We need Barton. He's a hard player with good strength and tackling ability. I love Barton and Vilma playing ILB. Hobson did well at OLB, and I wouldn't mind keeping him there. He is probably a better fit at ILB though. Bryan THomas playing very well and is a full-time starter. It would be wise to add another OLB/DE via the draft to start off playing on passing downs and maybe eventually playing full-time OLB. Lamaar Woodley, Anthony Spencer, Dan Bazuin would be good pickups at some point in Round 2. OLB- Bryan Thomas ILB- Jonathan Vilma-Anthony Schlegal ILB- Eric Barton-Brad Kassell OLB- Victor Hobson/Draft pick I'll take that lineup anyday.
I wouldn't get too down on Vilma on that play. He was going at full speed and Brady stepped up almost like he had a sixth sense. The pocket should have been collapsed right there with Brady nowhere to go but our pass rush had no penetration. San Diego had a similar play the next game but Brady stepped up into the pocket but it collapsed and he was sacked.
I think Barton played well last year as well, but NFL teams are businesses and they have to look at more than just performance. Barton is a potential cut/ trade for several reasons: 1. His cap hit will be bigger next year. 2. He has one of the highest salaries on the team 3. He only played about 75-80% of the snaps on D. Kassell who Mangini really liked subbed in for him. 4. After next year he will be at the end of his contract. 5. The Jets are deep at ILB. Hobson will not move inside. He had the best season of his career last season on the outside in the 3-4 why would they move him inside when he hadnt been particularly effective in the 4-3 where he played inside the tackle for the rest of his career. Many people complain that he couldnt hold up his end and got collapsed inside giving up big runs to the outside, but what do you think will happen if they move him inside? My guess is that Barton goes, Vilma, Hobson and Thomas stay where they are and Kassell and Schlegel compete for the other ILB job.
