Darron Lee Bulking up for new Role, or new Team?

[JetNation]

The future of Jets linebacker Darron Lee is certainly up in the air after the team added inside linebacker CJ Mosley via free agency this offseason, and it now appears Lee is making some changes of his own.  At the request of the Jets or on his own we don’t know, but Lee claims to have added roughly fifteen pounds of muscle to his frame via his twitter account.

This 245 life is fun. Just swole and strong. #Gainz

— Darron Lee (@DLeeMG8) April 15, 2019

Lee suggested he’s up significantly from the low 230’s to 245 in a short tweet that simply reads, “This 245 life is fun.  Just swole and strong”.

Conventional wisdom would lead one to believe Lee already has one foot out the door of 1 Jets Drive, but a dramatic change to his frame could be a request from the team if they want him to add bulk and see if he can retain his speed as an outside linebacker/situational pass rusher, or it could be Lee taking matters in to his own hands to improve his ability to take on bigger blockers.

When drafted by the Jets three years ago, former head coach Todd Bowles said that the team had no plans to have Lee add weight, and far too often he was bullied in the trenches.

Things were going well for Lee last year when he was enjoying his best season as a pro, but a late-season suspension for substance abuse may have been more than the team was willing to tolerate as they added Mosley for big money.

Head coach Adam Gase has sent mixed messages when asked about Lee, saying at one point that despite being roasted in the media, he felt Lee played well against the Dolphins when the two teams met, while suggesting he see Lee and Mosley as players who “play different positions”.

Adam Gase on what Mosley addition means for Darron Lee: “They play different positions.”

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 26, 2019

Adam Gase on Darron Lee: "Here's what I know: Darron's on the roster. When April 8 hits (for start of offseason program)… I’m expecting everybody to be there. If the front office decides something different, then we make an adjustment."

In other words, he's basically toast

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) March 26, 2019

"He was always getting beat up by you guys [reporters] but he would play a great game against us." – Adam Gase on Darron Lee.

— Dan Leberfeld (@jetswhispers) February 28, 2019

Gase then offered the “kiss of death” quote for any NFL player, saying simply that Lee is “on the roster”.  Whether or not that’s the case for the supposedly 245 pound Lee when training camp rolls around remains to be seen.

The post Darron Lee Bulking up for new Role, or new Team? appeared first on JetNation.com (NY Jets Blog & Forum).

Click here to read the full story...

[Fantasy Island]

Darron Lee fired his mom, and got his learner's permit?  OMG, he is growing up!!!!

[NYJ1]

245 my A$$! His weight has always been right around 215. If he's at 245 that means he put on 30 pounds of muscle. That's impossible without illegal drugs.I call fake off-season news.

[DJF71]

49 minutes ago, NYJ1 said:

245 my A$$! His weight has always been right around 215. If he's at 245 that means he put on 30 pounds of muscle. That's impossible without illegal drugs.I call fake off-season news.

Well he has already been suspended for drugs. 

[JetFaninMI]

Lee is now 15 pounds heavier? And that much slower. Guy just screwed the best part of his game. Bye bye.

[jack48]

4 hours ago, JetNation said:

The future of Jets linebacker Darron Lee is certainly up in the air after the team added inside linebacker CJ Mosley via free agency this offseason, and it now appears Lee is making some changes of his own.  At the request of the Jets or on his own we don’t know, but Lee claims to have added roughly fifteen pounds of muscle to his frame via his twitter account.

This 245 life is fun. Just swole and strong. #Gainz

— Darron Lee (@DLeeMG8) April 15, 2019

 

Lee suggested he’s up significantly from the low 230’s to 245 in a short tweet that simply reads, “This 245 life is fun.  Just swole and strong”.

Conventional wisdom would lead one to believe Lee already has one foot out the door of 1 Jets Drive, but a dramatic change to his frame could be a request from the team if they want him to add bulk and see if he can retain his speed as an outside linebacker/situational pass rusher, or it could be Lee taking matters in to his own hands to improve his ability to take on bigger blockers.

When drafted by the Jets three years ago, former head coach Todd Bowles said that the team had no plans to have Lee add weight, and far too often he was bullied in the trenches.

Things were going well for Lee last year when he was enjoying his best season as a pro, but a late-season suspension for substance abuse may have been more than the team was willing to tolerate as they added Mosley for big money.

Head coach Adam Gase has sent mixed messages when asked about Lee, saying at one point that despite being roasted in the media, he felt Lee played well against the Dolphins when the two teams met, while suggesting he see Lee and Mosley as players who “play different positions”.

Adam Gase on what Mosley addition means for Darron Lee: “They play different positions.”

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 26, 2019

 

Adam Gase on Darron Lee: "Here's what I know: Darron's on the roster. When April 8 hits (for start of offseason program)… I’m expecting everybody to be there. If the front office decides something different, then we make an adjustment."

In other words, he's basically toast

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) March 26, 2019

 

"He was always getting beat up by you guys [reporters] but he would play a great game against us." – Adam Gase on Darron Lee.

— Dan Leberfeld (@jetswhispers) February 28, 2019

 

Gase then offered the “kiss of death” quote for any NFL player, saying simply that Lee is “on the roster”.  Whether or not that’s the case for the supposedly 245 pound Lee when training camp rolls around remains to be seen.

The post Darron Lee Bulking up for new Role, or new Team? appeared first on JetNation.com (NY Jets Blog & Forum).

Click here to read the full story...

Nothing more inaccurate than the "read into" the quote

[kdels62]

So he’s taking more steroids? I think he can carve out a role on this defense especially since I think we’re taking Ed Oliver or Quinnen Williams.

[Kleckineau]

I was skeptical until swole.

[Obrien2Toon]

His size isn’t the problem, his instincts are

[bealeb319]

245 my A$$! His weight has always been right around 215. If he's at 245 that means he put on 30 pounds of muscle. That's impossible without illegal drugs.I call fake off-season news.

Keep in mind he was just suspended for a peds violation

Sent from my LGUS991 using JetNation.com mobile app

[varjet]

6 minutes ago, bealeb319 said:

Keep in mind he was just suspended for a peds violation

Sent from my LGUS991 using JetNation.com mobile app
 

No it was not.  It was substance abuse 

[varjet]

It’s in the Jets’ interests for Lee to play well. At this point they want to win as many games as possible.   It is not about the draft pick.  Lee is cheap.  If he plays well he can be tagged and traded, we get a comp pick, or he is extended.  Avery’s contract is not forever either.  

More maybe someone wants to give up a third if Lee looks good and is in good shape. 

Honestly, at this point I feel better about the options for Lee than paying Leo $14mm

[rangerous]

honestly, i have no idea what lee's weight is.  but if it is as listed then he is physically big enough to play the position.  and even though he got pushed off the line, he still managed 76 tackles in 12 games last season.  not exactly a david harris tackling machine but still not too shabby.  imo lee's problem is more of taking too long to react to a particular play.  i don't know if that can ever be coached out.

[joewilly12]

This year is Darron Lee's prove it year maybe Gase and Williams have a plan. Lets all support this kid in whatever role that may be. We cannot keep discarding #1 draft picks the curb year after year. 

[Embrace the Suck]

Here comes a PEDs suspension...   

[NYDreamer]

Here is actual footage of Darron Lee making the starting defense after bulking up:

 

[varjet]

Put another way, for the team that decided to play a 3-4 defense this year when the draft is loaded with 4-3 DL, they have 1 LB under contract next year before the draft-Williamson.  Jenkins is a FA.  Lee fifth year option.  

I think the 3-4 decision was a short term decision based on 2019 only.  

[Lon chaney]

This thread is proof that some people are just idiots. 3 posters have already alluded to his "PED" suspension. Jeez

[Larz]

Um ok

 

His game is speed so let’s bulk up

[F00tballGuy69]

1 hour ago, rangerous said:

honestly, i have no idea what lee's weight is.  but if it is as listed then he is physically big enough to play the position.  and even though he got pushed off the line, he still managed 76 tackles in 12 games last season.  not exactly a david harris tackling machine but still not too shabby.  imo lee's problem is more of taking too long to react to a particular play.  i don't know if that can ever be coached out.

If he is 6'1 232 there are plenty of Linebackers who succeed at that size.  However, Lee plays like a cornerback in a linebackers body.  His lack of size doesn't bother me, but he simply just doesn't have a linebacker's mentality or anywhere near the required aggressiveness to play the position.  

[Kleckineau]

Sorry Darron, bulking up for strength and eating everything in sight after getting stoned is not the same thing.

[nycdan]

Maybe he attended Ryan Fitzpatrick's kids' birthday parties?

[Beerfish]

I keep seeing these make Lee an outside pass rusher stories from time to time.

He has no pass rush moves, has poor angle instincts, i dont think he has long arms and he gets pushed off his line easily.

Running fast does not = pass rusher.

[sec101row23]

Just now, Beerfish said:

I keep seeing these make Lee an outside pass rusher stories from time to time.

He has no pass rush movers, has poor angle instincts, i dont think he has long arms and he gets pushed off his line easily.

Running fast does not = pass rusher.

Exactly.   He would get swatted away like a gnat by offensive linemen.  

[sec101row23]

This excerpt from his college scouting report was really spot on.

 

Smallish linebacker. Play strength doesn't come close to matching puffed up listed weight. Balance issues at point of attack could plague him over his NFL career. Has the body type of a big safety. Tape shows few authoritative tackles. Involved in too many arm and shoestring tackles. Comes flying in and fails to come to balance at times. Charged with 21 missed and five broken tackles over the last two seasons. Always at size disadvantage and will have to learn to slip more blocks. Can get better at finding targets in zone coverage.

[NYs Stepchild]

11 minutes ago, Beerfish said:

I keep seeing these make Lee an outside pass rusher stories from time to time.

He has no pass rush movers, has poor angle instincts, i dont think he has long arms and he gets pushed off his line easily.

Running fast does not = pass rusher.

33.25" arms.

[J_Smith]

2 minutes ago, sec101row23 said:

This excerpt from his college scouting report was really spot on.

 

Smallish linebacker. Play strength doesn't come close to matching puffed up listed weight. Balance issues at point of attack could plague him over his NFL career. Has the body type of a big safety. Tape shows few authoritative tackles. Involved in too many arm and shoestring tackles. Comes flying in and fails to come to balance at times. Charged with 21 missed and five broken tackles over the last two seasons. Always at size disadvantage and will have to learn to slip more blocks. Can get better at finding targets in zone coverage.

It all makes sense now

[NYs Stepchild]

4 minutes ago, sec101row23 said:

This excerpt from his college scouting report was really spot on.

 

Smallish linebacker. Play strength doesn't come close to matching puffed up listed weight. Balance issues at point of attack could plague him over his NFL career. Has the body type of a big safety. Tape shows few authoritative tackles. Involved in too many arm and shoestring tackles. Comes flying in and fails to come to balance at times. Charged with 21 missed and five broken tackles over the last two seasons. Always at size disadvantage and will have to learn to slip more blocks. Can get better at finding targets in zone coverage.

Here are the reports for Allen and Bosa from the same site. 

Weaknesses

• Needs to impose will on tight ends at point of attack
• Usage of hands needs improvement across the board
• Length doesn't always show up like it should
• Catches rather than pop with hands
• Slow to recognize and diagnose misdirection
• Undisciplined with contain duties
• Freelances inside, allowing himself to get sealed
• Linear pursuit and sluggish with change of direction and turns
• Needs to diversify rush approach
• Lacks sharp hip flip or upper-body turn to climb over the edge
• Needs to incorporate a quality mid-rush counter
   
• Weaknesses
• Not as naturally fluid as his brother, Joey
• Tightly bundled through his hips
• Upfield attack can be a little rigid
• Counter rush moves based on effort over skill
• Gets too straight-legged through engagement
• Can bend, but doesn't play with leveraged anchor vs
• kick-outs and down blocks
• Disappointing tackle production
• Needs earlier disengage to combat average lateral twitch to tackle
• Heavy pursuit feet and sluggish change of direction limit range as tackler
• Needs to be quicker in finding the football
• Missed most of 2018 with core muscle injury

[NYs Stepchild]

10 minutes ago, sec101row23 said:

This excerpt from his college scouting report was really spot on.

 

Smallish linebacker. Play strength doesn't come close to matching puffed up listed weight. Balance issues at point of attack could plague him over his NFL career. Has the body type of a big safety. Tape shows few authoritative tackles. Involved in too many arm and shoestring tackles. Comes flying in and fails to come to balance at times. Charged with 21 missed and five broken tackles over the last two seasons. Always at size disadvantage and will have to learn to slip more blocks. Can get better at finding targets in zone coverage.

This excerpt from the same scouting report you cherry picked.

Quick to diagnose and flow to the ball. Has unusual ability to find the most efficient routes to the ball. Has athleticism and flexibility to contort his body and succeed through difficult tackle angles. Plays with loose hips, quick feet and desired agility of an NFL weak-side linebacker. Former high school quarterback with the change of direction and speed to be a rangy playmaker. Comfortable in space and excels there. Has plus man cover talent. Willing to stand in and take on blockers with a leveraged strike if his gap is being threatened. Capable gap blitzer with ability to get skinny through the holes

[Long Island Leprechaun]

6 minutes ago, NYs Stepchild said:

Here are the reports for Allen and Bosa from the same site. 

Weaknesses

• Needs to impose will on tight ends at point of attack
• Usage of hands needs improvement across the board
• Length doesn't always show up like it should
• Catches rather than pop with hands
• Slow to recognize and diagnose misdirection
• Undisciplined with contain duties
• Freelances inside, allowing himself to get sealed
• Linear pursuit and sluggish with change of direction and turns
• Needs to diversify rush approach
• Lacks sharp hip flip or upper-body turn to climb over the edge
• Needs to incorporate a quality mid-rush counter
   
• Weaknesses
• Not as naturally fluid as his brother, Joey
• Tightly bundled through his hips
• Upfield attack can be a little rigid
• Counter rush moves based on effort over skill
• Gets too straight-legged through engagement
• Can bend, but doesn't play with leveraged anchor vs
• kick-outs and down blocks
• Disappointing tackle production
• Needs earlier disengage to combat average lateral twitch to tackle
• Heavy pursuit feet and sluggish change of direction limit range as tackler
• Needs to be quicker in finding the football
• Missed most of 2018 with core muscle injury

the Bosa comments are frightening. While he's light years better than Gholston, those tight hips, rigidity, lack of elite fluidity sound awfully familiar. 

[sec101row23]

11 minutes ago, NYs Stepchild said:

This excerpt from the same scouting report you cherry picked.

Quick to diagnose and flow to the ball. Has unusual ability to find the most efficient routes to the ball. Has athleticism and flexibility to contort his body and succeed through difficult tackle angles. Plays with loose hips, quick feet and desired agility of an NFL weak-side linebacker. Former high school quarterback with the change of direction and speed to be a rangy playmaker. Comfortable in space and excels there. Has plus man cover talent. Willing to stand in and take on blockers with a leveraged strike if his gap is being threatened. Capable gap blitzer with ability to get skinny through the holes

So which part of his scouting report has been proven to be more true?  

The point was that Lee hasn’t exactly proven those negatives to be wrong.  His overall play hasn’t lived up to his draft slot, and the knocks on him coming out of college were accurate.  Some guys dispel those criticisms.  Lee has not.  

[Kleckineau]

9 minutes ago, NYs Stepchild said:

This excerpt from the same scouting report you cherry picked.

Quick to diagnose and flow to the ball. Has unusual ability to find the most efficient routes to the ball. Has athleticism and flexibility to contort his body and succeed through difficult tackle angles. Plays with loose hips, quick feet and desired agility of an NFL weak-side linebacker. Former high school quarterback with the change of direction and speed to be a rangy playmaker. Comfortable in space and excels there. Has plus man cover talent. Willing to stand in and take on blockers with a leveraged strike if his gap is being threatened. Capable gap blitzer with ability to get skinny through the holes

Its not cherry picking when 3 years of NFL tape proves the original opinion to have been accurate.

What you pasted above sounds nothing like Lee's NFL play to date.

[CTJetsFan]

1 hour ago, varjet said:

Put another way, for the team that decided to play a 3-4 defense this year when the draft is loaded with 4-3 DL, they have 1 LB under contract next year before the draft-Williamson.  Jenkins is a FA.  Lee fifth year option.  

I think the 3-4 decision was a short term decision based on 2019 only.  

Mosley is under contract too

[NYs Stepchild]

4 minutes ago, Kleckineau said:

Its not cherry picking when 3 years of NFL tape proves the original opinion to have been accurate.

What you pasted above sounds nothing like Lee's NFL play to date.

Maybe you noticed that he was considered a weak side LB. 

Ohh and it's from the exact same report...that's the definition of cherry picking. 

[NYs Stepchild]

8 minutes ago, sec101row23 said:

So which part of his scouting report has been proven to be more true?  

The point was that Lee hasn’t exactly proven those negatives to be wrong.  His overall play hasn’t lived up to his draft slot, and the knocks on him coming out of college were accurate.  Some guys dispel those criticisms.  Lee has not.  

I'm not arguing the truth. We all know what happened.

I'm just saying that every one of these scouting reports can be quoted if you cherry pick the strengths or weaknesses.