Content available exclusively for subscribers
Premium – Jets re-signed an outside linebacker today, such an important position in their defensive front. Let’s take a look at what is going on out there . . .
As most of you know by now, the Jets re-signed outside linebacker Garrett McIntyre today.
He’s a solid backup outside linebacker in a 3-4 front.
He can capably fill in on either side and does a serviceable job.
While he was re-signed, he could still be in a dog fight to make the team.
Let’s take a look at the number’s game at outside linebacker.
Calvin Pace re-signed this off-season (two-years, $5 million) after perhaps his best season. He is slated to start opposite Quinton Coples.
Remember, Rex Ryan favorite Antwan Barnes returns to the outside linebacker rotation from a knee injury he suffered last October. Remember, Barnes, who Ryan had in Baltimore, and tried to sign in 2011 (he went to San Diego), signed a three-year deal with the Jets a year ago. As long as his knee recovers, he will be on the team.
And here is another name to keep in mind – Jermaine Cunningham, a second round pick of the New England Patriots in 2010 out of the University of Florida.
The Jets signed him last November. He was released by New England on the final cut last summer, and then had a cup of coffee with the San Francisco 49ers.
As first reported by Jets Confidential Magazine, when the Jets signed Cunningham, they dropped Ricky Sapp, because their personnel department believed he was an upgrade.
Cunningham certainly looks the part, at 6-3, 255 pounds. He underachieved a little in New England, but perhaps the Jets will catch lightening in a bottle.
So perhaps the fourth and generally final outside linebacker spot will be a battle between McIntyre and Cunningham.
And let’s not forget the Jets could add an edge pass rusher or two in the upcoming NFL draft. If Auburn’s Dee Ford is around when the Jets are on the clock in the second round, he might be tough to pass by.
Stanford’s Trent Murphy is another guy who would make sense in the second round. He’s a beast.
A smart consideration for the third round is Georgia Tech’s Jeremiah Attaochu, the school’s all-time sack leader with 31.5. He actually played 3-4 outside linebacker in college, so it won’t be as tough a transition for him to the NFL. compared to college defensive ends.
Jets need a young difference-maker at outside linebacker – a speed rusher who can wreck havoc off the edge.
So McIntyre has his work cut out for him.
McIntyre is your quintessential overachiever.
He’s not a great athlete. His hips are very stiff, so it makes it tough for him to change directions in space.
But he’s smart and technically sounds, and he finds a way to get the job done.
However, because of his limited athletic ability, he’s always on the bubble, and always a player that teams look to replace.
And he always makes it tough. He’s a warrior.
April 9, 2014
Premium will return by 9:30 pm
