We've all seen Rex Ryan use tons of different formations and sub-packages over the past two seasons. I think this allows this team to draft players that don't necessarily fit in our base 3-4 formation. I've been doing a lot of digging lately...trying to find players that can line up and be effective in multiple fronts - mainly versatile defensive tackles that could rotate back and forth between nose and end. However, I'm going to start this thread discussion off by talking about possibly selecting a certain type of 4-3 end to play in sub-packages. Last night I started looking at underrated 4-3 ends that could possibly fill Jason Taylor's role - pass rushers that are better off starting with their hand on the ground. I ended up with a list of about seven players, but these three stood out the most: Florida State's Markus White White is a serious sleeper as a pass rusher. I think he's got the ability to develop into a 3-4 OLB, but it might take a while. Early in his career, he'd be perfect in a situational pass rushing role. He is one of my favorite lesser-knowns in 2011. Arizona's Ricky Elmore Elmore played opposite Brooks Reed at Zona. Like White, he's got the ability to develop into 3-4 OLB, it wouldn't happen right away. He's a high motor player that produces - what more can you ask for out of a defender? Troy's Mario Addison Addison is a former run-first quarterback that's got tons of potential on the defensive side of the ball. He's done nothing but produce as a speed rushing end - he put up big numbers in junior college and at Troy. Once again, this is another prospect that would be a major project in the 3-4, but he could contribute early in certain packages. *Later this weekend, I'm going to post a list of my hybrid interior linemen - prospects that can play in multiple fronts.
Nice idea for a thread. Rex specializes in finding UDFAs who can contribute to the team. I think he's found one every year if memory serves. 3 starters on this team are UDFAs (Devito, Leonhard, and Scott). I wouldn't be shocked to see a guy like White end up as a UDFA and find himself invited to camp. I like his size. Its what Rex looks for in his OLBs. Elmore will get drafted. To read he led the PAC-10 in sacks, that gets your name called on day 3. The Jets need high motor guys. I'm really tired of who the Jets have on the edges, minus Pace. A healthy Pace is a good player.
Markus White has the ability to run an impressive 40 - something in the 4.6s is likely. He ran a 4.55 at JUCO workout. Ricky Elmore would be be worth a 5th or 6th rounder to us. He could last that long if he's unspectacular at the combine.
wow great props on pointing out White. I had a hectic year and didnt get to watch much out of conference NCAA this year but im a FSU fan. White has some serious potential and plays angry. hes exactly the kind of pass rushing specialist Rex could potentially coach up to be a full time guy within a few years. the ONLY knock i could have on him is playing across from Brandon Jenkins. they both made eachother better but near the end of the year all the focus of other teams was containing Jenkins first few steps off the line. that being said I would LOVE to see him in green and white. hopefully hes there in the 4th. unless he runs something sub 4.6 at pro day/combine and shoots up a 4-3 teams board. least thats what im thinking. love how he filled out his frame
I'm not up on any college players so I had to look them up. Figured I might as well post the info here to save others some time. Markus White - http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=84873&draftyear=2011&genpos=DE Name: Markus White 2008 JUCO College: Florida State Number: 98 Height: 6-4 Weight: 262 Position: DE Pos2: OLB Class/Draft Year: rSr/2011 40 Time: 4.69 40 Low: 4.58 40 High: 4.78 Projected Round: 7 Stock: Rated number 21 out of 182 DE's 244 / 2695 TOTAL Ricky Elmore - http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=78819&draftyear=2011&genpos=DE Name: Ricky Elmore College: Arizona Number: 44 Height: 6-5 Weight: 255 Position: DE Pos2: Class/Draft Year: rSr/2011 40 Time: 4.83 40 Low: 4.69 40 High: 4.94 Projected Round: 4-5 Stock: Rated number 15 out of 182 DE's 151 / 2695 TOTAL Mario Addison - http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=81720&draftyear=2011&genpos=olb Name: Mario Addison (+) Coming off hand injury College: Troy Number: 7 Height: 6-3 Weight: 245 Position: OLB Pos2: DE Class/Draft Year: rSr/2011 40 Time: 4.63 40 Low: 4.54 40 High: 4.74 Projected Round: Stock: Rated number 54 out of 250 OLB's 637 / 2695 TOTAL
^ Like I said, all three are considered late round prospects right now. I think we need to bring in a large group of pass rushers through free agency and the draft. McIntyre was signed out of the CFL. We'll probably bring in another veteran and some UDFAs too. There needs to be a competition in camp. We have to find someone that can get after the quarterback.
I like where you are going with this.. Thinking outside the box for pass rushing threats will be necessary. Looking forward to the hybrid lineman analysis..
Someone I think that could be a a late rounder with potential to play multiple positions is Karl Klug from Iowa 6'3" 270 lbs He's a guy who gets by mostly because of his motor. Gotta love a player who wins awards like "The Extra-Heartbeat" and "All-Hustle Team". He is smart and could play anywhere on a defense. Maybe 6th round.
It would be nice to get a defensive developmental player who can contribute on ST immediately, like a Westerman.
That player would more than likely have to be a safety or an inside linebacker. I can't see a 3-4 OLB being a major contributor on specials.
It would be great to find some of these guys in those mid to late rounds but you have to remember Tanny has been packaging picks recently to move up in drafts to make sure he gets his guys ... not saying its necessarily bad bc im not complaining about revis harris sanchez but just saygin we havent had to many mid round picks
But with the uncertainity of a lockout this year, I don't think Tannebaum will be looking to move up. He won't be able to fill any holes through FA until a new CBA is reached. Anyway, I also like Orie Lemon out of Oklahoma State as an UDFA. He played ILB in college but was a converted QB. He is a tackling machine. 6'2" 240 lbs. Could probably play all LB positions in Rex's scheme.
Tanny has moved up for a reason; he thinks he can fill sports 30-53 on a roster as effectively with bargain veterans (Pryce) and UDFAs (Westermann) as he can with 4-7th round picks. He's done well so far so I don't see why he should change now.
