Jets need to get faster, stronger, and younger along the defensive line. Making that difficult are their salary situation and the CBA situation. What should NOT enter into the equation is WHAT POSITION OR DEFENSE the draftee or free agent played in previously. In today's NFL, and especially in Rex's defense, it doesn't matter that a guy only played 4-3 defensive end or DT in a 4-3...if the guy can play, he can make plays for this team. What kind of defense do the Jets play? It's not a 3-4. On consecutive plays, they may be rushing anywhere from 2 to 8 and dropping 8 to 2. The Jets line up in so many different formations, all the rules have changed. The only question that matters when picking up players for this defensive line is: CAN THEY MAKE PLAYS? Is he fast? Is he strong? Is he smart? Does he burn to play football? Do you hear his name called when he's on the field? If the answer to those questions is YES, then you can put the guy in any position on the field, and you'll have a difference maker.
Yes, obvious, but you'll see the comments coming as people talk about different draft prospects and free agents and people will say..."he only plays in a 4-3". Hell, there's a thread now about acquiring Haloti Ngota where people are saying that he's a 4-3 DT and couldn't play for the Jets. Ridicuolous. Ngota would be a force on this team where ever you put him and Rex would put him everywhere.
Haloti Ngata plays 3-4 end for the Ravens. Certain players can only play certain schemes. It's not that hard to figure out that a 240 pound defensive end can't play defensive end in the 3-4.
Should we draft Stephen Hawking? Is he fast? How fast does that chair go? Is he strong? Doubtful. Is he smart? Hell yes. Does he burn to play football? Most likely. Do you hear his name called when he's on the field? If Stephen Hawking played in the NFL, commentators wouldn't shut the hell up about him.
Since you're a moron, I'll answer the question. Ellis plays defensive end, yet there he was in New England, playing NT in a 3-4. Just like the rest of the team, shifted around by Rex to confused the opposing QB.
