We've seen a small sample of what Westerman could bring to the table, he's already done something that the Ghost hasn't done and that's register a sack If Westerman could have a regular impact on the defense, especially on 3rd down and on pass rushing situations that could open a lot of flexibility for the future especially if we add one via the draft With Harris and Scott eating up blockers, Westerman (as long as he stays healthy) could open himself a nice niche on this Jets defense, as long as he improves his pass-rushing skills and leans on Bart Scott to give him several tips What are your views on the future of Jamaal Westerman? http://www.thejetsblog.com/2011/04/05/jamaal-westerman-next-year-i-want-to-be-a-starter/#more-37814
I like Westerman a lot when he's been able to stay healthy. I had high hopes for him last season. The only problem I see is that the lack of playing time last season meant that OTAs, minicamp, etc were going to be especially important for him developing into his third season. With those in jeopardy, I wonder whether his development may be stalled a bit. I could see him becoming a starter in the future, but that doesn't mean I'm certain of it. His flexibility begun in that first season also deserves notice.
He'll never be a starter. I'm happy to see that he's pushing himself and that he wants to become a better player, but he'll never be a full-time starter for this team.
Why do you think so? With Jason Taylor gone, Bryan Thomas's future uncertain and well Pace having nicks and injures and age is against him as well, don't you think Westerman has several opportunities to thrive as a starter? What about him don't you like from a starter standpoint? The ability to cover areas of the field?
No, I don't think Westerman will "thrive" as a starter because he's just not THAT talented. Don't get me wrong...I think he's a good, hard-working player, but I don't think he's talented enough to start on a top tier defense. Special teams is where he belongs. It'd be nice to have a former UDFA become a starter, but I think we'll find a new starting linebacker in this draft or the next.
Well he definitely won't unseat Harris or B Scott at ILB. Does he have the speed to be "the guy" coming off the edge? Hasn't looked like it so far. Guy is versatile, though, and makes for solid depth.
Agreed, I love Jamaal and hope he turns it up and proves he can start in this league, specifically for us. But that said, he is not a guy that our staff should be expecting to blow it up and have 5-10 sacks for us next year. In other words, we shouldn't pass on a top OLB prospect because we are hoping Jamaal turns into a stud.
Good for JW. I hope he works his ass off and sees more time in the rotation. He can play both LB spots. With this mentality he can improve on his game. I hope he returns fully healthy this season.
I'd have to agree with this. He's thriving in his current role, but I'm not sure the guy has starter talent. It's like when Clemens was talking about taking the starter reins. You can say it all you want, but if you're not good enough, it doesn't make any difference.
I think the opinion of our staff, whichever it is, has more chance to be the right one than yours (no offense of course, it would be the same for any TGG poster)... That said I agree in saying right now he hasn't proven he can be in the discussion for starting at OLB, but who knows... I wouldn't be pissed if he surprises us! And also I agree on the fact OLB is still a priority for us in the draft.
Thrive was a bad word haha, maybe a chance to become a starter on a good defensive team Funny you mention talent with all due respect, players like Devito, Pouha (granted these players do all the dirty work - and essentially don't require as much talent as a premier pass rusher) ... guys that at one point after they were drafted were considered players that weren't as talented as a first round pick for example I think Westerman is still unknown IMO as to what he can contribute to the team given a certain amount of reps, until we give him an opportunity we may never know, I do agree if he has any type of role on this team it would be to rush the passer, but if the guy is working hard in the off-season and continues to improve, what's to say he can't be a crucial player in Rex's system? Maybe not a 3 down line-man (have him specifically for pass rush situations) Just because he doesn't have the talent doesn't mean he can't succeed especially with Rex as our HC? I don't expect him to all of a sudden become some sack machine, but at least he can contribute to a sack, and be better than Bryan Thomas on passing situations
I oh agree, the staffs opinion is more important than any of ours, but based on the info we have, we can make solid assumptions about what the staff should be thinking. While I love Jamaal and think he is a great role player, I don't think he is going to be a better option as a starter than what we currently have, and I certainly doubt his abilities to get 5 sacks next season... OLB still needs to be high on our list, and Westerman's desires shouldnt change that, because if we pass on somebody and westerman fails to blow it up, we are again left without a solid pass rush. If we draft somebody, and westerman blows it up, hell yea! best situation possible.
Dear NFL, Please sign a new CBA ASAP so we don't have to read "news" articles about players who want to be starters. Fuck You, WSW
He CAN play both positions but he really only has a chance to play ILB well. He's not explosive enough to start on the outside and given the money the Jets seem to be willing to put in the ILB position, he'll have to step his game up in a huge way and hope Bart Scott decides to retire or drop off significantly.
As a Rutgers alum, I want to see him succeed. When he says he wants to be a starter, I believe that he's gonna give it his all...unlike some other clown that stole millions and is now cleaning toilets.
