They definitely need a pass rusher, but the fault in people's thinking is that Wilk was brought in to fill that role. He was brought in to replace Ellis. In a 3-4, your pass rush MAINLY comes from the linebackers, and the D-lineman NEED to all be space fillers who can stop the run. Their outside linebackers are a group of guys that need a lot of help. It showed in the lack of pass rush and the inability to set the edge on runs. I still think they need a RT more, but right after RT they need a OLB and a S. Then after that, they need a WR and a RB. That is a LOT of holes to fill, so this offseason will definely be a big test for Mr. T. Possibly his final test.
How many years have the Jets lacked a pass rush? When was the last time (aside from Revis) that the Jets had a defensive player that gave opposing OCs nightmares and kept them up at night scheming to deal with him? The Jets had a golden opportunity last year to address the OLB position and passed. They are extremely fortunate that there are a number of excellent OLB prospects in this draft too. How many drafts have there been over the last 5-10 years where there were only 1-2 good OLB prospects and they were usually gone by the time the Jets picked? Good RTs can routinely be found in mid and lower rounds, even as UDFAs. Great pass rushing OLBs cannot for the most part. There's no disputing that the Jets need a RT badly. They could possibly sign Kareem McKenzie to a 2-year deal, then draft a RT in the 4th or 5th round and groom him for a year or two. Who knows, maybe even Ducasse would be ready within 2 more years. If Ducasse or the new draft pick don't look like they'll pan out during 2012, then the Jets could address the RT position again in 2013. There are more good OTs available in every draft than there are pass-rushing OLBs. While it would be great to add a young bookend tackle to pair with Brick, that is not more important than adding a possibly stud OLB who can be a real playmaker and difference maker for the Jets. It is my belief that they will NEVER win a SB without that stud OLB. Passing up on the opportunity to get one this year would be akin to passing up on the opportunity to add a true franchise QB.
Let me rephrase- I don't necessarily want them to draft a RT in the first round, I just think its the position on this team that hurt them the most this year and they need to make sure they address it. If a stud OLB is available, I obviously would want them to take him. I actually think a veteran tackle would be better anyway (ala Damien Woody).
How could you say we don't need a pass rusher? Perhaps we don't need a pass rushing lineman, but to say we don't need someone to pressure the quarterback just because of the system is ignorant. Without a pass rush, we let shitty quarterbacks sit in the pocket all day along and wait for someone to get open. Without a pass rush, the corners are put under immense pressure to lock down the opposing receivers, and it's not possible to do it consistently - hence the inconsistency of the defense the past two seasons, particularly in big spots and ESPECIALLY on 3rd and long.
I don't disagree that we need to pick up quality players, but you cant guarantee any player is going to play up to the draft spot or how they played in college, (see Vernon Gholston).
I'm referring to OLB, not linesman that can rush the passer. I'm just saying it shouldn't be our #1 concern, when looking at how the offense was. It would be nice to get a young pass rusher that we can develop, but I don't think we should break the bank on it or use our first round pick on that. I just feel on the list of priorities, that should be much lower. The pass rush will get better as the young guys mature and the line becomes solid again. Don't get me wrong, there's issues to address, but the primary focus has to be on offense. Yes we gave up a lot of 3rd down long plays, but a lot of that was because of eric smith. Last season in the playoffs, Brady had plenty of time in the pocket but still had nowhere to go. Sure it helps to have an elite guy as OLB, but I'm happy with having an elite ILB and corner for now. To me, RT, WR, safety and oline depth> OLB.
