2011 Starter: Sione Pouha – 7th Year: Pouha is a solid starter at tackle for the Jets, He is 32 years old, but due to his Mormon upbringing and missing some football for a mission trip, him body really hasn’t taken too much of a beating early in his career. He was pushed into a starting role 2 seasons ago after Jenkin’s first knee injury. He became a solid player for the front 7, hold the nose well, especially vs. the run. Does not provide a lot of pressure or occupy more than one blocker freeing up other Blitzer’s on passing plays. Plays with a great motor and good leverage, but doesn’t get penetration thru the line often. He has proven himself a valuable player, especially on running downs, he is not in danger of losing his roster spot, and should come into next season as the starter. 2011 Backups: Kenrick Ellis - Rookie: A huge man anchoring the line, very quick off the ball and able to take on double teams, in the mold of Jenkins, a true NT. Not a great pass rusher, but very few NT's are. His draft stock fell do to some off the field issues (Drugs and battery), but the Jets feel that he is not going to be sentenced and will be available to play for them. From the interviews I watch, seem to say all the right things and claimed to have learned from his past mistakes. Marcus Dixon, who was at Hampton with Ellis, has been mentoring Ellis and helping him to change his off the field demeanor. Ellis should develop behind Pouha for the next season or 2 working himself into the rotation and becoming the Jets franchise NT. Martin Tevaseu – 1st Year: Tevaseu got his chance to prove himself in the playoffs this season as he was activated from the practice squad for the Steelers game. In a limited role, didn’t make a big impact. He has the bulk and power to clog up the middle, and reacts well enough and is quick enough to command some double teams. He is a bit short for a DT and straight ahead speed does limit his pass rushing ability. He is a Young player who will need to work on his technique to get the most out of his ability. Martin could develop into a solid backup. Matt Kroul – 1st Year: Spent 6 games on the active roster for the Jets, ended the season on the practice squad. He doesn’t possess the ideal size to play nose tackle at 300 lbs, he would more than likely only going to see the field in sub packages at DT when Jets use a 4 man front. In college Kroul was a Durable, hardworking, smart player who knew how to fill gaps and take on blockers in order to allow other teammates to make the plays. He will be coming into next season with 2 years of Ryan’s Defense under his belt; it will be a make or break offseason for him in order to remain a Jet. Outlook: Pouha is 32 going into next season and should remain the starter allowing Ellis (Jets 3rd round pick of 2011) to work in the rotation, giving him time to learn the D and speed of the game, eventually developing into the franchise NT and starter. Kroul and Tevaseu will have to show a lot of diversity along the D-Line to make the active roster, but are more likely going to be cut or placed on the practice squad. DT position should be in good shape looking into the future as long as Ellis develops, stays out of jail, and lays of the pot. Cut: Kris Jenkins – 11th Year: Jenkins was cut by the Jets, with the addition of Ellis, Jenkins days with the Jets are over. - Retired Carlton Powell – 1st Year: Showed enough ability in college to become a fifth round selection from the Broncos (although this is the team that drafted Tebow in the 1st round). In college he showed that he could be a wall along the defensive line as a run stopper. He reads plays well and takes good angles, is quick and a sure tackler. He doesn’t collapse the pocket as well as you would like to see, and has also had some injury history. Worth a look this offseason, probably not much more than a backup next season at best.
Pouha has been very solid at NT the last two years, he is fine as the starting NT. If we get anything out of Jenkins it's really just icing on the cake. I think it'd be wise to draft an NT in the middle rds if there are any good ones available citing the aforementioned age of our NTs and a lack of overall DL depth. Pouha lining up at DE when Jenkins is in makes for some beastly gap control.
I would also like to see us take a looooonnngg look at DE's. There seems to be a decent quantity of quality coming out in the draft this year. Considering we pick so late in round 1 I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on a DE at that spot if a WR/DB doesn't fall to us there.
Supposedly, the Jets are high on Marcus Dixon and he is listed as a DT on their roster. They have his weight listed as 295 lbs., however, so I can't see his playing NT unless his weight is listed incorrectly or he puts on a LOT of weight during the offseason. Unless they are also very high on Tevaseau as a backup, or are reasonably sure that Jenkins can make it back from surgery and stay healthy for the entire season, or are planning on playing more 4-man fronts next season, I think they either have to draft an NT or sign one in FA. I'd love to see them get an OLB prospect in the first round (someone like Houston, who has actual experience playing as a 3-4 OLB or at least as a LBer an who has some speed), a DE in the 3rd round, and an NT in the 4th round (Powe or Kendrick Ellis perhaps).
Hi guys...let me explain...firstly I wanted to say that I meant we should take a DE and if one isn't there take a DB/WR. Here's why, it's a good bet that Cro is gone...we're going to need someone to help backfill especially since Rexy likes a lot of DB's. I mentioned WR because there is no certainty we'll re-sign all three (Holmes, Edwards, Smith) We need a #2/3 if we can only resign one of the three. Someone to compete with Cotchery. But agreed, DL is the priority. We need a DE...Ellis won't last forever and it would be nice to add someone who can not only take up space but rush the passer if needs be. Sorry for the confusion.
I'm still amazed at how well our DLine played last season, considering the lack of top teir talent once Jenks went down. It makes me think that we really don't need to draft game changers at any of the three starting DLine positions and that we can wait until later rounds to draft for depth.
this isnt the year unfortunately. Their really isnt a dynamic safety prospect available this year, and at this point, I don't feel any of the sefties are likely to garner a first round grade come draft time... I would love to see us trade down into the mid second and grab a top safety while adding selections...
If Rex could bring that kind of productivity out of scrubs, imagine what he could do with top-notch talent.
That's what I was going to say. If he had guys that could play more of a base defense and dominate that way, then the wrinkles and blitzes will actually be more effective.
Looking at the depth behind Pouha, it's no wonder the Jets were clamoring for Taylor. Based on what I have been reading it really is a good thing that Cleveland reached for PT and the Jets ended up with potentially filling 2 gigantic needs. Thank god they addressed NT, here. Not to worried about the assault stuff, the other dude had a weapon. I am sure the Jets investigated that sitch thoroughly.
I believe that Rex was doing that some with Pauha and Jenkins, so I don't see why he wouldn't. They are not the most skilled pass rushers, but he may want those big bodies to tie up lineman so that the LB's can get some clean holes.
