauldin looks like if he makes it in the nfl, it wont be because of his physical gifts

Then I don't know what you were watching.  I guess you saw film of Terrell Suggs, you would have said the same thing.  Remember Gholston was a "freak" too.  I would be happy with football players. 

[#27TheDominator]

I am sooooo sick of 'setting the edge' being our big feature of our olbs.  Before Pace Bryan thomas.  The thing that is preventing this team and even some of rexs teams from being dominant defense is a real edge rusher threat.  A 12 sack guy, a guy other teams have to worry about thus freeing up our monsters up front.  Pace's 10 sacks would have been 15-20 with a guy with any real pass rush talent imo.  Hey I agree Pace is a good run defender, will get to the Qb if you give him lots of time to do it but I want players, getting sacks, forcing turnovers etc.

 

I think you are minimizing how important that can be.  There are guys like Connor Barwin, Kerrigan and Pierre-Paul getting big sack numbers on crappy defenses. IMO, our "monsters up front" should be freeing up the others.  Last year the secondary was so bad it is hard to even discuss, but I think Pace can be part of a tremendous defense.  I would like to upgrade, but I won't be surprised if the young guys can't unseat him.  I would be very satisfied if they can make him a 2 down player though.

[JetBlue]

I'll be sorely disappointed if these younger players do not force Babin at the very least and perhaps Pace to the sidelines.  Pace is a great character guy?  Keep him on the team as a backup.

Me too.  Enough with being sentimental; if he outplays the young guys then fine but if not..... 

[JetBlue]

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

 

blah, blah, blah, blah

 

[ylekram]

Then I don't know what you were watching.

I definitely know what I was watching

 

I guess you saw film of Terrell Suggs, you would have said the same thing

then you would guess wrong. lets not compare suggs with mauldin just yet. lets get thru training camp,atleast

 

Remember Gholston was a "freak" too

for the record, I not only didn't want him, I knew he was going to bust.

 

I would be happy with football players.

again, lets at least get thru training camp before declaring any rookie a football player

I like mauldin,also. I was just making a point of mauldins speed,acceleration,etc compared to Gregory's. regardless of which kid becomes the better football player in the end

[JetBlue]

I definitely know what I was watching

 

 

 

then you would guess wrong. lets not compare suggs with mauldin just yet. lets get thru training camp,atleast

 

 

 

for the record, I not only didn't want him, I knew he was going to bust.

 

 

 

again, lets at least get thru training camp before declaring any rookie a football player

I like mauldin,also. I was just making a point of mauldins speed,acceleration,etc compared to Gregory's. regardless of which kid becomes the better football player in the end

To your point; Mauldin has excellent short area quickness, a nice burst and uses his hands very well.  He does play "fast" because there isn't a lot of wasted motion. Regarding Gregory, I was one of his biggest supporters on this site.   

 

Comparing Gregory to Mauldin is like comparing a greyhound with a rottweiler.   One plays a more finesse, speed game and the other, more power and intensity. 

 

Suggs ran a very slow 40 and is not the athletic "freak" a Gregory is.  He and Mauldin also have similar builds and playing styles.  That is the comparison I am making.   Mauldin is going to be a beast in this system.  Will he be as good as Gregory?  Only time will tell. 

[jack48]

You are probably right but I can see his playing time reduced as the season goes on.  He is a veteran presence but he is also slow as molasses and not getting any faster.  The have brought in some nice young talent and the sooner they can get some reps the better.  This is a young mans game and and 34 going on 35 his days are seriously numbered. 

I see him as a guy who can guide newbies through training camp-show them how pros do it--- and play half a year at a decent level.

[jetsons]

Coples IS going to go back to the D-Line where he Belongs, he IS/WAS NEVER going to be a LB... PERIOD... Mauldin, Ik, Pace, Babin & Reilly... 2 will start, 2 will back up & 1 will play ST's.

[Ken Schroy]

I think Babin is on the bubble more than Pace is. I am very anxious to see Mauldin play. He maybe one of those that surprises. The kid is definitely motivated though.

[Gas2No99]

I think Babin is on the bubble more than Pace is. I am very anxious to see Mauldin play. He maybe one of those that surprises. The kid is definitely motivated though.

Agree. Babin would be the more likely candidate to cut if it HAD to be done. The only reason they would cut one of the sabre-tooth tigers (and as I stated earlier, it won't be Pace) is because his depth chart position is blocking a younger & more promising player at the position (IK, Reilly, Barnes) and it becomes a numbers game. Financially, we can afford it, the cap savings won't be worth what a DPR brings to the defense that, most likely, needs EVERY ASSET POSSIBLE to carry a -yet to be validated- offense.

[#27TheDominator]

Coples IS going to go back to the D-Line where he Belongs, he IS/WAS NEVER going to be a LB... PERIOD... Mauldin, Ik, Pace, Babin & Reilly... 2 will start, 2 will back up & 1 will play ST's.

 

Link?

[Powpow]

Great post - Pace is viewed in the same light as Harris by Bowles. Professionals experienced and far more valuable than the stats sheet.

Pace has proven he can thrive behind a dominant DL. And we have one AGAIN.

[JetBlue]

I see him as a guy who can guide newbies through training camp-show them how pros do it--- and play half a year at a decent level.

 

That makes sense. I just hope Bowles doesn't get like Rex and fall in love with his "guys" at the expense at hungry young talented players.