Spagnuolo on top of Jets list, but other teams in hot pursuit

[NIGHT STALKER]

New York Post

By BRIAN COSTELLO

HOT CANDIDATE: Giant defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has moved to the top of the Jets' list to replace Eric Mangini as coach - but other teams are in hot pursuit, too.

Last updated: 2:51 am

January 2, 2009

Posted: 12:56 am

January 2, 2009

One of the first calls that Jet management made, only hours after firing Eric Mangini on Monday, was to the crosstown rival Giants.

It did not take long for the Jets to identify Steve Spagnuolo, the Giants' defensive coordinator, as a candidate for their head coaching job.

And when Bill Cowher bowed out Tuesday, Spagnuolo shot to the top of the list.

The 49-year-old is expected to interview with the Jets tomorrow - but Gang Green has plenty of competition for his services.

He interviewed with the Lions and Browns yesterday, and is scheduled to meet with the Broncos tomorrow when he finishes with the Jets.

"You can't argue with what the Giants have done defensively under Steve Spagnuolo," said former Jet quarterback Boomer Esiason, now a CBS football analyst.

"I could see how Jets fans could say that would be a hell of a head coach."

That's what Jet management is banking on.

Dealing with an angry fan base and with PSLs to sell, the Jets need this hire to go over well with their fans. Once Cowher declined to even meet with the Jets, Spagnuolo quickly became the team's top target.

He has presided over the Giant defense the past two seasons, helping them to the Super Bowl victory last year, and he brings the fire and passion fans craved from Mangini.

There's no questioning his Xs and Os acumen, but head coaches in the NFL have become administrators as much as game planners.

"I was talking to a head coach the other day who said, sometimes you have to pick out things like paint, things that don't even involve football," Giant great Carl Banks said.

"[spagnuolo's] got an excellent example of what a head coach should be about in working under Tom Coughlin. I think he has just from his time here he has a pretty good example.

"He has great instincts for the game. I'm assuming if he's interested in that job I don't see why he wouldn't be an excellent head coach."

There are five NFL teams actively looking for a head coach, along with the Raiders, who may keep Tom Cable.

The Jets would seem to be an attractive destination, coming off a 9-7 season, compared to the mess in Detroit or St. Louis.

"It's got to be near the top of the list for a number of reasons," ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski said. "First and foremost, there's a core of a good football team there. The first thing a coach is going to ask is, 'What am I stepping into?'

"You can see there's a lot of good people on that football team. Whoever comes in will inherit a good core. You have an incredible new facility, a new stadium, New York City. I think all those things would be exciting for a new coach."

Of course, there is that one big question mark. Here's a hint: He wears Wranglers ... and No. 4.

Brett Favre's future is the cloud hanging over the Jets' Florham Park facility. His Jet teammates have ripped him publicly and off the record this week. Cowher wanted no part of him. Now prospective coaches are all going to want to know what the Jets' plans are for Favre.

"They've got to know what the Brett Favre situation is," said Jaworski.

"We've seen this play out in Green Bay the last few seasons. The quarterback position is the most important position on a football team. You've got to know who's going to be there. It will affect free agency, the draft. Whoever comes in, they may want an answer to the Favre situation before they will consider the job.

"I'm not sure any new coach is going to be looking at a 40-year-old quarterback."

On the surface, the Favre trade ended up costing the Jets a third-round pick, but it may prove much costlier in their coaching search.

"It turned out to be a decision that ultimately cost Eric Mangini his job," Esiason said. "You think one of these other coaches will be able to control him? I'm telling you, he will not be the starting quarterback of the Jets next season."

[Thai Jet]

If the Jets decide to go the NFL assistant route Spagnuolo would be my 1st choice. You'd think he'd love it too since he wouldn't have to relocate at all. If the Jets went to an established coach I'd like to see Shottenheimer here.

[Jetkid94]

This is great news, bit if favre screws us for spags I will be beyond pissed. what kind of a contract do you guys think woody would have to give him?

[124]

I just don't get how any Jet fan can be excited by yet ANOTHER unproven NFL Head Coach.

Al Groh, 9-7 with a major collapse.

Herman Edwards, well we all know how we feel about him.

Eric Mangini, 23-6 with a major collapse.

True, Spags does have the best resume as a Coordinator out of the four, but he is yet another unproven coach.

In the end if he does decide to stay in Jersey and become the Jets coach I will welcome him with open arms as right now he is #2 on my Wish List.

1. M.Schottenheimer

2. Spagnuolo

3. Fassel

[JonEJet]

We molded our team to be a 3-4

Why hire a 4-3 guy....need to keep our identity

What does Calvin Pace play in a 4-3?

[DMaynard]

I would love to see Spags here. And I think the Jets could easily transistion back to a 4-3. Jenkins was a great 4-3 DT in the first place, and now with his experience at NT, he would probably be best suited for the strongside DT instead of the 3 technique spot. Gholston should be groomed to be a weakside 4-3 DE like Abe, forget LB. Ellis can play either defense. Harris is fast enough to be a 4-3 MLB. He can run sideline to sideline and would really benefit from having 2 DTs in front of him (especially one being Jenkins). His one weakness in the 4-3 would probably be when they play a cover 2 zone where the MLB has to drop back deep over the middle. But a good defense coach can work around that. Pace would probably be better at the strongside OLB. Get rif of Thomas and find a tradtional 4-3 weakside LB.

Besides his defensive expertise, Spags sounds like he has all of the makings of a good HC. I hope they get him.

[Jetkid94]

We molded our team to be a 3-4

Why hire a 4-3 guy....need to keep our identity

What does Calvin Pace play in a 4-3?

I dont know, but I do know he struggles in it. but look at gholston he struggles in the 3-4 but is very good in 4-3. Jenkins, and ellis play well in either. BT im not sure how he is in the 4-3. But the point is I think spags is smart enough to work his magic on a 3-4 b ut if he switches it which is what seems smart he can develop the guys who have troubles in the 4-3. The giants DL have a couple of no-names that have great stats. spags is a great defensive mind and I have faith in him.

Plus we would then probably draft a DL or LB in round 1, and we can get spikes. we could also sign a top 4-3 FA DL.

[4HCrew]

I would love to see Spags as well. I can care less about what happened in the past and do not want to give full control to anyone. Build an organization and structure. As for the 4-3 style Jenkins would be fine it...what exactly did Pace do this year? and Gholston could flourish in it as well. He is young, fiery and innovative on defense.

[124]

We molded our team to be a 3-4

Why hire a 4-3 guy....need to keep our identity

What does Calvin Pace play in a 4-3?

Defensive End where he is less effective, or maybe you could put him at Outside Linebacker, but I doubt it.

If I were the Jets and we hired Spags and he wanted to go back to a 43 I'd honestly part ways with Shaun Ellis, Kenyon Coleman and Bryan Thomas and have a defense that looks like this until Free Agency & the Draft come into picture:

DE - Vernon Gholston

DT - Kris Jenkins

DT - CJ Mosley / Sione Pouha / FA or Draft Pick

DE - Calvin Pace

OLB - David Harris

MLB - FA or Draft Pick

OLB - Eric Barton (resigned or retained, not sure if he's a Free Agent)

CB - Darrelle Revis

CB - Dwight Lowery / FA or Draft Pick

S - Kerry Rhodes

S - Abram Elam / Eric Smith / FA or Draft Pick

LB is the huge question mark. Obviously one of those three spots can be taken up by David Harris, but in college in the 43 he played OLB. So, going by that if you resigned Barton to play OLB (I believe Barton is a Free Agent? I may be wrong) but as long as you retained Barton you'd still need to find yourself a MLB.

Obviously Jonathan Vilma should be an attractive name to fill the MLB role if this is the case.

That or you keep keep Shaun Ellis, keep him at DE, move Pace to OLB and Harris inside to MLB.

[4HCrew]

This guy has proven he can be creative on defense so not going to worry about personnel too much. Also the Jets at times played the 4-3 this year so there is familiarity. He would just need to put together a strong offensive staff and KEEP WESTHOFF

[Bleedin Green]

I would love to see Spags here. And I think the Jets could easily transistion back to a 4-3. Jenkins was a great 4-3 DT in the first place, and now with his experience at NT, he would probably be best suited for the strongside DT instead of the 3 technique spot. Gholston should be groomed to be a weakside 4-3 DE like Abe, forget LB. Ellis can play either defense. Harris is fast enough to be a 4-3 MLB. He can run sideline to sideline and would really benefit from having 2 DTs in front of him (especially one being Jenkins). His one weakness in the 4-3 would probably be when they play a cover 2 zone where the MLB has to drop back deep over the middle. But a good defense coach can work around that. Pace would probably be better at the strongside OLB. Get rif of Thomas and find a tradtional 4-3 weakside LB.

Besides his defensive expertise, Spags sounds like he has all of the makings of a good HC. I hope they get him.

I think the 4-3 switch would be a bigger issue than more think. While Gholston would probably be better off being able to do what he's used to, there are some definite issues. For starters, Pace, Thomas and Kenyon Coleman are all pretty much men without a home in the 3-4, Pace being the biggest issue of the 3. The fact is that both Pace and Thomas were busts as 4-3 DEs and resurrected their careers after a switch to the 4-3. While Thomas has only shown flashes since 2006, its tough to tell how much coaching had to it, especially considering how well he started off the year when the Jets were playing more aggressive defense. Pace however, has shown himself to be a very good player in the 3-4 regardless. The DL situation would quickly become very mirky. Ellis stays at DE in the 4-3 as does Jenkins at DT. Who do you fill in at the other DT spot? You can try Coleman there, but is he a starting caliber player there? Same guys for Pouha or Mosely. Its almost certain that our second DT would be a liability and from there, the Jets would have almost no depth at the inside positions. At the other DE spot, you've got to hope that at least one of Pace, Thomas or Gholston can prove that they are a viable option as a starting 4-3 DE.

Then you have to move onto the LBs. Harris is fine, but Barton is on the way out the door and Pace and Thomas aren't the kind of guys who would typically play LB in a 4-3. Although given what the Giants did with Kiwanuka, I wouldn't be shocked to see a guy like Spagnuolo leave Pace at LB. The point being that, there are some major questions about the viability of the Jets personell being able to play a primarily 4-3 front. Could it potentially work out? Sure, but right now the Jets are starting a lot of guys who have simply never shown anything as 4-3 players in their careers.

[4HCrew]

what exactly has this team shown in the 3-4? It is not like anyone minus Jenkins was having a great year this year. Take the talent, evaluate what is best and create a defense. Period.

[124]

what exactly has this team shown in the 3-4? It is not like anyone minus Jenkins was having a great year this year. Take the talent, evaluate what is best and create a defense. Period.

There would be more holes on this team if it switched to the 43 than there would be in the 34. Guys like Calvin Pace won't be as effective, although he wasn't too affective in the second half of last season anyway, in the 43 and same goes for Shaun Ellis, whose always performed better in the 34.

Jets would have to release some of the guys they just signed to long term or already have locked up for a few years like Ellis, Bryan Thomas and possibly Calvin Pace.

[4HCrew]

I am sticking with Spags... he is innovative and will work with the talent. That is what good coaches do

[Bleedin Green]

There would be more holes on this team if it switched to the 43 than there would be in the 34. Guys like Calvin Pace won't be as effective, although he wasn't too affective in the second half of last season anyway, in the 43 and same goes for Shaun Ellis, whose always performed better in the 34.

Jets would have to release some of the guys they just signed to long term or already have locked up for a few years like Ellis, Bryan Thomas and possibly Calvin Pace.

I'm not so sure about Ellis. The guy was Pro Bowl DE in the 4-3 and had two 10+ sack seasons. But as you said, the problem isn't as much how good of a 3-4 defense we have (although I do think there is a lot more potential there than what we saw this year), its about the number of holes it would make on this team. This defense may not be great, but it only makes things more concerning if you're potentially eliminating the usefulness of a few of your starters and creating more holes for yourself. To be honest, the bigger problem with this defense was much more the secondary than the front 7. So the concern is that with a scheme change, obviously the secondary isn't much affected, but now you're also dismantling the front 7. I'm not saying it would be a guaranteed failure, but I think at least for the short term, you're looking at a bit of a step back.

Also, the Jets don't have a lot of great pure pass rushers, so while I don't feel the talent was used properly, I think the way a 3-4 is usually run (i.e., not how Mangini / Sutton ran it) would help to create an improved pass rush with the help of different / disguised rushing schemes. While Spags is known for bringing some extra heat, you still need to get a good rush out of your front 4 in a 4-3, and I'm not sure the Jets have the horses for that, unless Gholston turns it on after a switch back.

[Bleedin Green]

I am sticking with Spags... he is innovative and will work with the talent. That is what good coaches do

I agree, and I like Spags as a candidate, but I definitely think that if he insists on a switch back to the 4-3 immediately (which I'm not sure is a given, but who knows) that there will be a definite bit of a step back / adjustment period.

[DMaynard]

I think the 4-3 switch would be a bigger issue than more think. While Gholston would probably be better off being able to do what he's used to, there are some definite issues. For starters, Pace, Thomas and Kenyon Coleman are all pretty much men without a home in the 3-4, Pace being the biggest issue of the 3. The fact is that both Pace and Thomas were busts as 4-3 DEs and resurrected their careers after a switch to the 4-3. While Thomas has only shown flashes since 2006, its tough to tell how much coaching had to it, especially considering how well he started off the year when the Jets were playing more aggressive defense. Pace however, has shown himself to be a very good player in the 3-4 regardless. The DL situation would quickly become very mirky. Ellis stays at DE in the 4-3 as does Jenkins at DT. Who do you fill in at the other DT spot? You can try Coleman there, but is he a starting caliber player there? Same guys for Pouha or Mosely. Its almost certain that our second DT would be a liability and from there, the Jets would have almost no depth at the inside positions. At the other DE spot, you've got to hope that at least one of Pace, Thomas or Gholston can prove that they are a viable option as a starting 4-3 DE.

Then you have to move onto the LBs. Harris is fine, but Barton is on the way out the door and Pace and Thomas aren't the kind of guys who would typically play LB in a 4-3. Although given what the Giants did with Kiwanuka, I wouldn't be shocked to see a guy like Spagnuolo leave Pace at LB. The point being that, there are some major questions about the viability of the Jets personell being able to play a primarily 4-3 front. Could it potentially work out? Sure, but right now the Jets are starting a lot of guys who have simply never shown anything as 4-3 players in their careers.

Some good points, but:

Coleman and Thomas, though better suited in the 3-4, have been overall disappointments anyway and need to be replaced. I think Mosely is a decent candidate for the 4-3 3 technique DT position. At least to hold the fort until they get someone better. I don't think Pace is suited as a weakside OLB in the 4-3. But with his size, I think he might be OK at strongside OLB in the 4-3. He would probably be the one guy you can figure it would hurt going to a 4-3, and that you would want to keep. On the other hand, I think staying in the 3-4 writes off any chance of salvaging Gholston. And for the weakside OLB, the Jets need an outside OLB who can pass defend anyway, so they should give up on Thomas and find a Mo Lewis/Lance Mehl type. And moving to the 4-3, barton would be the odd man out anyway. Which would be no loss.

It is a tough call. Ultimately, I just want to get a defensive guru in here. He will figure it out.

[Bleedin Green]

Some good points, but:

Coleman and Thomas, though better suited in the 3-4, have been overall disappointments anyway and need to be replaced. I think Mosely is a decent candidate for the 4-3 3 technique DT position. At least to hold the fort until they get someone better. I don't think Pace is suited as a weakside OLB in the 4-3. But with his size, I think he might be OK at strongside OLB in the 4-3. He would probably be the one guy you can figure it would hurt going to a 4-3, and that you would want to keep. On the other hand, I think staying in the 3-4 writes off any chance of salvaging Gholston. And for the weakside OLB, the Jets need an outside OLB who can pass defend anyway, so they should give up on Thomas and find a Mo Lewis/Lance Mehl type.

It is a tough call. Ultimately, I just want to get a defensive guru in here. He will figure it out.

I agree with a lot of this and like you said, outside of Pace its not like we're giving up on any major contributors here. The only point being however, is rather than having some guys who you would like to upgrade over time, you end up in more of a scenario where you now have positions with absolutely no viable options for starters, and are forced to address those positions in FA or early in the draft. Again, if a guy like Spags came in here and made that call, I'd support it and figure he'd be able to work something out, but it would certainly take some work.

[madmike1]

I just don't get how any Jet fan can be excited by yet ANOTHER unproven NFL Head Coach.

Al Groh, 9-7 with a major collapse.

Herman Edwards, well we all know how we feel about him.

Eric Mangini, 23-6 with a major collapse.

True, Spags does have the best resume as a Coordinator out of the four, but he is yet another unproven coach.

In the end if he does decide to stay in Jersey and become the Jets coach I will welcome him with open arms as right now he is #2 on my Wish List.

1. M.Schottenheimer

2. Spagnuolo

3. Fassel

Fassel? Are you friggin kidding me? Why are you obsessed with these retread losers?

[DMaynard]

I agree with a lot of this and like you said, outside of Pace its not like we're giving up on any major contributors here. The only point being however, is rather than having some guys who you would like to upgrade over time, you end up in more of a scenario where you now have positions with absolutely no viable options for starters, and are forced to address those positions in FA or early in the draft. Again, if a guy like Spags came in here and made that call, I'd support it and figure he'd be able to work something out, but it would certainly take some work.

Agree. Spags could figure it out. At least our posts will give him a jumpstart.

[Jetlag]

Fassel? Are you friggin kidding me? Why are you obsessed with these retread losers?

I'd take Fassel before Marty. Why 124? Why?????

[RSJ]

Beedin Green and D Maynard - Great posts and I agree with most everything you say.

The more I think about it the more Spags makes sense and is the number one guy I want the Jets to get. He is coaching under Coughlin so he is coming from the Parcells tree. He has proven he will adapt his gameplans to expose the opponent like he did in last years super bowl to the Pats. He will find a place for tweeners like Pace if he has to like he did with Kiwanuka (sp?). Finally he will come with some energy and fire which we all know this team needs.

[Ghost]

All I want is Spagnuolo!

[uart]

If the Jets decide to go the NFL assistant route Spagnuolo would be my 1st choice. You'd think he'd love it too since he wouldn't have to relocate at all. If the Jets went to an established coach I'd like to see Shottenheimer here.

I would agree that Spags would be one of the top candidates if we went with an assistant. That said, despite my man-love for Cowher, I would warn you all that no coach is necessarily "the answer" for us. Most of you folks thought Mangini was going to win 5 superbowls in NY before he was hired.

Temper your expectations. For any coach.

Spags is worth an interview, but I would not annoint him yet.

[SMC]

The Jets new HC should be good enough to maximize the talent on the roster and stick with the 3-4 like Tomlin did with the Steelers.

If Spagnuolo wants to switch to the 4-3 then he's a bad HC like Mangini.

[Apache 51]

SPAGS!!!!!

[Jetkid94]

The Jets new HC should be good enough to maximize the talent on the roster and stick with the 3-4 like Tomlin did with the Steelers.

If Spagnuolo wants to switch to the 4-3 then he's a bad HC like Mangini.

and how do you know him switching to the 4-3 will be the wrong move?

[SMC]

and how do you know him switching to the 4-3 will be the wrong move?

Because the Jets currently don't have 4-3 personnel. Mangini got rid of them in aquiring 3-4 personnel in the front 7.

Square pegs in a round hole has been proven to be a failed coaching strategy (see Mangini, Eric, 2006-2007).

[RutgersJetFan]

Because the Jets currently don't have 4-3 personnel. Mangini got rid of them in aquiring 3-4 personnel in the front 7.

Square pegs in a round hole has been proven to be a failed coaching strategy (see Mangini, Eric, 2006-2007).

On the flipside, the defense has still been pretty sh-tty despite finding the right pegs, and the players who are actually worth anything sans Pace have done fairly well in 4-down sets. Different story when Mangini came in as there wasn't any personel for the scheme, such is not the case in switching back.

[Greenseed3]

I like Spags for his attacking mentality. For that reason I also like the idea of Rex Ryan. Either should be able to waltz in here and do magic with our defensive personnel.

[SMC]

On the flipside, the defense has still been pretty sh-tty despite finding the right pegs, and the players who are actually worth anything sans Pace have done fairly well in 4-down sets. Different story when Mangini came in as there wasn't any personel for the scheme, such is not the case in switching back.

I disagree. The defense was pretty ****ty because Mangini decided before the Patriots re-match that he wanted a coverage sack defense. Up until that point the Jets were at the top of the NFL in sacks. With the Pats game and thereafter he had Pace and Thomas primarily in coverage.

Pace said as much in an interview later in the season. When asked about the drop in sacks he said the defense changed and he was primarily in coverage. Mangini woefully misused the talent on defense. An attacking 3-4 is what the personnel is best for.

The Jets LBs are simply too big and heavy to play in the 4-3. It will be like when Mo Lewis and Marvin Jones playing in Herm's 4-3 the first year. Plus, the Jets lack DT depth for the 4-3.

Based on scheme, the two best candidates for the Jets, defensive wise besides Cowher would be Rex Ryan and Wade Phillips (who'd I want as DC) because they run the attacking 3-4 rather than Mangini's read-and-react 3-4.

[Jetkid94]

another postive of spags is attracting FA defensive players. all defensive players know spag is the best in the buisiness and they would come here.

[RutgersJetFan]

I disagree. The defense was pretty ****ty because Mangini decided before the Patriots re-match that he wanted a coverage sack defense. Up until that point the Jets were at the top of the NFL in sacks. With the Pats game and thereafter he had Pace and Thomas primarily in coverage.

Pace said as much in an interview later in the season. When asked about the drop in sacks he said the defense changed and he was primarily in coverage. Mangini woefully misused the talent on defense. An attacking 3-4 is what the personnel is best for.

The Jets LBs are simply too big and heavy to play in the 4-3. It will be like when Mo Lewis and Marvin Jones playing in Herm's 4-3 the first year. Plus, the Jets lack DT depth for the 4-3.

Based on scheme, the two best candidates for the Jets, defensive wise besides Cowher would be Rex Ryan and Wade Phillips (who'd I want as DC) because they run the attacking 3-4 rather than Mangini's read-and-react 3-4.

Sure, but if the #1 factor in choosing a coach is the defensive alignment he runs, you're just setting yourself up for failure. If Cowher's out, you simply can't hand the job to Ryan simply due to the scheme he plays. That is and should be a secondary factor. Yes, there's some good horses in place for a 3-4, but there's also several for a 4-3. In the end, it basically comes down to the simple fact that drafting and signing for a 4-3 is about 100 times easier than doing so for a 3-4. The talent pool opens up by a signifigantly larger margin. Fixing the weak points isn't something that's going to take the same amount of time it took in doing so for the 3-down switch.

It's important to note that the almost same number of glaring weaknesses on the front 7 exist in a 4-3 as they currently do for our 3-4 in quantity. And, as previously stated, fixing personel problems in a 4-3 is a whole lot easier simply due to the fact that it doesn't severely limit your choices amongst prospects and FA's. If the right man for the job runs it, then it shouldn't be a large factor in determining whether ot not he gets the job. It's likely that we're not going to be highly competitive next year anyways, and keeping a 3-4 at the hands of a less qualified candidate than someone who runs a 4-3 isn't really going to change that. I could see your point if we had Pittsburgh or Baltimore-level talent and depth on the D, but that simply isn't the case. We have one elite 3-4 player (who keep in mind was elite in a 4-3 as well) and two very good ones (one of which was fantastic in a 4-3 and 4-4 in college), that's about it.

[uart]

another postive of spags is attracting FA defensive players. all defensive players know spag is the best in the buisiness and they would come here.

I suppose that would be nice.

[Bleedin Green]

I disagree. The defense was pretty ****ty because Mangini decided before the Patriots re-match that he wanted a coverage sack defense. Up until that point the Jets were at the top of the NFL in sacks. With the Pats game and thereafter he had Pace and Thomas primarily in coverage.

Pace said as much in an interview later in the season. When asked about the drop in sacks he said the defense changed and he was primarily in coverage. Mangini woefully misused the talent on defense. An attacking 3-4 is what the personnel is best for.

The Jets LBs are simply too big and heavy to play in the 4-3. It will be like when Mo Lewis and Marvin Jones playing in Herm's 4-3 the first year. Plus, the Jets lack DT depth for the 4-3.

Based on scheme, the two best candidates for the Jets, defensive wise besides Cowher would be Rex Ryan and Wade Phillips (who'd I want as DC) because they run the attacking 3-4 rather than Mangini's read-and-react 3-4.

That was my concern as well. The way I see it is that regardless of scheme next year we are in the market for new starters for both #2 CB and another safety.

If we stick with the 3-4, the Jets also have a need at ILB with Barton's contract being up, but other than that we're looking mostly to either upgrade guys (Coleman, Thomas), find eventual replacements for older players (Ellis) or get depth. But still, those are much less of a priority.

If we switch to the 4-3, we are looking at high-level needs (meaning guys who can come in and start now) for the following positions: Weakside OLB, Strongside OLB, DT and DE, plus the afformentioned defensive secondary positions. If one of Thomas, Pace or Gholston can prove they can play 4-3 DE in the NFL than thats one thing, or if Pace can survive as a LB in a 4-3 front, but thats still opening up more holes on this defense. Is a switch impossible? Of course not. And are most of the players that may be losing out on spots all that great? Outside of Pace, not really. But the fact still remains that you're taking two steps back in hopes that you can eventually take a few steps forward.