Jets | Thomas to move to OLB Mon, 10 Apr 2006 16:25:33 -0700 NewYorkJets.com reports the New York Jets are attempting to move DE Bryan Thomas to outside linebacker. They believe his speed and athleticism are better suited for the position. The knock on Thomas is his lack of experience. Thomas is currently penciled in as the starter opposite incumbent OLB Victor Hobson. Jets | Chatham to compete Mon, 10 Apr 2006 16:25:14 -0700 NewYorkJets.com reports New York Jets LB Matt Chatham is expected to compete for a starting spot. They believe his size and speed will be an asset in the team's new 3-4 defensive alignment. Jets | Incumbent Hobson to face competition for starting spot Mon, 10 Apr 2006 16:24:33 -0700 NewYorkJets.com reports New York Jets OLB Victor Hobson will face stiff competition for the starting spot from newcomer Matt Chatham. They feel that Chatham's speed and athleticism are better suited for the team's new look 3-4 defensive alignment.
Even if it appears he is suspect in pass coverage he could be used in obvious pass sitiuations as the rush LB ... hope this works out for him.
Bryan Thomas This guy has not found his niche yet, nor has he reached his potential. The reinvention of BT during the Tangini regime could be like gaining another top flight draft pick. If you've seen him play then you've seen his speed is for real. I can't see him covering a back out of the backfield, moreso from the fact that he doesn't seem real instinctive and plays kind of mechanincal, but if he can develope in that area, which is a big IF, then he could solve that problem at OLB in the 3-4. He deserves a shot and a chance to develope since he has excellent burst and speed for his size.
How come never produced on the field? His numbers were off the charts-- i don't blame the Jets for taking him so early. 4.47 and 33 reps? Thats crazy. I would love to see him at OLB.
It didnt say if it came from the combine or from his coaches. Originally Lavernius coles was supposedly clocked in at 4.17 during a workout with his coaches. We all know that cant be.
Yeah, I remember what a workout warrior he was, but it really hasn't translated to the field. Maybe under Mangini's guidance, he'll be able to finally put it all together and actually perform up to expectations? I doubt he'd work out at OLB, but maybe Mangini has some magic in him.
The problem with Thomas at OLB is that since he was drafted he has put on a bunch of weight and even played at DT at times. I believe he was over 270 last year...he will have to slim down and get his speed back if he wants a chance at a DE/OLB hybrid position.
I wouldn't put too much stock into that. Not only is the Jets website terrible, but teams don't put up real depth charts until after camp. You can check near every other team website and they have blank depth charts. The Jets webmaster was probably just too lazy to fully take it down.
This is just stupid. Making a move like this before minicamp without seeing what the guy has @ the position. If they Looked @ tape they would notice he was already slow for a DE HOW TF Are they gonna move him to OLB??? No thanks, I'll believe this when I see it work. As of right now, It gets a big fat stamp of NO from me.
He's not slow. For some reason, he just isn't great at shedding blockers on the passrush when he lines up right across from them. I think if he's outside of the tackle as a LB, he's probably a better fit there. He really never did a speedrush like Abe used to do. He would try to take on the blockers and get around them that way, which he wasn't good at. If he just lined up and took off like a cannon like Abe did, he might be effective.
