The Jets' exciting and scary youth movement at outside linebacker

[Gas2No99]

The Jets' exciting and scary youth movement at outside linebacker

enRichly inCimini-ated
ESPN Staff Writer

Everybody loves a youth movement, right? It's fresh and exciting, filled with possibilities. It's also risky because, well, you're talking about youth and inexperience, which means there will be growing pains.

That pretty much describes the New York Jets’ current situation at outside linebacker. They have no returning starters and no players with any NFL starting experience, just a handful of players with upside. It's going to be a thrill ride, if not always a smooth one.

"[They] have a lot of talent, but nothing takes the place of experience, so they have a lot of work to do," coach Todd Bowles said over the weekend at rookie minicamp.

A year ago, the Jets went into the season with Calvin Pace as the Sam (strongside) linebacker and Quinton Coples as the rush (weakside) 'backer. Coples, a former first-round pick, failed to produce and received a pink slip in the middle of the year. They were hurting so much at the position that defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson wound up replacing Coples over the final few games. Bowles already has said he doesn't want to go down that road again.

Their hope is that Lorenzo Mauldin, coming off a rookie season in which he was used as a pass-rushing specialist, can become an every-down player. For now, he's slated to play the weak side. Unless Mauldin implodes in training camp, you have to think he'll be an opening-day starter.

Jordan Jenkins, a third-round pick out of Georgia, is penciled in as the starter at the strongside linebacker spot for the Jets, who are in the midst of a youth movement at outside linebacker. Dale Zanine/USA TODAY Sports

On the strong side, well, it's anybody's guess.

Rookie Jordan Jenkins, a third-round pick from Georgia, is penciled in to play the Sam position, but it should be mentioned that he played mostly in a three-point stance and didn't have many pass-coverage assignments in college. In other words, this will be a transition for him, much like it was last year for Mauldin. Bowles said the two positions are interchangeable, based on the offensive formation, so they'll have to learn both spots.

Other outside linebackers on the roster include Trevor Reilly, Mike Catapano, Josh Martin and former CFL standout Freddie Bishop, who recorded 11 sacks last season for the Calgary Stampeders. At 6-foot-4, 265 pounds, he definitely has the right size for a 3-4 scheme, but it's hard to project a CFL performance to the NFL.

"I don’t know that you compare the number, but 11 sacks is 11 sacks," Bowles said. "I was in Miami when Cameron Wake got there and we took him from Canada. Sometimes it takes guys time to develop and you can develop over there and come back over here and be good players or can develop over there and have a career over there. We saw some things in Freddie, not just the sacks, but as far as him playing the position and knowing how to play the position that made him appealing to us and made us want to sign him."

Yes, the Jets would be quite happy if Bishop is anything close to Cam Wake.

At some point, the Jets may consider a Pace return. Bowles said the door "is not closed" on the 35-year-old free agent, who still wants to play. For now, they would be wise to keep Pace on the back burner, letting the kids get the practice reps throughout the spring. If there's no improvement over the next few weeks, they can reach out to Pace. They could even wait until training camp before making a decision, which wouldn't bother Pace. One of his favorite pastimes is complaining about the drudgery of camp. Pace can set the edge in his sleep, so it's not like he needs a lot of prep work.

For now, it's Kids R Us at outside linebacker.

 

*************************

JETS LOOKING TO LEE TO PLAY SUB-PACKAGE LB

Darron Lee will be needed to play immediately in nickel packages in New York. His speed tantalizes coach Todd Bowles, who will continue to find new ways to use Lee. Best rookie for every NFL team

 

New York Jets: First-round pick Darron Lee will play immediately as a nickel linebacker, bringing much-needed speed to the Jets' sub packages. Coach Todd Bowles will find creative ways to integrate Lee, a blitz-and-cover linebacker, into the scheme. The winner of the rookie punting competition also could make an impact -- seventh-round pick Lachlan Edwards versus undrafted Tom Hackett. -- Rich Cimini

 

 

 

 

[joewilly12]

Finally some speed and identity at the LB position. 

[Tinstar]

It would be something if we could stay strong against the run and insert Bruce Carter and Darren  Lee on the inside of our defense on 3rd down and long with our dime package .

 

I wonder if this alignment can stop the run :

LE :  Wilkerson

NT :  Williams

RE :   Richardson

OLB : Mauldin

ILB : Carter

ILB : Lee

OLB : Jenkins

SS :  Pryor

CB : Revis

CB : Skrine

CB : Williams

[Copernicus]

So impressed with our current scouting staff and the foresight for our GM and HC. We have a clear rebuilding plan. 

[PCP63]

Love that my Jets and Celtics now both have excellent GMs!

[drdetroit]

Needed to get faster at LB and did just that

[jamesr]

3 hours ago, joewilly12 said:

Finally some speed and identity at the LB position. 

It'll be refreshing, not having to cringe every time a RB hits the flats and you just KNOW our LBs won't be there for another 5 minutes.

[32EBoozer]

2 hours ago, Tinstar said:

It would be something if we could stay strong against the run and insert Bruce Carter and Darren  Lee on the inside of our defense on 3rd down and long with our dime package .

 

I wonder if this alignment can stop the run :

LE :  Wilkerson

NT :  Williams

RE :   Richardson

OLB : Mauldin

ILB : Carter

ILB : Lee

OLB : Jenkins

SS :  Pryor

CB : Revis

CB : Skrine

CB : Williams

Has Jenkins ever played OLB?

[77DRAFT]

Gotta love the speed of the Defense at this point, makes last years team look really slow,

and old.  I take it Gholston and Fitz are no longer part of the plan.

[Adoni Beast]

I loved both of these picks and have high hopes. Speed and they're both touted as intelligent football players. If Mauldin continues to develop into a 3 down player, we really have something on defense. 

I don't ever see Jenkins blowing up the stat sheet, but as a set-the-edge backer with speed, his value is as important as getting to the QB. 

[Tinstar]

1 hour ago, 32EBoozer said:

Has Jenkins ever played OLB?

Yea, he did at Georgia  and actually dropped into coverage quite a bit.  He had too because everyone favorite LBer from Georgia Leonard Floyd was mostly used to chase QBs because he wasn't very stout at the POA.

[CrazyCarl40]

3 hours ago, Tinstar said:

It would be something if we could stay strong against the run and insert Bruce Carter and Darren  Lee on the inside of our defense on 3rd down and long with our dime package .

 

I wonder if this alignment can stop the run :

LE :  Wilkerson

NT :  Williams

RE :   Richardson

OLB : Mauldin

ILB : Carter

ILB : Lee

OLB : Jenkins

SS :  Pryor

CB : Revis

CB : Skrine

CB : Williams

I'm not sure what package this lineup would be, but why would Gilchrist not be on the field in any package that you'd make up? He was the best player in the Jets secondary by far last season.

[32EBoozer]

37 minutes ago, Tinstar said:

Yea, he did at Georgia  and actually dropped into coverage quite a bit.  He had too because everyone favorite LBer from Georgia Leonard Floyd was mostly used to chase QBs because he wasn't very stout at the POA.

I thought you were talking Jarvis Jenkins..... my bad.

 

[Fed Hill Jet]

This was one of the worst articles I have ever read.  Pointless and the words are written only to prove a point that he is trying to make.  Last time I checked David Harris is a pretty solid veteran, obvious not an outside backer but his presence will be a positive in the linebacker corps.  And Mauldin although not a "starter' has some experience.  This guy makes it seem like Calvin Pace may be our best option...maybe we call Bart Scott while we are at it..

 

[Jet Nut]

22 hours ago, Gas2No99 said:

 

New York Jets: First-round pick Darron Lee will

play immediately as a nickel linebacker, bringing

much-needed speed to the Jets' sub packages. Coach

Todd Bowles will find creative ways to integrate Lee,

a blitz-and-cover linebacker, into the scheme.

The winner of the rookie punting competition also

could make an impact -- seventh-round pick 

Lachlan Edwards versus undrafted Tom Hackett.

-- Rich Cimini

 

 

 

 

But, he's an undersized midget.  A reach.  A bust.  Another screw up by he clueless Macc

 

read it here, by way of Maine. 

[Adoni Beast]

Love the Lee and Jenkins picks simply because it is a huge key to Bowles' defense. Also, they play hungry and aggressive and are apparently good kids who don't get into trouble. Speedy linebackers are the wave of the position.

I think the signing of Bruce Carter was very underrated and with his speed and motoe I expect to see him in on a lot of 3rd downs. 

[Mainejet]

So according to the Coaches own words, Darron Lee is a ROLE player, NOT a starter. In other words, they just used their entire draft on f*cking part time players. When the Jets go 6-10, you'll need to look no further than this article to know why they are 6-10. Mac/Bowles whichever one you choose? The both of them will seriously be in question to keep their jobs after this pathetic season.

[LAD_Brooklyn]

Jets are in their subpack more then 75% of the time which is above the league average of 65%.

DE-Wilkerson,  DT-Williams,  DT-Richardson,  DE Maudlin/Jenkins

OLB-Pryor,  MLB-Harris,  OLB Lee

CB-Revis, CB- Shrine, CB-Milliner/Williams,  FS Gilchrist 

That's a dangerous and fast unit on the field with the exception of Harris. 

[CrazyCarl40]

10 minutes ago, LAD_Brooklyn said:

Jets are in their subpack more then 75% of the time which is above the league average of 65%.

DE-Wilkerson,  DT-Williams,  DT-Richardson,  DE Maudlin/Jenkins

OLB-Pryor,  MLB-Harris,  OLB Lee

CB-Revis, CB- Shrine, CB-Milliner/Williams,  FS Gilchrist 

That's a dangerous and fast unit on the field with the exception of Harris. 

Pryor at OLB? Huh?

[Spoot-Face]

I think more often than not it'll look more like this:

18 minutes ago, LAD_Brooklyn said:

Jets are in their subpack more then 75% of the time which is above the league average of 65%.

DE-Wilkerson,  DT-Williams,  DT-Richardson,  DE-Catapano/Jarvis Jenkins

OLB-Mauldin,  MLB-Harris,  OLB-Jordan Jenkins/Lee

CB-Revis, CB- Shrine, SS-Pryor,  FS Gilchrist 

That's a dangerous and fast unit on the field with the exception of Harris. 

 

[Long Island Leprechaun]

1 hour ago, Mainejet said:

So according to the Coaches own words, Darron Lee is a ROLE player, NOT a starter. In other words, they just used their entire draft on f*cking part time players. When the Jets go 6-10, you'll need to look no further than this article to know why they are 6-10. Mac/Bowles whichever one you choose? The both of them will seriously be in question to keep their jobs after this pathetic season.

Wait! What did I miss? The season's over and we went 4 -12? Who did we beat? Who was our QB? So many questions.

[Patriot Killa]

1 hour ago, Mainejet said:

So according to the Coaches own words, Darron Lee is a ROLE player, NOT a starter. In other words, they just used their entire draft on f*cking part time players. When the Jets go 6-10, you'll need to look no further than this article to know why they are 6-10. Mac/Bowles whichever one you choose? The both of them will seriously be in question to keep their jobs after this pathetic season.

Just go root for the NFL team in Maine then.

[LAD_Brooklyn]

SS/OLB is Pryor's position in our Nickle package.  No matter what position you want to label him he'll, be in the box once again covering RB/FB/TE.  The confusion must of been thinking he was a 3-4 OLB, but no I'm talking in a 4 DL alignment.

[Patriot Killa]

Just now, LAD_Brooklyn said:

SS/OLB is Pryor's position in our Nickle package.  No matter what position you want to label him he'll, be in the box once again covering RB/FB/TE.  The confusion must of been thinking he was a 3-4 OLB, but no I'm talking in a 4 DL alignment.

Wouldn't that be playing the Moneybacker position? Lee's new role?

[drdetroit]

1 hour ago, Adoni Beast said:

Love the Lee and Jenkins picks simply because it is a huge key to Bowles' defense. Also, they play hungry and aggressive and are apparently good kids who don't get into trouble. Speedy linebackers are the wave of the position.

I think the signing of Bruce Carter was very underrated and with his speed and motoe I expect to see him in on a lot of 3rd downs. 

Today's LB's have to be able to cover.  Lee is a linebacker that can definitely cover

[drdetroit]

1 hour ago, Mainejet said:

So according to the Coaches own words, Darron Lee is a ROLE player, NOT a starter. In other words, they just used their entire draft on f*cking part time players. When the Jets go 6-10, you'll need to look no further than this article to know why they are 6-10. Mac/Bowles whichever one you choose? The both of them will seriously be in question to keep their jobs after this pathetic season.

Dude wake up.  Lee is going to be playing a very prominent role and will probably be on the field 70-80% of defensive snaps.

 

And enough with this nonsense about u clowns calling him Vilma.  Lee is a much more physical and aggressive player and will have a way better d-line in front of him

 

[Dcat]

2 minutes ago, drdetroit said:

Dude wake up.  Lee is going to be playing a very prominent role and will probably be on the field 70-80% of defensive snaps.

 

And enough with this nonsense about u clowns calling him Vilma.  Lee is a much more physical and aggressive player and will have a way better d-line in front of him

 

All this criticism from a doofus in Maine who really has no clue how Bowles intends to use Lee, erroneously thinking he will be a 1 or 2 down player.  He misjudges Lee entirely, probably has not seen anything more of Lee than the one Michigan St. game film that everyone is stupidly relying on exclusively. He ignores the myriad of similarly sized LBs (at all LB positions) who have had tremendous success (Ray Lewis, Bobby Wagner and many others). He ignores how Bowles coached players like this in Arizona with tremendous success.  Essentially, we have a great big cry baby who makes no sense most of the time stomping his feet in every thread.   

[LAD_Brooklyn]

10 minutes ago, Patriot Killa said:

Wouldn't that be playing the Moneybacker position? Lee's new role?

Idk, Lee is an OLB converting to an ILB while Pryor was a S who they played in the box as an OLB in passing situation. Lee to me is Daryl Washington while Pryor is Buchanon. 

[Mainejet]

9 minutes ago, drdetroit said:

Dude wake up.  Lee is going to be playing a very prominent role and will probably be on the field 70-80% of defensive snaps.

 

And enough with this nonsense about u clowns calling him Vilma.  Lee is a much more physical and aggressive player and will have a way better d-line in front of him

 

And the Jets will be 6-10 this season at best.

[Jetster]

4 hours ago, Mainejet said:

And the Jets will be 6-10 this season at best.

You need to play the lottery