ESPN -- We all know coach Todd Bowles prefers a 3-4 front, but based on the current personnel, it makes sense to consider a 4-3. Look at it from a numbers standpoint: With the additions of Steve McLendon and Jarvis Jenkins (their deals still haven't been made official by the team), the Jets have five starting-caliber defensive linemen. We're including the Big Three, of course -- Wilkerson, Richardson and Leonard Williams. At linebacker, the only experienced starter is David Harris, a classic "Mike" 'backer.Bowles has a versatile group of linemen, all of whom are capable of playing multiple positions in a 4-3 front.
What they don't have is a proven, speed-rushing end, which may explain why they flirted with free agent Olivier Vernon, who signed with the New York Giants. They could use second-year linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin in that role or draft somebody. The decision-makers at One Jets Drive recognize that Wilkerson, Richardson and Williams are their best front-seven players, and they've discussed ways to get all three on the field -- i.e. a 4-3 front.
Bowles isn't married to a traditional 3-4 -- he uses hybrid fronts as well -- but his preference was clear late last season, when he turned the 295-pound Richardson into an outside linebacker for the sake of running a 3-4. Look, it's early in the offseason and the roster is evolving. The draft could have an impact on which direction they choose, but know this: Good coaches adapt to their personnel.
What they don't have is a proven, speed-rushing end, which may explain why they flirted with free agent Olivier Vernon, who signed with the New York Giants. They could use second-year linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin in that role or draft somebody. The decision-makers at One Jets Drive recognize that Wilkerson, Richardson and Williams are their best front-seven players, and they've discussed ways to get all three on the field -- i.e. a 4-3 front.
Bowles isn't married to a traditional 3-4 -- he uses hybrid fronts as well -- but his preference was clear late last season, when he turned the 295-pound Richardson into an outside linebacker for the sake of running a 3-4. Look, it's early in the offseason and the roster is evolving. The draft could have an impact on which direction they choose, but know this: Good coaches adapt to their personnel.