With all these changes to our line, and not really addressing the LB position, makes me think TB will switch to or at least rotate a 3/4 into a 4/3 etc ... Was hoping to get input from the board with thoughts on which guys would fit into which position and also who are the guys we would be looking to draft at either LB/DL
Bowles been running both the 4-3 and 3-4 since he's been here. He allows the match-up to dictate the formations and packages. Bowles I think is a 3-4 guy at heart and loves the exotic blitz packages and confusion it brings. I think it will depend on who is here come training camp and OTAs. The final roster and match-ups will dictate that. We need linebackers regardless of any formation that includes edge rushers and rangy linebackers. Bowles wants his players to be able to be functional in both formations. Bowles will continue to keep both, but it won't shock me to see him run more 4 man fronts going forward. I favor the 4-3 only because our greatest strength is our defensive line.
With the signings so far it's really looking like a LB could be drafted first. Tough to say what guy they covet tho. If one of their Blue Chips falls to 20, it could be anybody tho. We saw that last year. Say a Zeke.... On a different note; it's a shame we couldn't sign that T that went to Jax, or the TE that stayed in ARI. OL is possible at 20, I suppose.
Zeke being available at 20 is looking less and less likely, especially after the Eagles traded away DeMarco Murray and have 0 RBs. Then you have the Giants and maybe even the Cowboys at the top. This defense sorely needs linebackers but they need an infuse of youth at the oline too. I wouldn't be surprised if we see an OT in the first with 2 linebackers being drafted between the 2nd and 5th rounds. Sure RD1 won't be a sexy pick, but getting a good OT would really help the Jets out big time.
Honestly I could go for OL in the first round and ILB in the second... yet we're sorely in need of a tru OLB who can rush the QB and generate pressure... If Mauldin can step into that role our Defense would be stout all around.
This is for the Defensive gurus of the board per our roster who fits best in a 4/3 LE DT DT RE Sheldon Mo Williams Jenkins ?
This was one of the smarter posts in recent memory. To the best of my knowledge in studying Bowles' schemes in Arizona and his first season in NY, he prefers players that can handle several classic formation positions that create mismatches. CB/S/LB hybrids (particularly in AZ with Matthieu and Bucannon), DL that can play all over the line and slot corners that can blitz effectively. We don't have the LB personnel currently that possess multiple skill sets, which is why you tend to see less exotic looks at that level. The 4 man fronts that we saw last year proves that Bowles/Rodgers will use the players that they have on the roster to create mismatches. Running Sheldon at OLB further proves this point.
Ultimately Sheldon and Williams are both best suited as 3 technique guys. They are a little lighter and quicker. Mo can easily play 5 technique, which means handling 2 gaps. He has the violent hands, wingspan and weight to handle it. In a 4-3 front, you usually put a 5 technique guy at one DE position at least. The DTs traditionally are a 1 and 3 technique pairing with a smaller rush-oriented DE at the other end (Justin Tuck is a good example at 265 lbs.). The cool thing is that we have a few guys that can play multiple traditional roles along the line, so Bowles/Rodgers can disguise what role/gap assignment the DL have, regardless of what the front looks like. Richardson and Williams can be used as the move/joker pieces along the line to exploit weaknesses.
Yup.. one of TB's best traits that he's known for is his ability to adjust entire schemes by the week. He will run whatever matches up best against his opponents.
Wonder what MM thinks of Henderson and where we stand on that front. he played well once we benched DD
If you don't mind I would like to respond as well to this question. Mauldin would be ok as a weak OLB in a 4-3 like James farrior was when he played for the Jets. Even when Farrior went to Pitt he played on the weak side. So yes to your question, sorry to interject.
Nicely put sir, and to me this is why I really hope we can retain Mo because he commands double teams all of the time. He is able to generate pressure and allow others to thrive. We also can't forget that nowadays teams run Nickel Packages over 50% of the time especially Bowles.
IDK.... if we picked up a couple is linebackers that would help things quite a bit. Watching Davis in coverage last year was painful. but isn't Bowles system predicated on the 3-4? Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk
I agree. Especially down at 20. That goes for any Blue Chip guy prolly....except maybe Jaylon Smith. Need may enter the equation some what down at 20...And what guy TB sees himself using effectively, as far as LB's go.
