Darron Lee Makes NFL.com's All-Rookie Team

[gmf1369]

Darron Lee had a good start to this NFL career and big things could be on the horizon. Legendary NFL personnel man Gil Brandt named Lee to his All-Rookie Team, stating that the 22-year-old ILB has what it takes to become one of the league’s elite players.

“Lee is a linebacker who thrives in a game built on speed. He has a chance to be a future star,” Brandt said. “He finished with 73 tackles — that's a lot of tackles for someone who started just nine times (out of 13 games).”

Lee, selected No. 20 overall out of Ohio State last April, had modest expectations when starting his NFL trek.

“I definitely wanted to ease into a starting role. That was my goal, to be able to start at some point in the season, whether it be early or later on,” he said at the end of his first campaign. “I just wanted to get to that starting role and at that point contribute, make some tackles and have an impact to help the team. I was starting to get to that and then the Arizona game and it was a roadblock.”

An ankle injury suffered against the Cardinals in Week 6 forced Lee to miss three games. The 6’1”, 232-pounder, who was leading the club in tackles at the time of his sprain, returned to action against the Rams in Week 10 and then started the team’s final six games.

“At least I know I can belong and I can play,” said Lee, who finished with a sack along with three passes defended. “Now it’s about closing that gap from being so close to making that big play to making that big play.”

Following Todd Bowles’ initial plan, Darron Lee came in an as the nickel ‘backer and became a three-down player. He gave the Jets an infusion of speed and pursued well while showing progress in coverage. Lee says he can get better at everything and he’s anxious to become the game-changer he was with the Buckeyes.

“Taking the whole film to another level and taking cues to another level, so I put myself in a better position to make that big play,” he said. “And I’d say that’s the next big part is making that big play.”

In 2014-15, Lee combined for 27.5 tackles for loss and 12.0 sacks at Ohio State. He has high expectations for himself and doesn’t plan on slowing down.

“I haven’t arrived in any shape or form.”

 

[Mainejet]

What's not being mentioned is that Lee was an abysmal failure playing inside in 2016. It should now be obvious to anyone that Lee is not cut out to play inside. Going forward the Jets need to find a place where Lee can contribute and help the team. What I figure they should do is to attempt to put more lean muscle on him and make him an OLB. He'll need to add at least 15 pounds, more like 20, considering that his game day playing weight was around 215. That's simply too small to be effective as an OLB. The only reason why Lee was selected to the all rookie team is because of a lack of better options. It's just like Shell and Lee becoming starters in 2017........It's not that they actually earned a starting spot ie took on an entrenched veteran and won a camp battle, They are only slated to be starters because the Jets team does not have any better options. This article is very careful with the words they use to describe Lee's play? He showed progress in coverage? He has a chance to be a future star?

The article is worded specifically that way to avoid the actual facts surrounding Lee's play. Lee was at the very bottom of starting linebackers in regards to covering receivers. Not just TE's, but anyone Lee was assigned to cover was automatically open. Lee allows a 132.9 passer rating to opposing QB's when he's covering a receiver. Lee has a chance to be a future star? But that doesn't mention how bad Lee's instincts were, or that him playing inside was an experiment that ultimately ended in failure.

Now, I may be hard on the guy and sharply critical of the pick, but I want Lee to succeed as much as the next guy? I just think a little context was needed in reference to an article that would otherwise have you believe he's the next Lawrence Taylor...........