I think everyone agrees for the most part that these guys have the necessary size/speed combo to potentially be good pass rushers off the edge in the NFL. My question is, which of these guys actually beat college tackles once they were engaged. Meaning, rather then just running around a tackle because they are faster, they actually stack and shed. Upshaw VS Florida in 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szYjj1uzib4&feature=related Ingram VS George in 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ojjrp2bGNw&feature=related Mercilius VS ASU 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVBOcYWvYy8&feature=related Dont'a HighTower VS Tennessee in 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSuM0zyy11M&feature=related Branch VS VaTech 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJTqBM8ugNY&feature=related Nick Perry VS Washington 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osla4w0Dcc8 I have stated my opinion but I would like people to actually watch these players and see if they beat people with their hands rather then just running around them.
bleacherreport has us taking Melvin Ingram at 16 in their mock http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...os-and-cons-of-every-first-round-pick/page/17
For what position? I really don't see Ingram as a 34 OLB. If you watch the tape, once the tackle gets his hands on him he's pretty much useless.
Youn need to add Dont'a Hightower to your list, he's just not a ILB. Very good at shedding blocks and a strong physical player that uses his strenght to his advantage. Can rush or blitz from the inside or outside. Overlooked by many for the Jet's defense, which is a huge mistake. Hightower's versatility is perfect fort Rex's needs on defense. My #1 Jet's target on the defensive side of the ball at #16.
So if Upshaw and Hightower are both available at 16 you would take Hightower? I do agree that he has the potential to be a great player, but at what position? I personally would love it if the Jets could address both ILB and OLB. Can Hightower drop into coverage with a tight end?
I've watched alot of film (videos) of Upshaw and Hightower lately and I prefer Hightower's versatility over Upshaw. Upshaw is a solid player, but Hightower is more fluid and has better instincts reacting to the play. I wouldn't mind either player being a NY Jet, I prefer Hightower's upside and skills over Upshaw's. No linebacker is going to cover the "new breed" TE. While Hightower, IMO, has slightly better coverage skills than Upshaw, neither will be able to consistently have success covering TEs like Gronk.
All of these guys has their flaws, and I don't think any are worthy of a 16 pick. I would much rather have a receiver or an upper echelon right tackle. Upshaw has legitimate athletic questions. He seems to rush predominantly from the strong side. The Jets really need a weakside outside backer, and those guys have to be sudden and quick. I don't know that he's either. To me, Ingram is the best raw package of skills to work with. Body type, versatility, and athleticism. I have no doubt Upshaw will be a very solid pro, but I'm not inclined to believe he'll be a Pro Bowler. -X-
I am glad I watched all the tapes..I thought Hightower looked as one of the best.. I loved his awareness and speed..also his hits were ligit...the fact that he can play ILB and OLB is a great quality to have . I think it is something that Rex could really get create with.. .. I thought that Upshaw was steady but slow.. Mercilus really impressed me and seemed unblockable by using differnt swim moves. I loved the way he played and he seemed super atheltic.. With Branch I thought he go lost out there and was quiet for the beginning of that game..but then when i saw him get to the qb i understoodd. His first step and "bend" on the end really impressed me. I thought he wasn't as well rounded as Hightower and didn't have the non stop moves like Mercilus... Perry looked pretty good..Even though he might not have been used in variety of ways doesn't mean he doesn't have the skill. I still don't know what to think of Upshaw. I think he might lack the speed and agility for the next level.. love his attitude and how he plays though.. Since there is a good amount of Pass rushers.. I wonder if we go in a differnt direction in the first and let one of these pass rushers fall or trade up for in the second. Also if Kuechly fell that could be another consideration.
Perry is the best option, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You can see in that vid the ability that will make him a star. Remember we're not looking for DEs, so the things that we need are slightly different. The stack and shed thing is more for linemen that have to watch two gaps, hopefully our passrushing LB isn't sitting back and watching the play develop. The best thing that a 34 LB can show is hand strength/violence, body control, and burst, in that order. I like seeing these guys control the lineman with one arms then being able to rip by when they get the corner. Perry did a great job of using his length to get into Kelemete and hold him off, giving him the space to make moves. Also impressive was how he attacked on stunts and pushed the pocket. You also see how Branch's mindset is totally different on his video.
I have seen so many negative statements about Upshaw of late that it has really soured me on him as a prospect - he has real downward momentum coming into the draft.
Watched the videos but didn't really see enough from any. Mercilus is growing on me. I love Ingram, but don't believe he will be there. I think the Jet's like Branch. We don't have to take an OLB in round #1. Round #2 may offer Cam Johson or Shea McCllelin.
