Jets Offseason Wishlist: Defensive Line

Here are some things that I would like to see addressed by the Jets in the offseason. More on this in the coming months, we are going to have plenty of time to discuss all this.

The Need: Nose Tackle or Defensive End

The Reason: After switching to the 3-4 in 2006, the Jets ended the season as the worst overall ranked run defense according to Football Outsiders. That's not just someone's opinion, it's based on this "facts & analysis" stuff. From looking at the numbers, they seem to support that the line was the problem giving up short distance situations on both third and fourth down and not stuffing the run in other (longer) situations (see the above link for more information).

In tandem with that fact, the Jets didn't seem to struggle in giving up long gains of ten or more yards as the Jets ranked 8th overall against long gains. This would seem to indicate that the Linebackers and Secondary are doing a decent job with preventing runners from getting to far downfield, once they got through the line. With teams the Jets are slated to play already announced, the Jets are going to see some very good running backs next year, the Jets would be wise to up their run stopping ability to try to even come close to matching their 2006 record.

The Jets also struggled bringing pressure with less than five players. Of the starting linemen, only five and a half sacks were recorded between Kimo von Oelhoffen, Shaun Ellis and Dewayne Robertson while nineteen were recorded by the starting Linebackers. Still the numbers were low, but single digit sacks from linemen, even 3-4 linemen needs to be addressed. The quickest way to enable the linemen to get more shots at the quarterback is by playing a large player in the middle who can easily tie up two players.

The Options: It's anyone's guess what the line will look like next year for the Jets. Shaun Ellis at one end is a lock, but it's hard to say what the Jets will do but there seem to be two logical choices

1) Replace Kimo von Oelhoffen - KvO was brought in to provide stability and leadership for the 3-4 defense and play on the right side of the line. I think he has helped bring the Jets some familiarity with the system, but now they need a player who can provide pressure and bookend Shaun Ellis' work. I wouldn't mind if Kimo played off the bench, but I think he has come to the end of his career and just can't play at the level to which he had.

2) Replace Roberton at NT & shift him to DE - Dewayne Robertson is a possible stopgap for the end, but unfortunately at 6'1" he just isn't tall enough to be the prototypical end in a 3-4. In most 3-4s it seems that the DEs are often 6'5" which gives them wider wingspan to make tackles, tie up blockers and bat down passes. The New England Patriots' Vince Wilfork is only 6'2" and very successful in the 3-4 at Nose. This is why I think Mangini would really like Robertson to succeed at the nose, and Mangini will watch Robertson's progress until about midseason to determine whether or not he is a viable long-term solution for the Jets as his contract is up at the end of next year.

The Names: Until cuts are made, it will be hard to know exactly what the free agent market looks like, but Robaire Smith would be an interesting option for the Jets. At 6'4" and 328, he cuts an intimidating presence and would likely garner double teams. Smith can play decently at the point of attack against the run and has some basic pass rush skills, but seems to lack ideal quickness. Beyond that, his pedigree is interesting, Smith played in Houston while they ran the 3-4, and played in college under Nick Saban at Michigan State. Leaving Robertson in the middle and playing Smith at DE seems an interesting idea. Smith was cut by the Texans at the beginning of the 2006 season and returned to the Titans for a $1 million contract, but is free at present. I am sure he would like to stay put, but the Jets could be able to get him for a low dollar amount, making it look attractive through salary or signing bonuses. It seems that Smith says he would like to stay in Nashville, but we all know what the bottom line generally is.

Charles Grant is another option that might be interesting to the Jets. Grant was fourth on the Saints in tackles in 2006 and is a larger 4-3 DE. His size, 6'3" 290 pounds would work well enough at 3-4 end. According to an old scouting report, Grant seems to be a bit impatient at times, but has the ability to chase plays from behind, pass rush and stop the run. A year under Sean Payton was probably a good thing for Grant, who would understand what he was coming into if he became a Jet. I just wonder if he could make the transition to the two-gap style and if he would be OK with not blindly rushing the QB like most DEs are used to in a 4-3. Rotoworld has noted that the Bucs might be interested in Grant already. Grant has some gaudy sack stats early in his career, so he might see some bigger offers than the Jets could make. Word on the street is that Grant can be lazy, so I wonder how likely the Jets would be to take a chance on a guy like that.