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Darron Lee Turn On the Jets Article and Scouting Report


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The New York Jets continued their run on defensive players in the first round by selecting Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee with the 20th overall pick. Our initial scouting report on Lee is right here. This was a fairly common mocked pick to the Jets considering Lee’s skill set and how it would in Todd Bowles’ defense. We know the Jets wanted speed and versatility, particularly at linebacker. Lee addresses that while providing strong value at the 20th overall spot.

 

Lee is 6 foot 1, 232 pounds and clocked a 4.47 forty yard dash. At Ohio State he racked up 146 tackles, 11 sacks, 3 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles over the past two years. Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan repeatedly referred to Lee as an inside linebacker in their post pick press conference but he will be a movable chess piece in their defense, who is capable of lining up in multiple spots on all three downs. We have seen Bowles utilize Deone Bucannon in a somewhat similar fashion before in Arizona so he is familiar with how to take advantage of an undersized linebacker with speed.

Considering the amount of spread offenses the Jets (and every NFL team) faces, it is necessary to have linebackers who can go sideline to sideline. Lee still needs to refine his coverage skills and how he finishes tackles but he will be protected by a great defensive line and have two veterans to learn from in David Harris and Erin Henderson. You will see Lee in a variety of positions for the Jets depending on the down and distance. Do not get wrapped up on his depth chart placement, he will see time at inside linebacker, outside linebacker, slot and maybe even safety.

The Jets badly needed speed and to begin the process of remaking their back seven for the long haul. Lee should be a critical component of that. They went with Lee over Myles Jack and Paxton Lynch which will likely remain a comparison point going forward but Lee has a skill set that is a logical fit in this defense and he should reach his potential here.

http://turnonthejets.com/2016/04/new-york-jets-draft-lb-darron-lee-in-first-round/#more-32016

 

Turn On The Jets Scouting Report on Darron Lee

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A former star high school quarterback, Ohio State’s Darron Lee has the athleticism that NFL teams are desperate for at the linebacker position. Could he be the answer to the Jets lack of speed in the front seven?

 

Player Card

  • Name: Darron Lee
  • School: Ohio State University 
  • Position: LB
  • Height: 6’1″   
  • Weight: 232
  • Career Stats: 146 Tackles, 27 TFL, 11 Sacks, 3 FF, 3 INT

Workout Results

  • 40 Yard Dash: 4.47 seconds
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.20 seconds
  • 3 Cone Drill: 7.12 seconds
  • Vertical Jump: 35.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 133.0 inches
  • Bench Press: 17 reps of 225lbs

Strengths: Athleticism jumps off the screen while watching Lee play. Had the fastest 40 yard dash time by a linebacker at the combine and only seven wide receivers had faster times. Quick feet and loose hips allow him to change direction on a dime. Plays sideline to sideline and has impressive closing speed on the ball carrier. Understands offensive concepts and is quick to diagnose and react to what the offense is doing. Uses his first step quickness to shoot gaps and cause havoc in the backfield before the play can develop. Able to use his athletic ability to avoid blockers. Flashed the ability to use his hands to shed blocks. One of the better linebackers in pass coverage as he often lined up in the slot in nickel and dime situations. Can turn and run with almost anyone in man coverage. Looks comfortable while backpedalling and has no issues planting his foot and breaking on the ball. His ability to get skinny and shoot gaps makes him a dangerous inside blitzer. Also can cause havoc as an edge blitzer and has some decent pass rushing moves. Offers great versatility and can play all over the field.

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Weaknesses: Doesn’t have the ideal size for playing linebacker in the NFL, probably can only play on the weakside at this point in time. Due to his lack of natural strength, he has a tendency to try and get around blockers instead of taking them head on resulting in easy blocks and huge holes for the ball carrier. Will need to improve his ability to take on blockers at the point of attack, he often was completely swallowed by offensive lineman when they got their hands on him. Can use some refining in his block shedding technique and needs to use his hands more. Needs to improve his overall balance and body control. Often is to aggressive and will overrun the ball carrier. Tackling needs to be cleaned up as well. Only has two years of experience playing linebacker so he is still developing the necessary instincts to play the position.

Projection: A scheme versatile linebacker that is good against the pass and can rush the passer? I think just about every NFL defensive coordinator will be pulling for their team to pull the trigger on Lee, resulting in him being a Top 25 pick.

http://turnonthejets.com/2016/04/2016-nfl-draft-darron-lee-scouting-report/

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