Jets Need More Game-Changing Plays Out Of Linebacking Corps

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Jets need more game-changing plays out of linebacking corps

Jets linebacker David Harris played every down and delivered a team-high 67 solo tackles. Stephen Pond/Getty Images
5:56 PM ET
Rich Cimini
ESPN Staff Writer

Reviewing the 2015 New York Jets season, position by position:

Position: Linebacker

Overall grade: B-

Individual grades: David Harris B+, Lorenzo Mauldin B-, Erin Henderson B-, Demario Davis C+, Calvin Pace C, Trevor Reilly C-, Jamari Lattimore C-, Quinton Coples F.

Key number: 610 -- number of receiving yards by opposing running backs. The Jets ranked ninth in the league, probably a lot better than many assumed.

Summary: Smart, tough, savvy, strong -- they're all good words to describe this group. Once upon a time, those qualities would've made for one heck of a linebacking corps. Unfortunately for the Jets, the game has changed in recent years. It's a passing league, putting an emphasis on speed, quickness and the ability to make game-changing plays. The Jets fell short in those areas, as their aging linebacker unit produced only 14.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and not a single interception. Not a single interception! They were fantastic against the run (No. 2 in yards allowed), but they were pedestrian outside the box and rushing the passer.

Harris (team-high 67 solo tackles) delivered another solid year, playing every down and running the show. He got a few more blitzing opportunities in Todd Bowles' aggressive scheme, but his pass-rushing numbers didn't jump. Davis, who rotated with Henderson over the final six games, made a few glaring mistakes in pass coverage and missed a team-high 16 tackles. It was a disappointing year for Davis, who should've made more big plays with his athleticism. Henderson was better against the run than Davis, but he, too, was vulnerable in coverage. Pace, the graybeard of the group, saw his playing time gradually diminish. He did a competent job of setting the edge from his strong-side position, but his production dropped from the previous year.

The coaches didn't think Mauldin, a rookie, was ready to play in the base defense, so they limited him to pass-rushing situations. He managed four sacks in 212 pass rushes, according to Pro Football Focus. He has double-digit sack potential if he can become an every-down player, but he'll have to master the defense to earn that promotion. Coples was a first-round round and deservedly was released after 10 games. His lack of focus bothered some teammates.

Playing-time percentages (based on 1,056 snaps): Harris 92, Davis 81, Pace 50, Mauldin 24, Henderson 21, Coples 20, Reilly 7, Lattimore 5.

PT analysis: Harris dealt with a few bumps and bruises, dipping under 1,000 snaps for the first time since 2011. Davis, once an every-down linebacker, played only 45 snaps over the final two games -- his lowest two-game total since be became a starter in 2013. It certainly didn't help his value with free agency around the corner. The Jets got decent mileage out of Henderson, who played on a one-year contract for the minimum salary. The Jets should've left Coples in London after their Week 4 win. After that game, he almost didn't exist.

 

[flgreen]

Interesting Bowles has stated they need more speed at Lb'er, and everyone seems to agree, but two of the fastest LB'ers on the team are widely thought to be gone.

Coples was already cut, most people think Davis will be next. I'm not 100% sure Davis is gone. More then likely he won't draw much attention in FA. Unless Rex gets involved. Jets might just re-sign him cheap. He is fast, and very aggressive. That aggressiveness has led to him over running tackles, and being out of position in coverage. We'll see what happens with him. Won't be surprised if he is re-signed, and won't be surprised if he is with the Bills.

Will be also surprised if LB'er isn't high on the Macc's "things to do in the draft list". Couple of real interesting ones might be available @ 20.

Kiper has mocked Jaylon Smith to the Jets. I would be surprised if this happens. Almost every one had Smith ranked in top 10 before his injury, many in top 5, a few as best player in draft. Think some one will take a shot at him before 20, but it could happen.

Leonard Floyd is another LB'er that was mocked to the Jets by Dane Brugler. Good all around player, needs some time in weight room

 

[NewMFS62]

The inability of Jets linebackers to defend the passing game is nothing new. I once joked (and may have posted) that I thought Greg Buttle's name was Greg Area. That was because when I listened to the games on radio, I always heard "The pass was complete. Greg Buttle was covering in the area." I heard that phrase so many times, to me, he was "Greg ... Area".
Since then, they have had a long procession of linebackers who don't get interceptions or break up passes. They just cover in the area. This will continue to be a problem as the passing games evolve and other teams watch game films.

Later

 

[flgreen]

The inability of Jets linebackers to defend the passing game is nothing new. I once joked (and may have posted) that I thought Greg Buttle's name was Greg Area. That was because when I listened to the games on radio, I always heard "The pass was complete. Greg Buttle was covering in the area." I heard that phrase so many times, to me, he was "Greg ... Area".
Since then, they have had a long procession of linebackers who don't get interceptions or break up passes. They just cover in the area. This will continue to be a problem as the passing games evolve and other teams watch game films.

Later

Not sure how they will play in the pro's, and that's why Macc is making the big bucks, but there are a few LB'ers in this draft who "COULD" be at 20.

Kiper has mocked an injured Jayon Smith to the Jets, who is exactly what you describe. Doubt he'll be there, but Kiper has given me hope. There is also Floyd who a lot of people are mocking to the Jets. Bit undersized but looks like he might be an impact pass rusher. Lee, again a bit undersized, but should be a 3 down LB'er, who is good in all phases. And a guy with big character ?. Spence. Who has tremendous talent, but a lot of off field issues. (think Sheldon Richardson)

You may just get your wish. I'm going to trust Macc on this one

 

[jetgreen13]

Interesting Bowles has stated they need more speed at Lb'er, and everyone seems to agree, but two of the fastest LB'ers on the team are widely thought to be gone.

Coples was already cut, most people think Davis will be next. I'm not 100% sure Davis is gone. More then likely he won't draw much attention in FA. Unless Rex gets involved. Jets might just re-sign him cheap. He is fast, and very aggressive. That aggressiveness has led to him over running tackles, and being out of position in coverage. We'll see what happens with him. Won't be surprised if he is re-signed, and won't be surprised if he is with the Bills.

Will be also surprised if LB'er isn't high on the Macc's "things to do in the draft list". Couple of real interesting ones might be available @ 20.

Kiper has mocked Jaylon Smith to the Jets. I would be surprised if this happens. Almost every one had Smith ranked in top 10 before his injury, many in top 5, a few as best player in draft. Think some one will take a shot at him before 20, but it could happen.

Leonard Floyd is another LB'er that was mocked to the Jets by Dane Brugler. Good all around player, needs some time in weight room

hammer posted in the kiper thread the smith kid isn't a pass rusher in the least.. before his injury if some people had him as high as a top 5?? obviously he must have been all world in other LB responsibilities.. i've read here at JFU the kid is excellent in pass defense.. what else is he bringing to the table?? tackling?? plus hammer also mentioned the kid played in a 4-3 system at ND but we are a base 3-4..

what's all the excitement about?? personally i've become sceptical of drafting both injured kids & players who we ask to learn essentially a new position in the pros..

 

[flgreen]

hammer posted in the kiper thread the smith kid isn't a pass rusher in the least.. before his injury if some people had him as high as a top 5?? obviously he must have been all world in other LB responsibilities.. i've read here at JFU the kid is excellent in pass defense.. what else is he bringing to the table?? tackling?? plus hammer also mentioned the kid played in a 4-3 system at ND but we are a base 3-4..

what's all the excitement about?? personally i've become sceptical of drafting both injured kids & players who we ask to learn essentially a new position in the pros..

I read Ham's post, and as much as I respect Ham's opinion I STRONGLY disagree. As do about 90% of draft analyst. Before his injury Smith was considered almost a lock to be a top 5 pick, and a lot of people had him as the first pick in the draft.

Even though his sack #'s weren't off the charts it's mostly because he wasn't used in that role all that much at ND. When he was, he was excellent. He will produce 10+ sacks in the NFL with his speed and athleticism once he gets healthy and adjusts to the next level. If you don't believe it, g has posted a video of him in the draft section. Go watch it and tell me he won't rush the passer at the next level.

Here's a review from one of my favorite draft analyst Rob Rang:

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

STRENGTHS: He is a greased up athlete with natural twitch and flexibility, showing balance, burst and excellent speed in pursuit. Scouts are enthralled with Smith's explosiveness and it isn't difficult to understand why.
He reads plays quickly and keeps his eyes glued on the ball to collect himself in space and burst toward the ballcarrier with excellent closing speed. Shows tremendous secondary quickness to unhook himself from blocks and make up ground in a flash.

He might be the nation's most forceful tackler, generating incredible power to knock ballcarriers back. Smith is every bit as fast and fluid as he is powerful, however, slipping by (or leaping over) would-be blockers in the running game and dropping effectively in coverage.

It is the ability to play back in coverage and rush the passer that makes Smith such an exciting prospect, as proponents of the 4-3 and 3-4, alike, will see him as a true three down defender.

WEAKNESSES: Smith lacks elite take-on strength for the position and can be late to stack-and-shed.

IN OUR VIEW: In today's ultra-specialized NFL, defenses routinely substitute powerful linebackers on running downs and faster, more agile defenders on obvious passing plays. Teams won't have to swap Smith out, however. Along with injured UCLA outside linebacker Myles Jack (also a projected top 10 pick), Smith is the most versatile and pro-ready linebacker in the country.

--Dane Brugler & Rob Rang (11/29/15)

PLAYER OVERVIEW

Smith will almost surely earn the highest selection of a Notre Dame defender since the San Francisco 49ers made defensive tackle Bryant Young the No. 7 overall pick of the 1994 draft.
A player who Irish coach Brian Kelly said is the best he's ever coached, Smith is a freakish athlete who makes plays on the football field that few others at the college level are capable of making. He has the range, instincts and competitive drive that makes him a highly sought after NFL prospect.

Notre Dame's top tackler from 2014, Smith made most of the defensive calls as a true sophomore and separated himself as one of the top NFL prospects in the country.


This is from NFL.com who rank him as the #3 player in the whole draft. it was published in August before the season. His play this year has actually moved him up the boards. He's been exceptional.

#CFBTop20: No. 3, Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
NFL.com

Published: Aug. 31, 2015 at 11:12 a.m. Updated: Aug. 31, 2015 at 11:27 a.m. 61 Likes | 1 Comments
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Rick Scuteri / Associated Press
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith jumps out if you're watching the Fighting Irish defense in action. Smith is a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine, registering a team-high 112 tackles last season (leading his team by a distant margin of 34 tackles).


CFB 24/7 is marking the days to the start of the 2015 season by counting down the top 20 players in college football.



There will likely be a great "best linebacker" debate to be waged throughout the 2015 season between Smith and UCLA's Myles Jack (No. 11 on the #CFBTop20 countdown). NFL Media draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote that Smith is in the same league as Jack from an explosiveness standpoint and can unlatch from blocks to pounce on runners like a puma.

Pulling back the curtain on the vote

Smith earned votes from six of seven CFB 24/7 experts. Smith was one of six players to receive a first-place vote; he also received three other top-10 votes. Smith gives Notre Dame two players in the #CFBTop20 countdown, joining offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley.

What some of our analysts are saying about Smith

"He jumps off the tape when you study him. Against Florida State, he looked like the fastest player on the field." -- Daniel Jeremiah

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"No linebacker in the country gets from sideline to sideline better than Smith, and he can take on and shed blocks between the tackles, as well." -- Chase Goodbread

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"Smith has great range and an extra burst to his target that puts him in position to make an insane number of plays. He's an ultra smooth LB who is more productive than Myles Jack and a better athlete than Scooby Wright." -- Lance Zierlein

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"Smith is an excellent tackler and there are few in recent memory with his combination of quickness to the ball and the natural instincts to take advantage of that quickness." -- Chad Reuter

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"If anything, I have him too low. An absolute sideline-to-sideline demon who makes most of his plays going forward, in the offense's backfield." -- Charles Davis

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"Tackling machine with outstanding instincts and awareness. Dominates the game as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker." -- Bucky Brooks



Of all the draft reviews I have seen, before his injury I didn't see one that had him falling out of the top ten.

If the Jets get ridiculously lucky again this year in the draft, and Smith falls to them some how, I will be one happy camper. I will admit it is a long shot he will fall that far blown knee or not. This kid will be an impact player at the next level

 

[flgreen]

LOL

As you might tell I'm hyped up on the possibility that Jaylon Smith has even a minuscule chance of falling to the Jets.

A lot of people who haven't seen him play a lot, will look at the sack totals and think, "crap this kid can't rush the passer" Here's the reason his sack totals aren't off the charts. Look where he's lined up in ND's D.



ILB off the line




Covering in the slot like a CB




Rarely on the edge rushing the passer. This was one of his sacks BTW


As you mentioned smith played out of a base 4-3 D. In a 4-3 90% of the pass rush comes from DE's. There is where the problem in transition to 3-4 comes in. When these smaller pass rushing DE's come into the NFL as 3-4 OLB'ers, the transition is huge. Most of them have never covered anyone, and just can't do it in the pro's. That won't be a problem for Smith. He is routinely covering in the slot.

As I've mentioned when given a rare opportunity to rush the passer, he usually gets either a hurry, or a QB hit, or a sack. He is very well suited to play off the edge in the NFL.

Remember all those wheel routes that teams were killing the Jets with out of the back field all season. They will be a thing of the past.

Think about how valuable, against a QB like Brady, putting a LB'er in the slot to neutralize that quick hitter across the middle will be. Now you can drop your slot corner into double coverage against a guy like Gronk. Or the reverse have Smith help out against Gronk.

While still having a dynamic pass rusher. Think Bowles could really make this kid a special player.

 

[jetgreen13]

[MENTION=9]flgreen[/MENTION] OK, just finished watching the smith video gmf put up in the draft lounge..

i try not to get super hyped about youtube videos of draft worthy college kids.. they always look impressive in these vids..

LOLz that said, here's the things that absolutely jumped out at me..

pursuit & vision in both against the run & pass seems undeniably great..

for a guy that looks like a pumped strong safety, he's absolutely blowing skill position players up.. gets to the point of attack angry with great leverage..

i see why people are excited about him as a pass defender.. that video backed up everything posted here about him in coverage..

what really jumped out to me is the kid not only blows people up, he wrap tackles instead of the shoulder block BS.. which as we know is an absolute lost art in today's NFL..

already stated i try not to get to crazy about youtube highlight videos but i would be lying if i said i wasn't blown away with this one..

dramatically more than the UCLA LB/RB kid..

 

[flgreen]

[MENTION=9]flgreen[/MENTION] OK, just finished watching the smith video gmf put up in the draft lounge..

i try not to get super hyped about youtube videos of draft worthy college kids.. they always look impressive in these vids..

LOLz that said, here's the things that absolutely jumped out at me..

pursuit & vision in both against the run & pass seems undeniably great..

for a guy that looks like a pumped strong safety, he's absolutely blowing skill position players up.. gets to the point of attack angry with great leverage..

i see why people are excited about him as a pass defender.. that video backed up everything posted here about him in coverage..

what really jumped out to me is the kid not only blows people up, he wrap tackles instead of the shoulder block BS.. which as we know is an absolute lost art in today's NFL..

already stated i try not to get to crazy about youtube highlight videos but i would be lying if i said i wasn't blown away with this one..

dramatically more than the UCLA LB/RB kid..

[MENTION=32]jetgreen13[/MENTION] I understand what your saying about highlight video's. They are often posted by friends, family, or agents. Every prospect is going to be an All Pro. LOL..

Usually what I do when I'm interested in a player is go to you-tube and search Jaylon Smith vs (leave this part blank) You will come up with several games where they high lite the player in EVERY defensive snap in the game. You can do it with any body. You get a much better idea of what the player is.

In Smith's case his high lite tape, is about what he brings every play.

Just in gmf's tape you can see the explosion off the edge Smith brings in the pass rush, even though he didn't do that much in N D. He will in Bowles' 3-4. IMO the sack totals will be impressive. Not to mention tremendous coverage skills. Think he would be a game changer in this D.

BTW as far as being a jacked up safety goes he's 6' 3" 240# guy that's a big safety. LOL

 

[jetgreen13]

[MENTION=32]jetgreen13[/MENTION] I understand what your saying about highlight video's. They are often posted by friends, family, or agents. Every prospect is going to be an All Pro. LOL..

Usually what I do when I'm interested in a player is go to you-tube and search Jaylon Smith vs (leave this part blank) You will come up with several games where they high lite the player in EVERY defensive snap in the game. You can do it with any body. You get a much better idea of what the player is.

In Smith's case his high lite tape, is about what he brings every play.

Just in gmf's tape you can see the explosion off the edge Smith brings in the pass rush, even though he didn't do that much in N D. He will in Bowles' 3-4. IMO the sack totals will be impressive. Not to mention tremendous coverage skills. Think he would be a game changer in this D.

BTW as far as being a jacked up safety goes he's 6' 3" 240# guy that's a big safety. LOL

i said he "looks like a pumped up strong safety" & meant that as a compliment.. to be raising that kind of hell at the point of attack he has to be bigger than he looks.. in that way, what i watched in that video reminded me of a young LT in that regard.. a much stronger guy than his appearances leads you to believe..

 

[Old#15]

To the extent that Smith or Jack are not sitting there at #20, and athletic LB's are the play, is Darron Lee from Ohio State a possibility in perhaps round 2? I read that he has similar athleticism, very good in coverage, etc. but only ok size at 6'1 235. That way we can use our #20 on OT, WR, CB, etc. I saw Lee's tape vs Michigan State this year and was not impressed, but is rated as a first round prospect in some circles.

 

[flgreen]

To the extent that Smith or Jack are not sitting there at #20, and athletic LB's are the play, is Darron Lee from Ohio State a possibility in perhaps round 2? I read that he has similar athleticism, very good in coverage, etc. but only ok size at 6'1 235. That way we can use our #20 on OT, WR, CB, etc. I saw Lee's tape vs Michigan State this year and was not impressed, but is rated as a first round prospect in some circles.

Yeah I've said before that It's unlikely that Smith is there at 20. Blown knee or not it's highly likely that that some one will role the dice on him in front of us. Still, As far as Lee making it to our pick in the second , think that very unlikely.

 

[Old#15]

Yeah I've said before that It's unlikely that Smith is there at 20. Blown knee or not it's highly likely that that some one will role the dice on him in front of us. Still, As far as Lee making it to our pick in the second , think that very unlikely.

After reading Lee's write-up in CBS Sports draft section, I was pretty excited. Then I watched the tape and it didn't look like the guy CBS was talking about. Floyd on the other hand looks like a beast on tape (admittedly I probably saw only his highlight tape) and a guy who would bookend nicely with Mauldin. Floyd has a chance to be there at #20, and I would like to see him drafted at that point.

 

[flgreen]

After reading Lee's write-up in CBS Sports draft section, I was pretty excited. Then I watched the tape and it didn't look like the guy CBS was talking about. Floyd on the other hand looks like a beast on tape (admittedly I probably saw only his highlight tape) and a guy who would bookend nicely with Mauldin. Floyd has a chance to be there at #20, and I would like to see him drafted at that point.

Yes he does. And I also wouldn't be upset if the Jets took him.

A guy we can't forget about is Spence. Just can't have him room mate with Sheldon Richardson.

All in all it looks like there will be a player that can help the Jets at 20. Could be some good OT's there also.

 

[Old#15]

Yes he does. And I also wouldn't be upset if the Jets took him.

A guy we can't forget about is Spence. Just can't have him room mate with Sheldon Richardson.

All in all it looks like there will be a player that can help the Jets at 20. Could be some good OT's there also.

Agree, and it gives me a sense of comfort that MM is making the choice with TB's input.

 

[flgreen]

Yes he does. And I also wouldn't be upset if the Jets took him.

A guy we can't forget about is Spence. Just can't have him room mate with Sheldon Richardson.

All in all it looks like there will be a player that can help the Jets at 20. Could be some good OT's there also.

BTW, Spence is playing in the Senior Bowl. it might be fun watching him. I know Macc will be

 

[Old#15]

Did watching Denver's D disembowel Tom Brady today convince everyone that we need to upgrade our LB corps? Denver's speed and playmaking ability with their LBs had Brady playing his worst game that I have ever seen. Complete the D and draft Spence/Floyd.

 

[Elias]

Did watching Denver's D disembowel Tom Brady today convince everyone that we need to upgrade our LB corps? Denver's speed and playmaking ability with their LBs had Brady playing his worst game that I have ever seen. Complete the D and draft Spence/Floyd.

Linebackers for both the Broncos and Panthers were incredible.

 

[Old#15]

Linebackers for both the Broncos and Panthers were incredible.

+1

 

[Mainejet]

Our linebacker corps sucks and really needs to improve. I am hoping Mac can sign an under the radar edge rusher through free agency? Who is available?