JetNation Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 By Glenn Naughton While much pre-draft speculation surrounding the Jets continues to include gang green and Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and several pass-rushing outside linebackers in the first round, round two may present GM Mike Maccagnan and head coach Todd Bowles with the opportunity to continue a trend they started in the early stages of free agency. Versatility appears to be a driving force in the Jets’ decision-making process in rebuilding a defense that was among the worst in the NFL last season in surrendering 25.1 points per game, 24th in the NFL. With the draft still looming, it appears the Jets will have no shortage of roster flexibility on game day come 2015. Free agent cornerback Buster Skrine was brought in from the Cleveland Browns after tying for fourth in the NFL with 18 passes defended in 2014. Skrine played on the outside in Cleveland but will be asked to cover the slot with the Jets as Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie will man the boundaries but his experience as a number two CB gives him added value and versatility. Former college cornerback turned safety Marcus Gilchrist joined the Jets after leaving the San Diego Chargers for greener pastures. Despite being listed as a safety, Gilchrist was a jack of all trades in Southern California. Often lining up in the slot over the likes of Wes Welker and Jeremy Kerley, Gilchrist operated as far more than just a traditional safety and was also utilized to cover bigger tight ends in man coverage. His reputation as a solid run supporter while providing quality coverage makes him far more versatile than any member of last season’s secondary. With a need to get younger at the outside linebacker position and add depth at safety, one intriguing option for New York could be University of Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson. Arguably the most versatile player in the draft, Thompson played linebacker, safety and running back in college. Thompson’s work as a running back wasn’t a decoy or a gimmick as he averaged 7.5 yards per carry on 61 attempts. Doing most of his work on defense however, Thompson made a name for himself as a playmaker as he logged 81 tackles, 1 interception, 3 forced fumbles and 2 touchdowns. We’ve already seen over the course of just a few months how much the new regime values players who can be used in more than just one role. Being awarded the Paul Hornung award as the nations most versatile player will clearly give the Jets reason to have Thompson in their crosshairs come draft day. View the full article Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BroadwayJoe12 Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Never really watched Thompson play, but guys like that always amaze me at how athletic one individual can be. The kid will be an early round draft selection as an OLB/Safety and yet his best position is on the other side of the ball. Smart kid too, states that although he knows he's probably a more talented running back, his odds of having a longer and healthier career lay on the defensive side. Will be interesting to see where he goes and how he's utilized. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 when did it become ok for execs to not be clean shaven at official functions ? maybe 2 years ago ? why couldn't that be the case when I was wearing the monkey suit ? I guess they figure it makes them look just too damn busy to shave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFJF Posted March 30, 2015 Share Posted March 30, 2015 Surprising thing to me was the numbers he put up at RB. When I heard about him I figured he was a guy who got a handful of carries and sometimes that's all it takes for the pundits to lose their minds and say a guy is amazing on both sides of the ball. This guy however, was a legitimate impact player on both sides. Not sure anyone would use him at RB, but couldn't hurt to have a package of plays for him in the event of an injury if you had to run him 10-12 times in a game. Bowles is a creative guy though, and I think this guy is right up their alley. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetBlue Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 I can see him going to NE.... He is the type of player the Bellicheck loves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetBlue Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 when did it become ok for execs to not be clean shaven at official functions ? maybe 2 years ago ? why couldn't that be the case when I was wearing the monkey suit ? I guess they figure it makes them look just too damn busy to shave Looks like he is growing a beard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFJF Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 I can see him going to NE.... He is the type of player the Bellicheck loves. Talked to somebody about him earlier tonight who said the same exact thing. I think NE goes CB or WR in rd. 1 so it'd be nice if Thompson is there in rd 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scoop24 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 OLB in the 3-4 won't work for him. not strong enough to set the edge .. he needs to be protected to be able to run sideline to sideline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
32EBoozer Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Looks like he is growing a beard. Well the beard is coming in gray. Better that MacDaddy sticks with the goatee....easier to apply the "Just for Men" hair colorant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Villain The Foe Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 when did it become ok for execs to not be clean shaven at official functions ? maybe 2 years ago ? why couldn't that be the case when I was wearing the monkey suit ? I guess they figure it makes them look just too damn busy to shave When it became ok for coaches to wear sweat hoodies with flip flops lol. g Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFJF Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 OLB in the 3-4 won't work for him. not strong enough to set the edge .. he needs to be protected to be able to run sideline to sideline Tough to find a spot for him in a traditional defense, but Bowles was pretty creative with a guy like Buccanon last season in Ari using the S as a dime LB to cover backs/TE's. Mayock says Thompson is his no. 2 safety in the draft but he wants to play OLB. I think Bowles would be able to find a way to use him while an NFL training program could work on getting him bulked up for a bigger role in year 2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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