It’s a Linebacker Kind of Day at the Complex
Posted by Eric Allen on April 14, 2011 – 1:09 pmThe Atlantic Health Jets Training Center has become “Linebacker U” as today’s college prospect visitors included five linebackers.
Nicknamed “Superman” by Boilermaker teammates, Ryan Kerrigan lined up at defensive end for Purdue and made it a habit of getting to opposition quarterbacks. The 6’4”, 267-pounder preferred to keep the cape on Saturday afternoons, amassing 33.5 sacks, which ranks fifth in school history, and a Big Ten-record 14 forced fumbles during his illustrious career. Kerrigan blazed to a 4.67 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine and he is a relentless force who has ability to anticipate the snap.
“I was just really sure of myself every snap,” Kerrigan said in Indianapolis. “I had a good idea of what plays were coming and that came from watching a lot of game tape and I was able to take that to the field and have a good idea of what play was coming. That allowed me to be a little bit quicker at the start when the ball was snapped.”
Texas LB Sam Acho, also in attendance, is the definition of model athlete. In 2010 he captured the William V. Campbell Trophy, presented to the nation’s top football student athlete, and also was awarded the Wuerffel Trophy for all-around excellence in athletic, academic and community achievement. He was the Longhorns’ seventh two-time Academic All-American. So no NFL playbook — even if it was typed in Spanish — is going to be a problem for the 6’2”, 262-pounder.
Acho also excelled on the field, making 26 starts at UT and amassing 23.5 sacks, 37 tackles for loss, 44 pressures, eight forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries.
A product of Georgia’s 3-4 scheme, Justin Houston will have some comfort with playing OLB if selected by an NFL team that employs a similar front. Last season the 6’3”, 270-pounder (who ran a 4.68 in the 40 at the combine) registered 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. He had an eye-popping 44 hurries as well and some pundits actually believe he might be suited best for a 4-3 end position because of his initial “giddyup” off the edge.
LB Elijah “Peanut” Joseph makes it a Temple trifecta for the Jets because DL Muhammad Wilkerson and S Jaiquawn Jarrett made stops earlier this week. Joseph (6’1”, 243) is a sound tackler with special teams experience who was the recipient of the Carlos Diaz Award in 2010 as the Owls’ most improved player. Over the past two seasons he combined to total 134 tackles and 10.5 stops for loss and has experience both on the outside and inside.
Blessed with uncommon speed, Illinois LB Martez Wilson turned in an exceptional 4.42 time in the 40 at the combine. He is long at 6’4” and 250 pounds and can run with receivers down the field in coverage. After missing the majority of the 2009 season with a herniated disk, Wilson earned Big Ten first-team accolades last season after racking up 112 tackles, 11.5 stops for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, an interception, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.
Joey Clinkscales, the Jets’ VP of college scouting, played WR at Tennessee and today Clinkscales and his staff are speaking with Volunteers wideout Denarius Moore. The 6’0”, 194-pound Moore averaged 21 yards on his 43 catches and an impressive nine went for scores. He can get down the field and his 2,004 career receiving yards made him just the seventh UT receiver to reach the 2,000-yard mark.
Tags: Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Justin Houston, Linebacker U, Martez Wilson, prospect visits, Ryan Kerrigan, Sam Acho
Posted in Eric Allen | 39 Comments »
By GaryC on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
Acho has no baggage, I hope this doesn’t sway the jets away from him.
By IRA on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
EA, Kerrigan might be the best pure pass rusher in the draft. The Jets would have to trade up a lot to gt him. He is not getting past 15-20. You have read this from me before. The Jets and many other teams have learned this lesson the hard way. Do not draft players in the 1st or 2nd rd who you want to convert to a 3-4 OLB or a 4-3 DE. The odds are against them being successful.
By scjoe on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
I posted earlier about bringing a guy like Carimi in for a visit, first off he probably will not be there at 30, and he does not play a position that is a glaring need. But Kerrigan on the other hand I can see coming in for a visit, sure he will not be there at 30, but given Mr Ts track record for draft day trading you don’t rule anything out. Ira, I hear what you are saying about OLBs, converted DEs, tweeners, and misses in the draft, but as much as I disagree with the idea of trading up and given away more draft picks I certainly would be on board for a trade up to get a guy like Kerrigan. Then, I would pray a lot that he is not the next Vernon Gholston.
By IRA on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
scjoe, Your Kerrigan opinion is solid but i would proceed with caution. I am still shell shocked over the last mistake but not surprised.
By Tom Spicer on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
Getting back to a subject that was brought up a few posts ago. It does not matter what school a kid went to what matters is how much heart he has. Gholston went to Ohio State & he had no heart. Woodhead went to Chadrin State & he is all heart.
By matt on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
Jets can’t move up for Kerrigan, even if they traded their whole draft. I’d take Reed, Taylor or trade back if they are gone.
By GaryC on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
I stated this early in the season about kerrigan, purdue has put out spencer,phillips,avril,ray edwards, so this is not a gholston projection, this is a school that puts out quality pass rushers.
By fred on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
I still think this is the year that Mr. T trades down or stays put -with the labor uncertainty the Jets need as many picks as possible & it seems like this draft is deep in areas that need to be addressed
By dougmc on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
Again, If we can move into the 38th pick with Arizona and get Brooks Reed or Martez Wilson and get another second rounder and another third or so, that would be a pretty sweet deal. If we keep 30th pick and then we move into second round with a trade to get a quality pick that would be cool too.
J-E-T-S…JETS…JETS…JETS…!!!
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
That’s funny about Acho, GaryC. I don’t know exactly what order, though I know the WR won’t be #1. But it’s looking like NT, LB, WR, S, DL, and maybe OL or anybody’s guess for the last pick. Still can’t believe we’re not moving aggressively to get more picks, in this or any other year, though.
By Mike Jet Vet on Apr 14, 2011 | Reply
Ira Scjoe FYI if we draft a RT over DE NT or OLB forget about hearing noise from Radio City myself along with many others will go ballistic right here on Randy’s Radar bet on it ..we have enough Depth at o-line to get the Job done D-line is old tired and hurt with no depth what’s so ever, RT is a luxury we can’t afford no matter what some may think.. In my opinion if Carimi happens to fall to 30 trade out to a team in need of a RT for the best NT DE OLB available.. you both say how good trader Mike is well this year he’ll have to be at his very best to pull value from this draft when our 1st pick is at 30 with 5 picks after
By IRA on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
matt,
According to the NFL trade value chart if the Jets want to trade up to say 15 to 18 they will need about 1,000 pts. Their whole draft for this year doesn’t even total that. The only way they could get up to that pick would be to trade away future picks. I wouldn’t be thrilled its opposite of how the Pats parlay picks year after year into more picks. But if its for a player they feel can step in and start from day one and fill their biggest need then go do it. Only trouble is i don’t see how they can develop or find UDFA this year. They would need a full spring and summer program to develop and get ready for the NFL. Thats not happening this year.
So Goodell already said they have made plans to move back the SB and skip the bye week.
By IRA on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
So like i thought all along from the start of this mess they will start the season mid to late Sept. Really hope i am wrong.
By GaryC on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
when Goodell steps up to the podium and announces Rudolph as the jet #1 selection, only I and uncle Joe, will be applauding seeing that we are the only ones who agree.
By Chicago Bob on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Let’s not forget it was not this regime that drafted Gholston. If I remember correctly, Ravens management (including Rex) was not sold on Gholston when he came out. Unless we can acquire some draft picks, it does not appear realistic that the Jets would trade up as they do not have the ammunition to do so. Losing that 2nd round pick hurts and they cannot afford to package a #3 or #4 along with a 1st to move up.
If Goodell steps up to the podium and announces Rudolph as the Jets #1 pick, he had better learn how to play DE or OLB – the Jets DL is almost ready to start collecting Social Security – the only way the Jets are going to make it to the Super Bowl is having people that can put Brady, Manning and Big Ben on their tail consistently.
By GaryC on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
this is to the jet season ticket holders, just remember you will be paying full price this year for the inferior product that will be on the field.there will be more guys out of shape, suffering pulls and whatnot then ever before, and players and owners will still get there rewards.
By uncle joe on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Im telling you people everyone is making DT Marvin Austin out to be a bad guy,he was suspended for pretty much the same stuff as Robert Quinn,in hopes of making him slip to their team.But his undeniable talent has him flying up the boards,if he is there at 30 THE JETS BETTER NOT GET THIS WRONG. He can play ANY position on the D-Line and plays with ANGER.
By uncle joe on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Marvin Austin at 30 and if NT Ellis is there when the Falcons pick in the second round, send them Keller for the pick. Our D line will be SICK. Still say the best safety is Quinten Carter,Best Corner is Brandon Harris and best RB is Vereen. All my picks will end up on the Pariots,Steelers and Packers, It happens every year,coincidence that these teams are all good. I am GREAT.
By uncle joe on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Thank God that April is flying, I can’t take this anymore! March seemed like it had 41 days instead of 31! I NEED ME SOME FOOTBALL!!!!
By uncle joe on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Constantly staring at videos of men in tights and helmets is making me sick! Can’t wait for this draft to be over so I can go on a long vacation with my wife!
By wayne on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Trader Mike can’t walk on water….Although he might be startin’ to think he can..He rolled the dice last year, now payment’s due..You don’t get to trade up simply because you want to. You have to give up value. Since Jets keep trading away picks, they have fewer assets of value to trade(their own players are too old or too overpaid)..As part of the sell job for wanting out of the current CBA, owners will want to show more fiscal responsibility, so I don’t expect a drastic increase in the cap. If Jets fans expect that their team will be able to sign every Tom(not 64) Dick or Harry..Not gonna happen. Way Holmes is talking, I think he might already have one of those wink wink deals Ira was talking about..Direction for them this draft:Down.
By scjoe on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Ira, you are 100% correct about the trade value chart, the only other way to move up would be by trading a vet, which we all know can not happen if a CBA is not reached before the draft, or, to trade up to around 25 or 26 if that certain guy is there, that may require a #3 and a #7 but you better be sure it is the right guy. For me that guy would be Kerrigan, but there is no way he is still on the board at 25 or 26. I still sya, Taylor at 30, or trade down to top of the second if possible.
By scjoe on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
EA/Randy, do you have any indication at all of how the visit with Taylor went a few days ago?
By Randy Lange on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
scjoe, sorry, we’ve got no other information for you other than that Phil Taylor visited the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on Monday.
By IRA on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Wayne,
Holmes isn’t going anywhere. He will be back and maybe Edwards too. Remember how Mankins had to come back after the 7th game and play. The same thing could happen with Holmes. Actually if this tender sticks he plays for 3.5 i believe and then they can go offer Edwards a deal worth about 5 per year. I really hope that happens and they are both back. Sanchez really got a good chemistry going with both and they complement each other very well.
uncle joe, /15 the CFL starts. Get ready for it and root on Ricky Ray. Its the only football we are going to see for awhile.
By GaryC on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
just remember, nfl is a copy cat league and jets know how successful pats were with gronkowski and hernandez as their dual threats.
By GaryC on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
jet fan tom, you being a southern cal guy, what about casey the d lineman, he would be a good alternative instead of Ellis or Taylor that people keep asking for.and at least he has played against quality competition.I am still interested in McClain the tackle from South Florida also.
By wayne on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
You’re probably right Ira, but Holmes hinted that he has no special attachment to the team or Mr. Sanchez……An unhappy Holmes would not be good. He more than Edwards is appearing to a serious loose cannon…………..If they give him his money…..and years, this is all moot…….Once again, Rex opened his mouth and called him the best player on his team…..If that was me, I’d say the same thing “pay me my money”.
By IRA on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Don’t buy into what Holmes said it was probably more a message to the Jets and Rex responded with the nonsense about Moss.
By matt on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Ira,
I know. That’s exactly what I posted. The Jets can’t trade up for Kerrigan even if they wanted to trade their whole draft.
By matt on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
Jets worked out Dalton at TCU today. That would seem to make no sense. But it makes perfect sense if their real target is WR/KR Kerley, who I have the Jets taking in the 5th round. Which is also why Ellard flew in.
You heard it here.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
I think you’re right about Casey, GaryC, but it’s hard not to picture Ellis or Taylor solving some of our most serious problems on D. wayne, I agree with you about Holmes’ attitude, I really don’t want any guys with lingering resentments on the team and frankly, the team isn’t great enough yet to withstand that kind of thing. And speaking of stupidity and the LB position, can somebody get a hold of Bart Scott and “pull his coat” (to coin a phrase from Malcolm X’s day) to the reality that some people not only are okay with a black president, but they risked their lives during the civil rights movement to make sure there could be one? (The one we actually got is another, more complex subject.) That’s back when I was a New York guy, Gary.
By scjoe on Apr 15, 2011 | Reply
wayne, great point about Rex running his mouth once again, he did it with Revis, we see where that went,he did it with Mangold, but he a little more class then Revis, he did it next with SH, we are now seeing where that has gone, who is next? My guess, Keller! He will proclaim him to be the best TE in the league and he will want to renegotiate based on that. Rex needs to stop and think a bit more before roaring in the future, I am surprised Mr T has not already warned him about that.
By Pranit on Apr 16, 2011 | Reply
I’ll hate it if we spend a draft pick on a WR….we need all the players on defense if we can…draft a NT, OLB, safety etc…
Its time for Sanchez to step up and prove he is worth the $$ he’s being paid..if you are an elite QB then don’t need three # 1 recievers to win a SB…Tom brady won all those SB’s with maybe one #1 reciever..others were average…and we also have Keller (who has to also step up)…,my 2 cents
By GaryC on Apr 16, 2011 | Reply
the way rex talks up the players you think woody would tell him to put a lid on it.also seeing that woody pays rex’s salary you really have to wonder if rex doesn’t bring home the big prize how long he will be jet head coach, considering his off the field escapades,and his praise of the players to up their salary demands.fans also should tell rex to put lid on.the more he talks, the more holdouts jets will have.
By jetsrockettoyou on Apr 17, 2011 | Reply
Come on man. What are we doing? We dont need linebackers other than over rated Bart Scott. Our LB core is set w/out him. We got young faster players that can step up and perform at a higher level. I dont know what coach sutton is doing or thinking. We lack of support in the middle of field against run and pass. We need to get rid of the old guys on the d-line and work w/ the ones behind them. Man the front office dont know that we have star LB’sthat could start on another good calibur team. I dont know why we are looking past them and just going w/ politics. Also we just need to rally around Mark Sanchez and give him confidence and we will just as fine as we was the past two seasons
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 17, 2011 | Reply
You get the Courage Award for the day, GaryC. What baffles me about Rex is that he’s good at the hard stuff, like getting a lot out of mediocre players and motivating them to play for him, and lousy at the easy stuff, like shutting his mouth and keeping up with the way the game is played on O. This is partly why I’m still not sure he’s the guy you hand the team over to for ten years, as he often says he hopes to be. Obviously, a lot of it has to do with how fast Sanchez continues to grow and how long we keep having to listen to excuses for Schotty’s failure to put big points on the board.
By Row on Apr 19, 2011 | Reply
I just want a football player: A guy that hits someone from snap to whistle. I would prefer D-line. Someone who has experience with a 3-4. I also think a super fast OLB would be nice because if the Jets had one edge rusher, they could tailor their secondary a bit better against TE’s. I am not sold on RB, I would not hesitate to trade up in the second round to get a guy like Ryan Williams or wait for the 3rd. There are so many WR’s who showed some talent in the pre-season, we can use one of them. Missed on Henry, missed on some others. I still think punter is an issue. Go Jets! I’ll be watching.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 20, 2011 | Reply
One of your best posts ever in my view, Row, though according to Ira it was Henry who missed on us, not the other way around. And I have a feeling that you’re right about both punter and kicker. Rex, and I guess Westhoff, don’t seem to have a lot of patience at those positions and I don’t think it’s any accident that neither Weatherford nor Folk have been tendered, if I remember right.