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View Full Version : Battle of the Depth: Defensive Line

Mr Electric
06-03-2010, 06:16 PM
Let's get over the fact that our big name players haven't signed huge deals yet. This team has plenty of lesser-knowns that no one is even thinking about right now.

There's going to be an epic battle going on throughout camp between a lot of our lesser known defensive linemen.

Who will be this year's Mike DeVito? Will another undrafted player take the same road that Ropati Pitoitua took last season? These are important questions, because in the end, these nobodies could play important roles in 2010.

We have definite starters in Kris Jenkins and Shaun Ellis. Mike DeVito and Vernon Gholston should be a platoon at the other defensive spot.

In this opening post, I'm going to list and discuss the players that have a shot at making an impact in 2010.

The All-DeVito Squad:

Rodrique Wright, 3-4 end, 6'5 300

There was a signing back in March that no one seemed to care about at all. Rodrique Wright became a Jet on March 16th. This is a guy, that was at one point, was considered a top ten talent at defensive tackle. Due to a serious shoulder injury, Wright fell to the 7th round because there was no way he'd be able to contribute as a rookie. He started 9 games in 2007 for the Dolphins as a 3-4 end, so he's got starting experience.

Now, Wright's 100% and he's got a damn good shot to make this team as a rotational defensive end.

Matt Kroul, 3-4 lineman (End or Nose), 6'3 280

Matt Kroul signed with the Jets last season as an undrafted rookie out of Iowa. Kroul spent all of last season on the Jets' practice squad. The former state champion wrestler reminds me of current Ravens' Kelly Gregg. Like Gregg, Kroul came into the league undersized for the nose position, but is great at getting good leverage. If he can pack on pounds, he could develop into a future rotational nose tackle.

The All-Pitoitua Squad:

Ernest "Mick" Williams, 3-4 lineman (End or Nose), 6'1 285

Mick Williams is probably the second best UDFA the Jets signed behind hybrid defensive back Donovan Warren. Williams anchored a close to dominant defensive line at the University of Pittsburgh last season. He's got experience in multiple fronts and I was shocked that he wasn't drafted. He's got a great shot to make the practice squad. If someone goes down, I think he'll be the first guy in line to take their spot.

We only signed one rookie defensive lineman, so I'm going to add a player that will hopefully turn his shitty career around...

Vernon Gholston, 3-4 end, 6'3 264

Gholston's finally going to get to play with his hand in the ground. Do I think it will make much of a difference? No, not really...but I think he'll be a little more effective taking on blockers than he is trying get around them. Hopefully, his quickness will allow him to make some plays against the run. I don't buy what Rex Ryan is saying about him, but I do think he'll contribute a little in 2010.

Anybody else that you guys can think of?
Zach
06-03-2010, 08:15 PM
I'm thinking highly of Rod Wright. He will be able to become the stable rock on one DE position for some time. (if anything, Rex will shape this kid - not to mention that this kid is a horse, not a donkey.)
Pluvrr
06-03-2010, 08:27 PM
Won't Gholston be rotating with Ellis or is that just for practice now?
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roboz08
06-03-2010, 08:34 PM
I REALLY hope we resign Marques Douglas and have Devito and Gholston sub-in for Ellis and Douglas. that would be the best overall situation for DE in my opinion.
CodeGreen
06-03-2010, 09:12 PM
Good stuff Mr.E

I remember Kroul from last year I always thought he would be a decent option for depth. But the Jets had him on the practice squad for chunks of last year
Miamipuck
06-03-2010, 09:14 PM
Why do we need this thread we should be talking about the Jets players without new contracts and their squabbles 2 months before camp starts. Where is everyone's priorities?

I would bet on last years UDFA's and Gholsotn as the likely guys to step up. I would be greatly surprised if Williams steps up. I think it is too big a jump at this point for him, then again I am just going by percentages as I have not seen Kroul or Williams take a snap.
Mr Electric
06-03-2010, 09:23 PM
I REALLY hope we resign Marques Douglas

I think everyone is hoping for that, but if he isn't re-signed, then it should be clear to everyone that the coaching staff is high on Pitoitua and/or someone else already on the roster.
JCotchrocket
06-03-2010, 11:04 PM
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Don't forget about this dude, Mr. E.
Mr Electric
06-03-2010, 11:38 PM
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Don't forget about this dude, Mr. E.

I saw the thread about him signing with the team about five minutes after I created this thread.

I like Toeaina and he has very good bloodlines.
GreenMachine
06-04-2010, 12:39 AM
I saw the thread about him signing with the team about five minutes after I created this thread.

I like Toeaina and he has very good bloodlines.

Is Secretariat his father?
CatoTheElder
06-04-2010, 01:55 AM
Great write up, Mr E. I've had Kroul on my radar since last season. Pettine has spoken very highly of him recently. I think he has a spot on this DLine to win. From what I remember, he all but guaranteed Kroul making the team.

Also, I think it's pretty obvious that I'm pulling for Williams. He was a great 4-3 NT at Pitt last season and if the Jets can hold onto him on the practice squad then he could follow Kroul's lead. He's a good developmental prospect for the Jets to hold onto.
Mambo9
06-04-2010, 03:01 AM
Pitoitua, DeVito, Ellis and Gholston will be our DEs... after that it's a battle between Wright and Kroul.

Atm I don't know who I prefer... probably Wright though.
NDmick
06-04-2010, 04:10 AM
If Pettine is prasing Kroul already, then I would guess he might have a leg up. Then again, that was rookie camp.

Wright is a veteran, and if he's healthy, he may have a chance.

Its all about who fits the scheme better.
vilmatic
06-04-2010, 06:48 AM
I expect we'll see some Pouha at end this year, too. Just as a way to get him on the field. I mean, a three man line of devito, jenx and Pouha is pretty heavy.

I'm just really excited to see last year's PS guys make that jump. Pito, in particular. He just looked really athletic to me. A little weak, but hopefully a year in an NFL strenght program helped that. I mean, imagine him at about 320 - now THAT is a 3-4 end.
MadBacker Prime
06-04-2010, 08:45 AM
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Albert Haynesworth, even though he's a 4-3 DT.
Usually any big name that is reported to be unhappy winds up with his own thread.


The Skins want him at NT and he doesn't want to-
Mr Electric
06-04-2010, 01:43 PM
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Albert Haynesworth, even though he's a 4-3 DT.
Usually any big name that is reported to be unhappy winds up with his own thread.


The Skins want him at NT and he doesn't want to-

Did you even read what this thread was about?
Mr Electric
06-04-2010, 01:44 PM
I expect we'll see some Pouha at end this year, too.

I think we'll see a lot of Pouha, especially in short yardage situations. He really over-achieved in 2009, so hopefully he'll continue to play at that level.
CatoTheElder
06-04-2010, 01:45 PM
I think we'll see a lot of Pouha, especially in short yardage situations. He really over-achieved in 2009, so hopefully he'll continue to play at that level.

This makes sense. Pouha was great against the run last season, and he has the flexibility to play DE and NT.
Mr Electric
06-04-2010, 01:47 PM
Its all about who fits the scheme better.

After reading a little bit about what Mike Pettine is saying about Matt Kroul, it's looking like he'll be playing nose tackle.

Kelly Gregg 2.0
Zach
06-05-2010, 07:47 AM
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Albert Haynesworth, even though he's a 4-3 DT.
Usually any big name that is reported to be unhappy winds up with his own thread.


The Skins want him at NT and he doesn't want to-

When did he sign with the Jets? Or did I miss something?