Why Darron Lee can have a big breakout year in 2017

[MDL_JET]

WARNING: This article contains optimism.

https://www.fanragsports.com/nfl/ny-jets/2017-sophomore-breakout-candidate-darron-lee-film-room-edition/

It was a season of highs and lows for 2016 New York Jets first-round pick Darron Lee. The Jets defensive front didn’t live up to lofty expectations, and Lee became a forgotten man on a unit that finished 11th against the run and 17th against the pass.

Although he didn’t dazzle as much as a fan base generally demands from a first-round pick, there was a ton to like about Lee’s rookie season. Let’s take a look at the film and show why he is a breakout candidate in 2017.

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Speed

When the Jets took Lee in the first round, the key plan was to make their aging, slow linebacker unit younger and faster. Coming out of Ohio State as a redshirt sophomore, Lee’s potential was through the roof. He was a quarterback and defensive back in high school before becoming a versatile college linebacker.

At the next level he still needs to add mass, but his acceleration and 4.47 speed will enable him to live in the opponent’s backfield ifkept clean by a powerful defensive line.

Unfortunately for the Jets in 2016, their defensive front fell short of expectations. Muhammad Wilkerson looked like a shell of himself coming off and injury and a huge contract extension. Sheldon Richardson was average after returning from suspension, and Leonard Williams can’t do everything by himself.

This led to Lee to absorb much more contact than expected, limiting his ability to make big plays.

When he was kept clean, he flashed immense potential not only as a disruptor, but a shutdown sideline-to-sideline linebacker.

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Versatility

A monumental battle for modern NFL teams is finding every-down players on offense and defense. The amount of “part-time” or “rotational” players in the league today is astronomical, raising the value of a chess piece that can be a snap monster.

Lee has the potential to bring the entire package. As displayed above, he’s a speedy sideline-to-sideline run defender who needs to stay out of the traffic and muck in the middle of the field.

One of his best performances came against the Buffalo Bills in just his second NFL game, when he took on a unique role: Contain Tyrod Taylor.

Taylor crushes teams with his ability to not only break off big runs when leaving the pocket, but his elusiveness to extend plays and work the vertical passing attack. For a large majority of the game, Lee stayed stride for stride with Taylor, forcing him to work from the pocket.

After a big-time start in which he embarrassed Darrelle Revis with a long-ball touchdown, Taylor’s play tailed off in the second half. Much of that was due to Darron Lee’s work up front.

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Coverage

While the Jets ranked 17th in passing yards surrendered per game last year, their performance looks even worse on film. Marcus Gilchrist and Calvin Pryor had numerous communication breakdowns with each other and the cornerbacks, constantly surrendering huge plays.

The pass rush went cold after a hot start in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals as well. Nothing ever clicked for Todd Bowles’ aerial defense last year, but the expectations to quickly turn things around this year are fair. The additions of two new starting safeties and free agent addition Morris Claiborne should change the equation for the Jets.

Lee should benefit from the presence of his new teammates. Lee can clamp down on the ever-growing trend of running backs factoring into the passing game. His seek-and-chase ability can eliminate big gains on dump passes and screens, something that has haunted the green and white for much of the past decade.

The Jets’ front office and staff had a clear plan for the 20th selection from the 2016 draft. Patience and time are required, but if Wilkerson can bounce back and Leonard Williams continues to dominate, Lee will have the chance to run around and make big-time plays in 2017. It’s hard to think of a bigger breakout candidate on this young New York Jets defense.

[j4jets]

Why?

[Integrity28]

When your rookie seasons represents the floor for all rookie LBers, it's really not that difficult to consider anything better than that a "breakout". Is it?

[Guilhermezmc]

I still believe in this guy, I would love him to become our Ryan Shazier.

[JoJoTownsell1]

1 hour ago, Integrity28 said:

When your rookie seasons represents the floor for all rookie LBers, it's really not that difficult to consider anything better than that a "breakout". Is it?

Except Lee was 8th among all rookies in tackles with 73. So while some rookies go from zero to something, Lee may go from 73 tackles to 100+ tackles, thereby making him a true breakout candidate. 

Lee didn't play like a pro  bowler, but he also didn't play that bad for a rookie playing on a awful defense. I think he can take the next step this year, but a lot will depend on a bounce back year for Mo to help free up Lee.  

[Integrity28]

Just now, JoJoTownsell1 said:

Except Lee was 8th among all rookies in tackles with 73. So while some rookies go from zero to something, Lee may go from 73 tackles to 100+ tackles, thereby making him a true breakout candidate. 

Lee didn't play like a pro  bowler, but he also didn't play that bad for a rookie playing on a awful defense. I think he can take the next step this year, but a lot will depend on a bounce back year for Mo to help free up Lee.  

Amassing tackles isn't a statistic that = how good a LBer is. Lots of sh*tty defenders rack up tackles because they are targeted a lot, and other such reasons. He rated terribly. This isn't my opinion, it's based on data from multiple ranking sites. Having lots of tackles is irrelevant. It's more about how often he was out of position, gave up negative plays, etc.

[Integrity28]

20 minutes ago, Guilhermezmc said:

I still believe in this guy, I would love him to become our Ryan Shazier.

Same, but it's foolish to deny his rookie struggles. You can acknowledge them and still root for him to be good.

[Guilhermezmc]

Just now, Integrity28 said:

Same, but it's foolish to deny his rookie struggles. You can acknowledge them and still root for him to be good.

Yes, he played worse than I expected, but, I still have fate in him. He has to play more violently.

 

[SickJetFan]

1 minute ago, Guilhermezmc said:

Yes, he played worse than I expected, but, I still have fate in him. He has to play more violently.

 

actually think his biggest issue is his violence.  He needs to slow down a bit and wait for play to develop before committing to the wrong gap.  His issues are not related to size or speed...its what is between the ears...so there is hope for him.

[Kleckineau]

He is too small. He was pumped up over 230 at the combine and now they say he is 225 but in reality was playing in the teens by seasons end. Without the juice he is a natural 190. The pro game is going to crush him. He will flash because of his speed but will be busted up and gone in 2-3 years.

[kdels62]

3 minutes ago, Kleckineau said:

He is too small. He was pumped up over 230 at the combine and now they say he is 225 but in reality was playing in the teens by seasons end. Without the juice he is a natural 190. The pro game is going to crush him. He will flash because of his speed but will be busted up and gone in 2-3 years.

Yep. We always hear about how players get smaller in NFL workout regiments and whatever new sauce they get in the pros.

[Smashmouth]

17 minutes ago, Integrity28 said:

Amassing tackles isn't a statistic that = how good a LBer is. Lots of sh*tty defenders rack up tackles because they are targeted a lot, and other such reasons. He rated terribly. This isn't my opinion, it's based on data from multiple ranking sites. Having lots of tackles is irrelevant. It's more about how often he was out of position, gave up negative plays, etc.

This is a ridiculous statement. Targeted a lot ?? I'm not sure WTF that even means in respect to a LB who moves around as much as a guy like Lee does.. LB er's are all about tackles and where they make those tackles on the field. If you were talking about a safety then yes I would agree because when you see safeties making a lot of tackles or leading a team in tackles the LB er's are not doing their jobs and the front 7 is weak. 

[Kleckineau]

26 minutes ago, kdels62 said:

Yep. We always hear about how players get smaller in NFL workout regiments and whatever new sauce they get in the pros.

It happens. Some guys will maximize size and strength during junior senior year and for the combine in order to get drafted high and get paid big then decide they no longer want or need the health risks associated with the "supplements"

Never happenes...right?

[SKILLit]

he needs to bulk up and learn to not overshoot alot of times. hope he trains as hard as he tweets too. 

[rangerous]

1 hour ago, JoJoTownsell1 said:

Except Lee was 8th among all rookies in tackles with 73. So while some rookies go from zero to something, Lee may go from 73 tackles to 100+ tackles, thereby making him a true breakout candidate. 

Lee didn't play like a pro  bowler, but he also didn't play that bad for a rookie playing on a awful defense. I think he can take the next step this year, but a lot will depend on a bounce back year for Mo to help free up Lee.  

lee was also being asked to do things he wasn't supposed to do like cover the slot mainly because pryor and the corners just didn't get it.  lee is young.  he'll get more size and should play much better this season. 

[Kleckineau]

19 minutes ago, SKILLit said:

he needs to bulk up and learn to not overshoot alot of times. hope he trains as hard as he tweets too. 

Lol new nickname for Tiny Backer in 2017 Tweety Lee

[T0mShane]

 Lee can clamp down on the ever-growing trend of running backs factoring into the passing game.

 

impressive being able to write copy like this while trying to keep all your drool from shorting out the keyboard at the home.

[T0mShane]

1 hour ago, rangerous said:

lee was also being asked to do things he wasn't supposed to do like cover the slot mainly because pryor and the corners just didn't get it.  lee is young.  he'll get more size and should play much better this season. 

Maybe they seal the keyboard up in Saran Wrap. I don't know.

[New York Mick]

I thought they might of switched him to safety 

[Integrity28]

2 hours ago, Smashmouth said:

This is a ridiculous statement. Targeted a lot ?? I'm not sure WTF that even means in respect to a LB who moves around as much as a guy like Lee does.. LB er's are all about tackles and where they make those tackles on the field. If you were talking about a safety then yes I would agree because when you see safeties making a lot of tackles or leading a team in tackles the LB er's are not doing their jobs and the front 7 is weak. 

I shouldn't have to explain why you're wrong, so I won't. Besides, you'll freak the **** out regardless.

[T0mShane]

2 minutes ago, Integrity28 said:

I shouldn't have to explain why you're wrong, so I won't. Besides, you'll freak the **** out regardless.

NFL co-leader in tackles last season? The immortal Zach Brown, who edged out future HOFer Christian Kirksey.

[thadude]

Lee = Vilma

 

He needs to play as a MLB in a 4-3 otherwise he sucks

[thadude]

4 hours ago, rangerous said:

lee was also being asked to do things he wasn't supposed to do like cover the slot mainly because pryor and the corners just didn't get it.  lee is young.  he'll get more size and should play much better this season. 

Yes I did see that last year.  Lee's main problem is not his weight it's his height he's too small to cover most of the league's tight ends.

 

Example - Russell Wilson was picking on Lee at will while he was in man coverage with Jimmy Graham. 6 for 8 for 113 yards that game

[Lil Woody]

7 minutes ago, thadude said:

Yes I did see that last year.  Lee's main problem is not his weight it's his height he's too small to cover most of the league's tight ends.

 

Example - Russell Wilson was picking on Lee at will while he was in man coverage with Jimmy Graham. 6 for 8 for 113 yards that game

I don't get the knock on his height. Height in a 3-4 ILB is not a great thing. He still needs the leverage against guards and shouldn't be playing much man coverage on TEs, ideally that is typically a job for the safety.  I'd agree he needs to add weight, but if we are going with AZ as the def blueprint, the TE is covered by the hybrid S/LB or money backer or whatever they are calling it these days.  If Lee is projected to that role, well, shame on them.  I'm hopeful he can add the weight and continue to develop.

[thadude]

4 minutes ago, Lil Woody said:

I don't get the knock on his height. Height in a 3-4 ILB is not a great thing. He still needs the leverage against guards and shouldn't be playing much man coverage on TEs, ideally that is typically a job for the safety.  I'd agree he needs to add weight, but if we are going with AZ as the def blueprint, the TE is covered by the hybrid S/LB or money backer or whatever they are calling it these days.  If Lee is projected to that role, well, shame on them.  I'm hopeful he can add the weight and continue to develop.

Height is a very big deal when covering tight ends.  Most of them can catch lobs over you if they are 6'4+ and you're a 6'0 (on paper ILB).

 

NFL is a passing league.  LB's and Safeties who specialize against the run are dinosaurs but ofcourse the current regime absolutely is in love with them.

[Lil Woody]

2 minutes ago, thadude said:

Height is a very big deal when covering tight ends.  Most of them can catch lobs over you if they are 6'4+ and you're a 6'0 (on paper ILB).

 

NFL is a passing league.  LB's and Safeties who specialize against the run are dinosaurs but ofcourse the current regime absolutely is in love with them.

LOL. So you are saying covering TEs is really hard and they are presenting a very difficult problem for DCs and defensive players?  Well yeah.  It's a league wide problem.  Many teams are starting to bring in specialists for that.  Jeremy Clark maybe?  If Lee is going to be successful, he needs to be a full time ILB not just a role player.  to do that he will need to add bulk and play every down and that still means defending the run.

It is definitely a passing league, but if you can't stop the run....well....remember that Raiders game where they ran it like 20x to start the game and just embarrassed the sh*t out of our hapless group of losers? Defending the pass is the priority, absolutely. But if you want to play every down, you gotta be able to play the run too.

[JPPT1974]

It is about that of not just running or passing above. But doing a bit both. Running and passing. 

[sciond]

i am going with no

[varjet]

Lee looks around the same size as Deion Jones and Shazier.  He does look unnatural though.  Those other guys look more balanced/athletic.  Lee looks a bit goofy with his oversized arms.  

Let's see the shape he comes back in. 

[long suffering jets fan]

1 hour ago, thadude said:

Yes I did see that last year.  Lee's main problem is not his weight it's his height he's too small to cover most of the league's tight ends.

 

Example - Russell Wilson was picking on Lee at will while he was in man coverage with Jimmy Graham. 6 for 8 for 113 yards that game

Agreed and that's why we drafted 2 safeties.  The beginning of this draft was all about matching up with Gronkowski, or any TEs the Pats put out there.   

[long suffering jets fan]

1 hour ago, Lil Woody said:

LOL. So you are saying covering TEs is really hard and they are presenting a very difficult problem for DCs and defensive players?  Well yeah.  It's a league wide problem.  Many teams are starting to bring in specialists for that.  Jeremy Clark maybe?  If Lee is going to be successful, he needs to be a full time ILB not just a role player.  to do that he will need to add bulk and play every down and that still means defending the run.

It is definitely a passing league, but if you can't stop the run....well....remember that Raiders game where they ran it like 20x to start the game and just embarrassed the sh*t out of our hapless group of losers? Defending the pass is the priority, absolutely. But if you want to play every down, you gotta be able to play the run too.

I think Lee's role this year passing coverage, will be to cover the RB out of the backfield.  The safeties will pick up the tight end.

[Smashmouth]

8 hours ago, Integrity28 said:

I shouldn't have to explain why you're wrong, so I won't. Besides, you'll freak the **** out regardless.

I wont freak out at all. 

[#27TheDominator]

Darron Lee is a serious athlete.  His broad jump and sprints were monster.  He will have value in this league.  To me a large part of the issue stems from the board screaming for speed.  Everybody knew our LBs were slow and thought speed would cure everything.  It doesn't.  Now that we have some speed you will see the downside.  Less size, inability to hold up gaps. Everything comes with a tradeoff. 

[MDL_JET]

9 hours ago, long suffering jets fan said:

Agreed and that's why we drafted 2 safeties.  The beginning of this draft was all about matching up with Gronkowski, or any TEs the Pats put out there.   

The beginning of the draft was all about not getting the ball thrown over our heads several times a game for TDs.

[MaxAF]

17 hours ago, Integrity28 said:

Amassing tackles isn't a statistic that = how good a LBer is. Lots of sh*tty defenders rack up tackles because they are targeted a lot, and other such reasons. He rated terribly. This isn't my opinion, it's based on data from multiple ranking sites. Having lots of tackles is irrelevant. It's more about how often he was out of position, gave up negative plays, etc.

I agree with you, however, it seemed like everyone on defense was out of position last year. He also got injured. I don't think he can get any worse so I'm hoping with a new LB coach he excels. I still don't understand how Kacy Rodgers is still DC with such a cluster fuk Defense. IMHO he should have been the first one out the door.