There are numerous posts in this thread about how our defense has already moved beyond a rigid definition of "3-4". Do yourselves a favor...find them, read them, and get excited.
It definitely doesn't like it's going to only be "on occasion". http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/jets/post/_/id/22986/coples-ready-to-make-linebacker-switch
1. Gholstons postion change had nothing to do with his performance..he couldn't even play special teams 2. For everyone freaking out about his size to play lb...please look what the texans did with Mario willams in the 3-4 3. Just because he's listed as a olb doesn't mean he will cover ppl... What's the diff between rushing standing up and with the hand in the dirt 4. Coples was rushing standing up in some plays last year stArting from the jaguar game to the end of the year
It was the opposite with Gholston. They moved Gholston from OLB to DE. Apples to oranges, bro. Yeah though, Rex really knows nothing about defense. Good thing there's guys out there like you to show him how it's really done.
Yeah, it's nothing at all like Gholston. RR inherited Gholston from a previous regime, and tried to find a spot where he'd work. Coples has been scouted by RR and his staff personally, they know where he can and can't play.
Bryan Thomas made the switch at 6'4 and 266 lbs although he wasn't drafted to make the switch it just happened years later when the Jets went 3-4. Calvin Pace made the switch at Arizona at 6'4" 265 lbs. I'm guessing that Coples is going to lose 10 lbs or more in making the switch if the Jets are serious about it. It's hard to move 285 lbs in space without having something break down eventually.
Bottom line: Rex has a lot of toys to play with. I could definitely see Kurt's point of putting him out there to set the edge. Richardson could probably do that, too, but I don't know if I trust him there as a rookie. I still expect his hand to be on the ground more often than not.
I'm under the impression that he will be a part-time OLB, part-time DE. I wouldn't want to see Coples roaming in coverage. Shaun Ellis played 4-3 and 3-4 DE at 285-290, and did it effectively. It comes down to technique. IIRC Ellis played some OLB in 09/10 as well. Adalius Thomas played 4 different positions for RR in Baltimore. I think Rex views Coples in the mold of an Adalius Thomas.
Adalius Thomas was kind of a unique athlete though. 6'3" 270 and he ran a 4.56 at the NFL combine in 2000. Then didn't get drafted until the 6th round. The wiki says he actually saw action at CB in 2005 for the Ravens. That must have been something to see.
uhhh....... you mean Mangini's project? Rex tried to stick him everywhere including DE to try and get something out of him. Much like the above post, Unfortunately you can't fix "Sucks".
He says in that ESPN piece that he expects to play between 280-285..I think the Jets may want to change that.
The key to this whole change is going to be Coples' ability to get to the QB. It will be interesting to see if he has the speed to be an effective pass rusher. The strength and length are non-issues as he has plenty of both. His speed off the edge will be key.
It shows what a risky pick Richardson is, because for the pick to be successful, not only does Richardson have to succeed, but Coples has to make a successful transition to OLB. Otherwise, they will be left with a logjam or have stunted Coples' growth as a DE. But if it all works out, it will be spectacular... I'm just surprised the pick was Richardson and not Lotulelei.
Nonsense..Lotulelei can play one position and only one position. Richardson and Coples can both play multiple. Richardson was by far the better decision for Ryan's Jets.
This is interesting. And while I am concerned about Coples playing in open space I'm sure on passing downs it'll be him, Richardson, Wilk, and Barnes chasing after the QB which is exciting.
It really depends on who he lines up against and in what slot. If he's lining up in the 9 and going against an OT the odds are low he winds up with a bunch of sacks. If he lines up in the 3 and goes against a G he has a chance to be a double digit guy. My guess is the Jets are going to line him up all over the place.
Coples led the Jets in sacks with 5.5 and only took half the snaps, to have him drop weight and move positions seems really stupid, especially since it took him the lion's share of the season to seem like he even had a clue. I can see Coples taking many steps back.
