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Go out and get your own guy. Perhaps it’s easier said than done, but that is why you hire a guy like Mike Maccagnan.
There is no question the Jets need to land a big-time edge pass rusher for their outside linebacker position. This is a no-brainer.
I was doing research on guys they could go after in free agency.
Obviously their budget is limited for certain reasons (I will give you some time off from the biggest reason – I promise – we all need a break).
But the need for this player is of the utmost importance. Denver should us the import of this.
The Jets need to improve their pass coverage.
Getting great edge pass rushers is the best friend of a secondary.
You obviously don’t need to hold up as long if you can consistently get to the quarterback.
Good secondary play and a top-shelf pass rush usually have a symbiotic.
So Mike Maccagnan, and his scouting staff, need to go out and find a dynamo coming off the edge.
I know it’s easier said than done, but a good GM should be able to get this done.
My big picture point here is – why do you need to go out and sign Olivier Vernon for $9 million a year. Go out and get your own Olivier Vernon.
Vernon was a third round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2012. He’s had 29 sacks in four years, including 11.5 in 2013.
Because so many teams are in the Jets’ boat and need pass rush help, he’s going to get a big pay day.
You know what, he’s a good player, but not a superstar. And remember he played opposite Cam Wake, so he got a lot of favorable match-ups.
My point is simple – the Dolphins got him in the third round. Go out and get your own good pass rusher in the third round, or whatever round you want to throw out there.
And remember, if you do your due diligence, and land a Vernon-type in the third round, you don’t have to pay him big buck for four years. He’s locked into his rookie deal.
Another good free agent pass rusher is Greg Hardy, who played for Dallas last year.
Look, I know aren’t going there for obviously reasons, but let’s not forget he came into the league as a sixth round pick of Carolina, and set their single-season sack record with 15.
Kansas City’s Justin Houston, one of the game’s premier pass rushers was picked in the third round. Baltimore’s
Elvis Dumervil was a fourth round pick, and has 96 career sacks.
What I’m saying is – Maccagnan has a terrific reputation as a talent-scout.
Go out and find pass rusher(s) in the draft.
Don’t let others do your work for you – do it yourself.
They are out there – go find them.
That is why you get the big bucks.
There is no reason to spending a fortune in free agency on middle round pick pass rushers who other team’s found and cultivated.
Go find them yourself.
Go get your own Olivier Vernon or Justin Houston for goodness sake.
February 18, 2016
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