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Continuing what we were talking about yesterday about an important issue that needs to be resolved by the New York Jets to help them take the next step . . .
The Jets need to get their edge pass rush to the next level, especially facing a much tougher schedule this year.
I left off yesterday on Jordan Jenkins.
Watching him in the spring, I think he’s going to be very solid. He’s nicely built at 6-3, 259 with really long arms and huge hands. He’s a rookie, but physically he arrived in Florham Park already assembled. He’s ready to roll. Some guys need an NFL red-shirt year physically to get bigger and stronger. He doesn’t.
And I had a long chat with him in the mini-camp (the interview is in the latest issue of Jets Confidential Magazine), and he’s an awfully impressive guy – military father – really has his act together – very bright, focused. I think he’s going to be a consummate professional. He’s the kind of guy you want in your huddle and locker room.
“He’s bright, he works hard, which we already knew,” Todd Bowles said about Jenkins.
This is one of those picks that, barring injury. should work out. This guy has no earmarks of a potential bust. I view him as a more physical Calvin Pace. He should be stout against the run, and get you 5-7 sacks.
Former CFL standout Freddie Bishop is the ex-factor here. He has a great motor, and I think he can help the Jets, but don’t expect him to be the savior for their pass rush. Yes, he had 11 sacks in Canada, but obviously NFL offensive tackles are much better. And he’s not blessed with top-shelf speed or quickness. Seeing him up-close for the first time this spring, I can tell you one thing – this guy lives in the weight room – he’s the most powerfully built of all the Jets’ outside linebackers. I think he will some battles with his bull rush. With his power and motor, he will get his share of sacks, but I don’t see him as a double-digit sack guy in the NFL because his first-step quickness is pedestrian.
Another guy to keep an eye on is Deion Barnes, a Penn State prospect who was on the Jets’ practice squad last year after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent.
“I would say in a year’s time he’s probably the most improved player out here at any position in my mind,” said Jets outside linebacker coach Mark Collins. “He does whatever I ask him to do. He’s constantly working on his own after practice. Deion is getting the most out of his ability.”
We will see how this all comes together. Perhaps one of the players we talked about the last two days emerges as a special pass rusher. It’s fair to say they don’t have a Von Miller in the room, but those kind of guys are so hard to find.
But I think the Jets can get by with this group, and they will get their share of sacks.
There are a lot of really good motors in that room and a lot of young legs.
June 22, 2016
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