Wilkerson's job is to eat up blockers and push the pocket. He could help the passrush a little, but be won't create one alone. And I wouldn't want the FO banking on a rookie to step in and have such an immediate impact during what is supposed to be a contending year for us.
Rex made some comments on draft day about kicking Wilkerson inside on nickel situations as a pass rusher. He'll have more than one role on this defense.
I'm gonna defend Cro Mart here and say that AJ Smith is a giant douchebag. It's not like Cro is the only person who has had issues with the Chargers FO. Look at the way they treated Vincent Jackson last year. Look at the way the insulted LT at the end of his career. Shit look at how they fired Marty and brought in Norvall because Smith wanted be the big dog. That whole organization is a clusterfuck from the owners down to the coaching staff. I could see how a lot of guys could have issues with them. Maybe it's broadcast a little more where I'm at as SD is a short drive away but I have serious reservations about Cromartie being the issue in San Diego. It in all likely hood started with AJ Smith.
Do we though? We have (under contract).... SS: Leonhard, E. Smith (i think he's a SS not a FS), Cook. FS: Lowery I think we need a FS kind safety (Pool) much more than a hard hitting guy like Ihedigbo. Don't get me wrong I love the guy but I feel Cook can step in his place on ST (for less money) and his role on D is already covered by Smith. I'm torn on what I want Tanny to do... luckily I have no say whatsoever
Here is my FINAL arguement on Clements and then I will put it to bed. 1. As previously mentioned, we was just part of a defense that did not meet his skill set. 2. He is known for better excellent in man coverage 3. 10.5 mill, 2 yrs...nuff said 4. Professional, zero off the field issues. 5. Cromartie, now the only remaining option, likely will command in excess of 8 mill per, tying up resources that we need at other positions. 6. Again, it was a 2 year deal, giving us time to evaluate Wilson to see if he is the real deal before spending a ton of money long term on a CB. 7. Do any of you, HONESTLY, trust Cromartie with big $$$ long term. He is exactly the type of guy I can see getting his payday and then having nothing to play for. He is soft and proved in SD that he will not go all out to win. Is this really the guy we want to invest in long term? I am NOT saying Clements is better than Cromartie, but I AM saying he is the better fit for right now, all things considered above.
Yes we do. Ihedigbo is a great special teams guy and he is able to get to the QB on the safety blitz with a fair degree of regularity. Also he hits like an absolute freight train. So Yes, we want to keep Ihedigbo.
I agree that his blitzing ability is great and having already lost Coleman we need someone who's able to blitz from the secondary...
You realize he signed with Cincy, thereby making all arguments in favor of signing him, this one included, entirely moot?
Again, don't understand the hate for Cromartie. He played extremely well last year by both the eye test and every statistical metric available. Here's a novel thought: good players cost money. Cromartie will come at a higher price than Clements because he's better than Clements. Despite his flaws, he has proven a fit for this system and is an integral part of any Jets Super Bowl effort. I, for one, will be very concerned if he goes to a different team.
Right. Still, he isn't going to take our mediocre passrush to another level by himself. I like Wilson, but I'm not confident we can beat elite offenses with Revis/Wilson/Strickland. Do you? Gotta bring somebody in to compete. Fabian Washington or Carlos Rogers please. And for the record I'm still down with signing Cro, but $10m/per is too much. And that is why I'm suggesting a stop gap.
Carlos Rogers is pretty good. I think he'd fit in well. But Tannenbaum got cornerback tunnel vision it seems. He can make other trades and signings and stuff but he can only focus on one cornerback.