unless they uncover a speedy OLB type gem in the middle and/or late rounds - teams will feast on the jets D from the numbers out - both running and passing game. while i do have some faith in ryan to disguise the lack of perimeter speed it ultimately doesn't matter how stout they are inside.
I'm still slack jawed at passing on Chance Warmack. Good value at #9 and fitting a giant need. Draft him, plug his in, and don't worry about his position for the next 10 years. I know he's a guard, but he's a GREAT OG that would have helped an anemic offense for years to come. Just don't get it. I'm not complaining about the player we did get, mind you. Both are excellent prospects that should make a decent defense very good, maybe great. They just aren't picks I necessarily would have made.
The sad part of this is it's not like the Jets defense is the'85 Bears. Hell their defense isn't even the '12 Niners or Seahawks. Yet they continue to pass on huge needs. Offense(Warmack or Eifert) and Pass rusher (Jarvis Jones). They didn't need an interior d lineman, another wasted pick. Pathetic.
People shouldn't look at the surface of this and say it was a wasted pick. Jets really needed to get the DL upgraded since it was lacking in that big play 3rd and short capability. They really had issues in this area, especially with the losses of Pouha and Devito. Sheldon will be a big improvement, imo. Any DT that can run 4.8 and weigh in at 2 quarter pounders shy of 300lbs....that's something to take note of. LATEST NEWS 03/08/2013 - 2013 Missouri Pro Day: The Rams had a six-person contingent on hand, headed by college scouting director Taylor Morton and assistant head coach Dave McGinnis. Also there for St. Louis were assistant defensive line coach Clyde Simmons and assistant linebackers coach Joe Bowden, an obvious sign of the team's interest in Richardson and linebacker Zaviar Gooden. But back to Richardson. When asked if Dogra was mad at him, a grinning Richardson replied: "He's all right. We talked it over." Richardson explained that some NFL teams had asked him to perform the shuttle and 3-cone drills. "And I did it," Richardson said. "Nothing to hide. Nothing at all." In his two 40-yard dashes, Richardson's times ranged from 4.71 seconds to 4.82, which is really moving for someone a couple Quarter Pounders shy of 300 pounds. After running a respectable 5.02 at the Combine, Richardson was happy with his improvement. "Yeah. Big time," said Richardson, who played at Gateway Tech High. "I had to change that ???5' off my record." - Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch More *Sheldon Richardson News OVERVIEW Talent evaluators have long championed the size and athleticism of SEC defensive linemen as one of the primary reasons for the conference's dominance on the national stage. Perhaps it is appropriate then that Missouri joined the conference 2012, when Richardson emerged as a full-time starter for the Tigers. Richardson originally signed with the Tigers as the crown jewel of their 2009 recruiting class. Rated by recruiting experts as the top defensive tackle prospect and a top five overall talent, Richardson was unable to fulfill the academic obligations and was instead forced to take the junior college route at the College of the Sequoias (CA). While there, Richardson's legend continued and he briefly verbally committed to Southern California before electing to stick with his original plan and return to Missouri, his home state. Characterized by Tigers defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski as "the most hyped player ever to play at Missouri," Richardson didn't get a starting position handed to him. He entered camp last on the depth chart and had to work his way up, quickly proving to be a standout as part of the rotation but only starting two games last year as the Tigers returned starters Dominique Hamilton and Terrell Resonno. Despite his limited opportunities, Richardson developed into the Tigers' most disruptive interior defender in 2011, earning honorable mention all-conference honors with 37 tackles, eight tackles for loss and two sacks. He set several career bests in 2012 with 75 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. Richardson also had three forced fumbles, a blocked kick and a 60-yard fumble return. "This has been my dream ever since I was a little kid," said Richardson. "It's still not easy leaving Mizzou like this, but I know I'm ready. "I really appreciate all the support I got here at Mizzou, and I know that they will help me and my family with his next step. I'll always be a Tiger." ANALYSIS STRENGTHS: Possesses a naturally large frame with proper weight distribution throughout his arms and legs. Has a thick trunk conducive to standing his ground in short-yardage situations. Is quick off the snap, demonstrating the burst to slip through gaps before trap blocks can be effective. Possesses a short area burst to close and surprising flexibility to adjust and make tackles in space. Shows good balance and recognition against cut blocks. Active hands to handcuff offensive linemen attempting to get into his pads and control, demonstrating a quick, fluid arm-over swim move and good strength to rip free from his opponent. Excellent vision and recognition to take advantage of his ability to disengage from blocks and put himself in position to make plays, showing the ability to sniff out screens, draws, etc. Athletic and instinctive enough that the Missouri defensive coaches would occasionally drop him back into coverage on zone blitzes. Showed a terrific motor throughout the 2012 season, often hustling down the line and yards downfield (at times 20 yards+) in pursuit of the ball. Closes quickly and with power, exploding into tackles and showing good hand-eye coordination to strip the ball away. Stepped up his level of play against top competition (Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Arizona State). Has the size and athleticism of a future Pro Bowl defensive tackle. WEAKNESSES: Has only had one dominant season at the FBS level (just 13 starts in 24 games) and there is some concern about how motivated he'll remain once he signs a big NFL contract. Has a tendency to stand up out of his stance and lose the leverage battle, occasionally struggling to break free until it's too late in short-yardage situations. More productive rushing the passer, recognizing the dump-off pass and pursuing from behind with passion than actually getting home for the QB sack (just three sacks in his "dominant" 2012 campaign). Has struggled with academics in the past, resulting in his transferring to a junior college after signing with Missouri as a highly touted prep. Was also suspended for Missouri's final home game of the 2012 season (Syracuse) for violating team rules, reportedly for academics). Teams had their medical staffs check out Richardson at the Combine, as he underwent shoulder surgery following the 2011 season. Compares To: Tyson Alualu, DT, Jacksonville Jaguars - If NFL scouts are convinced he'll maintain it once he cashes his first paycheck, the combination of size, athleticism and the high-revving motor Richardson demonstrated this season could lead to a shockingly high grade for Mizzou star, just as it did for Alualu, the surprise No. 10 overall pick of the 2010 draft. --Rob Rang
This is why I hate stats that say we had a top whatever defense. Anybody who follows this team knows we continuisly gave up the big play on 3rd down (even with Revis) had no pass rush and lacked speed on the outside. In drafting two defensive players in the 1st round we still haven't done anything to improve those areas.
Why can't it be? As much talent on this defensive line as any in the league, and the secondary remains loaded, at least at cornerback. Harris is a fine ILB, hopefully Davis can step up.
