Simply put, defensive linemen who's first instinct is to get to the QB or try and penetrate the line and make plays in the backfield aren't useful in a 34. It's the reason that, for the most part, DTs are usually prefered to even the biggest DEs, because Tackles are more used to the job of stuffing the run and taking on multiple blockers. It's also the reason why the 3-Tech players aren't prefered either, as I explained in my other post about Brian Price. About Wootton in particular, he has the size of a 34 end, but the mentality of a passrusher. It's the same reason why Carlos Dunlap wouldn't work, they'd both have to change their game drastically. I think you are really underestimating Ricky Sapp's game because I don't think you really understand the role that he played at Clemson. He wasn't used as a pure passrusher, and the Clemson defense as a whole isn't one built to pile up sacks for individuals. Da'Quan Bowers is looked at by many as the best player in the 2011 draft (as a Jr), and he's got four sacks so far in his career, but like Sapp, still has a huge impact and piles up a ton of TFL. I understand your concern, but just because he wasn't used in that role doesn't mean he can't do it. At #29 the elite players are gone, and the ability to land a player with a complete skillset is what matters most to me. He basically has the potential of a DeMarcus Ware type (even more athketic, probably), with the added security blanket of multi-dimensional Calvin Pace skills. If Rex was trying to design a defense using the players he has now that can win a Super Bowl, I'd expect it to be like the Ravens SB defense from a decade ago. No dominant edge guys (Boulware good, not elite), but able to create pressure from anywhere on the defense with as little as four well placed rushers. Dominance through pursuit and suffocation.
I think Sapp would be a great pick up for the Jets at 29. Unless Brandon Graham, Sergio Kindle, or Sean Weatherspoon are around, I think this is definitely our guy. He's big, strong, and versatile, and as proven with his three state titles in the 100 and 200 meter sprint in high school, he's exceptionally fast for a big man. All college stats aside, if Rex needs him to get to the quarterback, he can get to the quarterback. Looking more closely at his stats, though, they start to look a little bit more encouraging. He finished ninth in the ACC in sacks, but Clemson finished 2nd in the conference in sacks as a team, with Sapp leading the Tigers in tackles for a loss. I think this is a testament to the kind of impact player that this guy can be with his physical tools and versatility.
Yeah, I didn't like his sack numbers, but his TFL number was pretty solid. Numbers don't mean everything though. Gholston had 15 TFL in 2006, too, and 15.5 in 2007. He also had 8.5 sacks in '06 and 14 sacks, which was 2nd in the nation. Lot of good that did him...
You could be right, Cane, and I'm sure you have seen Ricky Sapp more than me. I admit I saw guys like Graham, Kindle and Hughes a ton, but not nearly as often Ricky Sapp. You know how it is, GH .. when you're the Jets GM the scrutiny increases ten fold :grin: Been there myself so I know how it is ... its impossible to make every Jet fan happy Anyway, thanks for explaining the pick and please forgive me if I came off too strong, you know I respect your draft/football knowledge immensely ... always have and always will
I AGREE, Mack, but Gholston has a heart the size of a mustard seed and its not like we weren't warned. Anyone who follows the draft knows his DC in H.S. literally threw him off the team for being so soft, and he to be coaxed into taking him back ... and he was thought to be soft and aloof at Ohio State as well ... I read somewhere that he didn't have one friend on the team, not because he was a bad guy, but he was just wasn't a football player kinda guy. Lets face it man, the guy doesn't even like football much less love it ... I get the feeling the only reason he even bothers to show up is for the money, otherwise Florham Park is the last place in the world he would want to be. The sad part is, we invested the #6 Overall Pick and we still need an edge rusher thanks to this colossal bust
No, thank you for challenging it Jabba, it gave me reason to explain why I made the move I did. I appreciate being questioned because it forces me to have opinions that I truly believe in.
Not really sure. Screwed up my plans, though (San Diego). Would have loved to take Cody at the end of round one and take the best CB available early in round 2. Jay Ratliff is a stud, and the Cowboys need to build around him, not get insurance in case he gets hurt. Cody is one dimensional.
Maybe at the lower levels, but in the NFL, I know David Clowney tweets about hanging out with Vernon a lot.
I'd love to hear what those conversations Gholston: Hey Dave, how come everybody hates me man? Clowney: Cause you be suckin', Yo ... and who can cover the clown?!?!
Guys, I'm going to be out for part of the day. I should be back around 2:00 P.M, unless I get delayed at work, which happens. If you feel you need to PM your board...sent it to me(WW85) and to the following few back-ups: Mr Electric, MBGreen & Jabba the Jet. Please realize....the 5 GMs taking your PMs may not be on-line all the time. Someone should get your pick in..please PM...all 5 GMs.
I'll be around from 10AM to 2PM...and then I should be back again at 4PM. Send me your board if you're not sure you'll be around between these times - let's keep this train moving.
Real quick, my reasoning for my two picks: Seahawks- This is the reason that I didn't take a Tackle in Rd 1. The Seahawks are running Alex Gibbs' zone blocking scheme, so it was much more important to find a player that fit this offense than to just take the top guy on the board. Jason Fox is a perfect fit, athletic, great feet, and really strong as a run blocker. Most importantly, he's very intelligent, and a vocal team leader, which may be the most important aspect of playing the line in a ZBS. He's got some room to develop, which is why he's the pick this year, giving him time to grow as a player before the Hawks make their run in a couple years. Jets- Probably going to get some heat on this one too, but he was a "must get" player in my book, and no way would he have been there in the 4th. He's a prototype 34 player, powerful, long arms, and still with the excellent athleticism to gain position. He is, to me, a young Kris Jenkins/Vince Wilfork type NT, with that same kind of potential, with the versatility to play DE for this team as well. It's what separates the plodding (sloppy fatz) NTs from guys like Joseph. It fills two holes in one pick, a future in the middle of the defense, probably the most important position in a 34, as well as instant depth outside at End. Really, in Rex's D, versatility is the name of the game, and that's what this kid brings to the table. There were other players on the board that could have played 34 End well, but none that have a game like Joseph's. And for those of you who think it's a reach, I would really doubt he goes any later than late 2 or early 3 on draft day. This kind of potential doesn't last long.
