kelly Posted February 13, 2021 Share Posted February 13, 2021 Before Joe Douglas can focus on who he plans on targeting in free agency come March, he’ll have a handful of in-house decisions to make. The Jets have 25 players set to hit the open market this offseason. Some don’t figure to factor into New York’s plans for 2021, while others it’s safe to assume the Jets would like to keep around for a while. Either way, Douglas has a lot of work to do to put together a competitive roster for Robert Saleh.Neville Hewitt stepped into a prominent role in the middle of New York’s defense last season, starting all 16 games at inside linebacker. The 27-year-old took full advantage of the opportunity, setting a new career-high in tackles and doing his part to solidify Gang Green’s run defense. Will Hewitt be back with the Jets and playing in Robert Saleh’s defense in 2021? Let’s evaluate the situation in Jets Wire’s latest free agent profile. Pros of bringing him back - Hewitt stepped up for the Jets in a big way last season, assuming starting duties after C.J. Mosley’s decision to opt-out and turning in a career-year.The 27-year-old was a run-stopping machine for New York in 2020, totaling a career-high 134 tackles and tying a career-high of six TFLs in addition to four pass deflections, two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Hewitt also took on the role of defensive signal-caller after Avery Williamson’s trade to the Steelers and commanded the unit as if he had been doing it for years.The Jets didn’t have many bright spots on defense last season, but Hewitt was certainly one of them. He still has plenty of good football left in him and it could be worth New York’s while to see how he fares in Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich’s scheme. Cons of bringing him back - As good as Hewitt was for the Jets in run support last season, he remained somewhat of a liability in coverage situations. Foot speed isn’t Hewitt’s strength and when asked to cover running backs, he got beat more often than not.Subbing Hewitt out in obvious passing situations and employing him solely against the run would eliminate any concerns about his coverage skills, but Saleh and Ulbrich might prefer a linebacker with a bit more versatility. Hewitt’s talent defending the run is undeniable, but his one-dimensional skill set could lead New York’s new regime to look elsewhere for help at the position. The Verdict - Hewitt’s future with the Jets comes down to how much Saleh and Ulbrich value his run-stopping ability. If New York’s defensive staff is impressed with what Hewitt put on tape last season, odds are a reunion in 2021 will be pursued — even if it’s as a situational depth piece. Another variable at play is Hewitt’s value on the open market. A linebacker-needy team could view the 27-year-old as a potential solution and make him an offer that the Jets aren’t willing to match or surpass. New York should be inclined to bring Hewitt back if he is deemed a fit in Saleh’s scheme, but if another team comes calling with an above market value offer, the Jets might be forced to scour free agency for his replacement. > https://jetswire.usatoday.com/lists/new-york-jets-2021-nfl-free-agency-neville-hewitt/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bungaman Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Bring him back. It's football - and he knows how to play, he can work on his weaknesses. There is such a thing as depth, and we have none, considering how many starters are mediocre. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post PepPep Posted February 14, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted February 14, 2021 I don't know if the new 'system' will have an impact on whether Hewitt returns, but his play the last two years is deserving of a new contract and the Jets would be silly to just let him walk. He's been a tackling machine and surprisingly solid in coverage. He's also stayed healthy and been available while guys like Mosley and Cashman went down. He just goes about his business and gets it done- either as a starter or backup. I think teams need reliable guys like that. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post CanadienJetsFan Posted February 14, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted February 14, 2021 Neville Hewitt @Neville_Hewitt · 6h When you compare me to other linebackers make sure you consider the fact that I ran down on every single punt before relaying the play call to the defense. There is not another Mike doing it. Whoever invest in me and believe in me going to get their money worth. Hewitt gon do it 53 105 784 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RESNewYork Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Re up. Deserves it and was the enforcer last year. He was blowing people up all year 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Killa Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Re up. I’m actually surprised to read the post above about him being a liability in coverage. I remember him being pretty decent and even snagging a few picks in his time with us. When we hired Saleh I initially thought he would be a nice fit because of my impression of his play in coverage. I like Hewitt as depth though & especially so when you consider Cashman’s issues with injuries. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jets0712 Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Re up!Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 I simply do not know enough about what Saleh will be looking for but on Merit and effort he deserves to be back. Has dome well with somewhat limit athletic ability. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fltflo Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Re-up Sent from my iPhone using JetNation.com mobile app Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nixhead Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 I would love to keep Hewitt but we also have Mosley who isn’t exactly a speedster and Jets are stuck with Mosley for the next year or 2 so if Hewitt gets too expensive I think the Jets could let him go but I would think the Jets want to try and keep him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philc1 Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Re-up. He’s been solid 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philc1 Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 5 hours ago, Nixhead said: I would love to keep Hewitt but we also have Mosley who isn’t exactly a speedster and Jets are stuck with Mosley for the next year or 2 so if Hewitt gets too expensive I think the Jets could let him go but I would think the Jets want to try and keep him. Gonna be interesting to see how Saleh makes this defense work. I think he’s going to use a hybrid scheme with lots nickel and dime packages like Rex did We don’t have a 4-3 roster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRL Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Hewitt signed on in 2018 as a "backup piece" but with injuries he's stepped up and has shown to be a productive player who deserves to be re-signed. With us moving to a 4-3 Hewitt's spot will probably shift to strong side LB (with Mosley coming back?). A legitimate question about Hewitt in that role is does he have enough range/speed to cover 1/3 of the field? Going from a 3-4 ILB to a 4-3 OLB is different: https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/3059880/neville-hewitt The LB corps is going to be revamped because we'll be looking for players in the 230-240 pound range with speed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 With lack of talented starters and back ups not even sure why this is a question. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Integrity28 Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Can we include Nevillle Hewitt in the 7-team trade that nets us Russell Wilson for double the capital it would take to get Watson? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCJet Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 12 hours ago, Patriot Killa said: Re up. I’m actually surprised to read the post above about him being a liability in coverage. I remember him being pretty decent and even snagging a few picks in his time with us. When we hired Saleh I initially thought he would be a nice fit because of my impression of his play in coverage. I like Hewitt as depth though & especially so when you consider Cashman’s issues with injuries. IMO he is actually more then a liability in coverage, hes flat out awful. Great story, hardworking player, but I dont see how he fits in this defense where coverage ability will be so important. If he wants to come back as a role player at $2 million or something like that, fine. But anything near starter money, he should be allowed to walk. I think its better to invest the money in a true WILL LB and also look to address the position in the mid rounds of the draft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerseyJoe67 Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 I'm a big fan of Hewitt , I'd be upset to see him let go. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndianaJet Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Gotta get dat re-up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melly-Mel Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Keep. Hes a good player, works hard and is reliable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadFan Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Jets have let too many players like this walk. Hewitt is versatile, hard working, special teams contributor, and the kind of player thats add positive character to a football team. All of that, and he has gotten noticeably better ever sseason...He is the Brandon Bolden type that Belichick and Parcells like. Keep. Absolutely keep. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenbloodblitz Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 5 hours ago, Philc1 said: Gonna be interesting to see how Saleh makes this defense work. I think he’s going to use a hybrid scheme with lots nickel and dime packages like Rex did We don’t have a 4-3 roster Exactly 3-4 linebackers are totally different than 4-3 linebackers. That being said I've always liked Hewitt's tenacity even if he's not the world's greatest athlete. Also I wonder how they're going to handle the CJ Mosley situation. Without checking I'm pretty sure we're stuck with him no matter what right? We paid the guy a billion dollars and he played a quarter and a half. Smh! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet_Engine1 Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Keep Hewitt. Saleh and Joe keep talking about "Culture", a guy like Hewitt, who plays specials while Starting at MLB and playing well are rare examples of hard work and the type of player you want on the roster. I like how he comports himself on the field as well. Dude is a Hardworking, productive pro. Honestly, I'd keep Hewitt over Sandy Mangina Mosely. Hard worker who scraps for everything, and gave about 80% of what Mosely would give for pennies on the dollar, vs a Malingering quitter who can't ******* STAND being a Jet? **** it. Find a way to sh*tcan that albatross of a contract (Thanks again, Mac) and keep Hewitt. Mosely ain't much faster, if he is at all, and took 2 years off. Concentrate resources on edge. Hewitt will be fine for a couple of years at MLB/SLB 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlightBoyz Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 Give the Man a contract. He deserves it? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
section314 Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 The Jets need to get a lot more good players to turn this thing around. Neville Hewitt is a good player. Easy decision, pay the man. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SayNoToDMC Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 11 hours ago, Nixhead said: I would love to keep Hewitt but we also have Mosley who isn’t exactly a speedster and Jets are stuck with Mosley for the next year or 2 so if Hewitt gets too expensive I think the Jets could let him go but I would think the Jets want to try and keep him. Mosley retired from football 2 years ago 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 1 minute ago, SayNoToDMC said: Mosley retired from football 2 years ago Truth. This will be a true test to see if Saleh can motivate guys to buy in and play. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted February 14, 2021 Author Share Posted February 14, 2021 1 hour ago, The Crusher said: Truth. This will be a true test to see if Saleh can motivate guys to buy in and play. agreed ! ?.. i think our new head-coach will be able to " coach him up " and he will continue to play well for us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 2 minutes ago, kelly said: agreed ! ?.. i think our new head-coach will be able to " coach him up " and he will continue to play well for us I was taking about Mosley, not Hewitt. I do agree. I think Saleh will get the most out of all these guys. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted February 14, 2021 Author Share Posted February 14, 2021 19 minutes ago, The Crusher said: I was taking about Mosley, not Hewitt. I do agree. I think Saleh will get the most out of all these guys. ..one of the reasons why i Like our new head-coach ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted February 14, 2021 Share Posted February 14, 2021 11 minutes ago, kelly said: ..one of the reasons why i Like our new head-coach ? Besides his sexy bald head? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted February 14, 2021 Author Share Posted February 14, 2021 4 minutes ago, The Crusher said: Besides his sexy bald head? ..Like i said one of the reasonS ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philc1 Posted February 15, 2021 Share Posted February 15, 2021 18 hours ago, Greenbloodblitz said: Exactly 3-4 linebackers are totally different than 4-3 linebackers. That being said I've always liked Hewitt's tenacity even if he's not the world's greatest athlete. Also I wonder how they're going to handle the CJ Mosley situation. Without checking I'm pretty sure we're stuck with him no matter what right? We paid the guy a billion dollars and he played a quarter and a half. Smh! We are stuck with CJ at least 1 more year. Maybe he can play MLB part time. Most likely Saleh uses a lot of 3 down linemen base. We simply don’t have 4-3 personnel I’m confident Saleh will work this out. He won’t be a stubborn idiot like Mangini was using D-Rob as a full time Nose and Vilma as a ILB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdels62 Posted February 15, 2021 Share Posted February 15, 2021 Let him go. His best trait is availability which matters but he’s a bad fit on this team. Bad in coverage, generally missed tackles a lot. We can afford to replace replacement level players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted February 16, 2021 Author Share Posted February 16, 2021 On 2/14/2021 at 9:42 AM, Melly-Mel said: Keep. Hes a good player, works hard and is reliable. ..i think he's " a keeper "... for now ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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