I've watched every one of his games too. I disagree with BroadwayMike, I think he could be a really good pro because he is ALOT more athletic than what people give him credit for. I also disagree that he benefitted from Clowney, although Clowney is going to be great he wasnt "feared" this season. Ingram was GREAT for the Gamecocks this season and honestly I think Clowney benefited from Ingram eating up blockers.. especially in SEC play. Having said that I DONT think he is the right fit as a 3/4 OLB. As Mike alluded to he played all season with his hand down and I think he is better suited for that. He's probably a better 4/3 DE, like in Chicago's system but for Rex's system I think he would be a DE, taking Devito's place on the opposite side of Wilkerson. I think he could be a good player there but I don't think that position is of great need for the Jets. If he's still available in say late 2nd/early 3rd round hell yea I try to get him, but I doubt he lasts that long. The Jets absolutely NEED to take offense in the 1st round this year (hopefully OL) but if they are to take a defensive player it better be someone with the ability to cover these freak TE's like that meat head Gronkowski.. although I don't think there is any Safeties available in the draft with that ability.. SO offense it is!
Ingram is a solid player and was the leader of SC defense. I do have a small concern that Ingram is only about 6'-6'1', he's suppose to be 6'2". Ingram will be a Top 20 pick, no doubt. IMO, Mercilus is a more explosive player creating more havoc and forced fumbles. Ingram is a beter all-around Football player than WM. This draft is one of the best ever for 3-4 OLB in the first 2 Rounds. Everyone talks about the talent at WR, don't overlook DE/OLBs.
You clearly are not watching the same guy we are discussing. He is absolutely athletic. The guy is so fast for his size. I mean the guy ran a fake punt for a TD. SC also placed him on the all hands team for onside kicks. The kid is going to be special if he goes to the right team.
People like to pidgeon hole Ingram because of his size, but his skillset is so impressive. Agreed that Mercilus probably can be a more dynamic rusher, but I love what Ingram brings to the table.
Not to hijack the thread, a player not many are looking at is Ronnell Lewis. Lewis isn't a sack machine, but is a solid player that would fit very well in Rex's defense. Lewis could be solid option in Rd 2 if we go OT/OG or WR in Rd 1.
I think you spoke a little too quick. There is no way Ingram can play all the front seven positions. He isn't even close to being big enough to play any of the DLine positions in a 34, DT in a 43 of MLB in either formation. He is a one dimentional player, with a super high motor. Basically an upgrade over Maybin. Clemson has a better prospect in Branch. Branch can play the run, but isn't quite the pass rusher Ingram is. IMO neither should be considered in the first round.
Big fan, just a little light/inexperienced at the moment. He might be best learning to play LB in a 43 unless he keeps his size up for the combine. MIGHT be an interesting prospect to think of as a developmental ILB though. Totally agree. Ingram can do a lot, almost Justin Tuck-like. Lined up literally at DT, DE, and LB within the span of one defensive series for SC.
My head wants Ingram, my heart wants Mercilus. I'll tell you, if Bart Scott is shit canned, I'd draft Dont'a Hightower in a heartbeat. Call me crazy, Hightower may develop into the best NFL player from Bama's defense in 2011.
I don't think you are crazy at all. I think he is an amazing prospect who isn't even close to hitting his true potential. I think he is the smartest player on that defense as well, which should help his transition even more to the NFL.
He has received wringing endorsements from the likes of Rolando McClain and Nick Saban over the last few years. McClain flat out said DH had more talent than him, and Saban still says DH was the best pure passrusher on the team. So versatile, he has dropped down from his ILB position to play end countless times over his entire career, in both 3 and 4 man fronts. I can't say I've seen that everyday...
Total agreement, I love Hightower. The best part about him is that when they get teams in passing situations they can put in an extra DB, slide Hightower to a rush spot, and not lose anything at all. I actually think that he'd be just as good as any of the top rush LBs we're talking about it told to do it on a consistent basis. He's not as dynamic when it comes to rush moves, but he's explosive and incredibly strong. I think he might be my favorite potential-Jet prospect in the whole draft.
I was realllllly impressed with Hightower in the National Championship game. He was making plays all over the field.
Yeah, I've been on the Hightower bandwagon since about halfway through this year's college season. I asked about him in another thread, and at the time, people didn't seem as high on him as they were on Upshaw. But just using the eye-test alone, Hightower looks like he can play all over the field. We could use help at both ILB and OLB, so I think it'd make the most sense to draft Hightower since he can play both positions.
The more and more I watch tape on Ingram and Hightower, the more I think one of them should be the target for the Jets.
Hightower was the best defensive player on the field that night. I'd love to draft Hightower but we have some more pressing needs and I don't know what management is going to do with Scott, probably nothing. Rex is too loyal to a fault, it's going to get him fired someday. If it was up to me, I'd cut his ass, his production has been declining and he's a problem in the locker room. Hightower would be perfect in the middle with Harris.
Upshaw, Ingram, Mercilus & Hightower may all be available at #16. Let's hope Rex doesn't try to please Sparano and go WR in Rd 1, I'd rather wait till Rd 2 and beyond.
Actually, I think that by keeping Scott, Hightower would be drafted into a great situation. He could learn for a year, while rotating in when need be, and provide pass-rush on passing-downs. Then, when he's ready to play full-time, he and Harris could be an elite tandem.
