Nice job here I must say. I certainly I agree with you, I feel as though Ingram and Upshaw should/will be our main targets at OLB. Ingram has really impressed me at the senior bowl this year, his play style just impresses me so much, I was low on him prior thinking hed stay at 4-3 DE and start gaining more muscle mass but he seems to say he wants to be extremely versatile and play OLB, DE, DT, anywhere. I really like that. Also, Im not down on Mercilus, I still like him as a 2a 2b next to Ingram but I just want to see more of him. I want to see his combine workouts, pro day, and interviews before I can really say I like him over another player. Obviously time will tell with these players but to me getting one of Upshaw, Ingram, or Mercilus with a plan Z of Hightower is very exciting.
The best option for this team is Hightower, simply because of his versatility and physicality. None of these guys really blow me away. so I'd much rather get a guy that can do more, play the position well, and fit our D in multiple ways, and then pick up another OLB later to develop behind him and whoever stays. Matching up Hightower and a kid like Olivier Vernon would be absolutely the ideal situation.
I think Upshaw and Hightower will both do well in the NFL, but I think Upshaw is more suited for OLB long-term than Hightower is, despite his versatility. I think Hightower will get sack numbers, but do it up the middle and blowing by guards, not by going around the outside on a speed rush. I see Hightower more as a tackling machine in the middle who can still apply QB pressure when asked to, and still drop into coverage and tackle a TE over the middle
Burfict isn't on this list because hes strictly an ILB. Hightower can play both inside and outside, which is why he's on the list.
Melvin Ingram Kiper wrote Ingram has the ability to convert to a 3-4 OLB. Very good pass rusher. Pass rush specialist in a 4-3. Above average pass rushing skills. Average versus the run. Above average versatility. "Began career at LB and has been in a rotation at DE the last two seasons (2009-'10). Will be a fulltime starter at DE in 2011. Has the potential to play DE in a four-man front, as well as OLB in some 3-4 schemes (Ravens, Steelers, etc.). Has some experience rushing the QB from inside, as well. " Average instinct/motor #17 Scouts Inc's top 32/Kiper #14 Michael Brockers is a horse. Rated #12 by Scouts Inc's. Kiper has him #15. Solid interior force. 3-4 or 4-3. Occupy blocks. Good penetration. Exceptional versus the run. Average pass rushing skills. Above average quickness and toughness/motor.
You must take into account that he did say that before Hightower's injury. So saying he has more pure talent could still be true, but he could be physically behind. He rebounded well after a sluggish 2010 year, so he could be getting back there...
Really, I don't think there's a clear cut no brainer with this class.I think Upshaw is the most complete player but I think his pass rush skills are good not great. He's truthfully not much different than Calvin pace in that regard. I doubt he'll be there, but if Quentin Coples were to be =available at #16 he might be worth a look. Sure he's not the OLB the organization covets and we just took a 3-4 De in the 1st round last year. But I think he'd add athleticism to the front 7 as well as some versatility. Rex liked to go to a 4 down man look on 3rd down this year. Other than Maybin we had NO ONE who could rush the passer as a 4-3 DE last year. By year's end we had Wilkerson doing it. That essentially took Wilkerson out of a position of strength. He looked great early on rushing as an interior in the 4-3. Coples would give us somebody who could provide athleticism and pass rush up front in multiple schemes. I also think he compliments Wilkerson well. Will he be there at #16 is the question. I doubt it..but it's at least worth discussing.
I voted other. We have other holes to fill. If we are going all in on a pass rusher I would rather have Mario Williams. Otherwise I would resign Bryan Thomas (or a similar free agent) as a stopgap until next year.
Vinny Curry (Marshall) looked great in the Senior Bowl - I would prefer to trade down 10 spots and go after him.
Upshaw. He already knows how to play the position and hes a very complete all around OLB. He has speed and can drop into coverage if he has to but can also get to the QB. Rex loves versatility and Upshaw would fit in really well imo.
I think ive settled on Ingram, Mercilus im still iffy on, Upshaw is solid but will never be spectacular, and i can say the same for Hightower. Ingram has that it factor, something about him reminds me of Adalius Thomas 05, 06 with the ravens. I think Rex might see the same thing.
I love Mercilus and Ingram as pure pass rushers. I think both will be able to get to the QB with out a problem. Upshaw is a solid pass rusher but i'm not sold on him completely as a pass rusher. He doesn't seem to have a quick burst off the edge and lacks moves to throw on opposing tackles, although he's a very good run stuffer. Mercilus and Ingram have the speed, moves and motor to beat up tackles and qb's alike. I see upshaw being more complete tho and imo he could be a very good ILB as he's a solid cover guy too. My pick at this point is based off of pure pass rushing abilities and it's close with Ingram and Mercilus but i'm gonna go with Mercilus.
I find it fascinating that their are so many option at linebacker when the Jets pick, and each one is almost completely different in terms of abilities
Right now for me, Ingram. He plays faster than Upshaw or Mercilus to me. He certainly didn't play on a D as talented as Upshaw. Has the athleticism and nastiness our D is missing.
as the jets did with the D line last year, they will likely do at LB this year in the draft. i look for at least 2 of their first 4 picks being LB's. most definitely with pick 1 and if one of those guys slips into round 2 i wouldn't be shocked if they go back to back. IMO the defense is much closer to being top 5 than the offense. lets close the deal and build it into a stud unit.
