Jamaal Westerman Continues To Impress The New York Jets

by Xander Diaz on Aug 10, 2009 10:11 AM EDT

Considering the nightmare the news media, yours truly included, has built up regarding the New York Jets depth chart issues, it is refreshing to hear something positive in this area.

It appears that Rutgers product, defensive end-turned-linebacker Jamaal Westerman is the real deal. So much so that Dave Hutchinson of the Star Ledger is reporting that Westerman making the team is a near certainty now.

''I'll tell you, Westerman, the kid from Rutgers, I'll be shocked if he doesn't make a name for himself this year,'' Ryan said last Sunday, the first weekend of camp. ''We're really excited to have this guy.''
Westerman, 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, has been the rookie free-agent find of training camp thus far. He's a virtual lock to make the team.

This is truly fantastic news since we've all been belly-aching about the lack of depth. Westerman may turn out to be a stellar pickup for this team because of his sheer versatility. Once a defensive end, Westerman has been asked to switch to outside linebacker then to inside linebacker and is now calling defensive plays on the field with the second team.

Westerman is a player who can play outside, inside and knows the entire defense. Versatility Rex Ryan appreciates, calling Westerman his "swing guy".

Westerman has even been more impressive than second-year linebacker Vernon Gholston. Gholston was drafted sixth over all by the Jets in 2008 and was supposed to be the "terror" of passers the league over. So far the only thing Gholston has managed to terrorize is the bench on the sidelines.

These are the kinds of stories we need to see more of out of camp. Who starts at QB or who receiver #2 will be is, of course, a big concern but it's guys like Westerman who ultimately could make the biggest difference down the stretch when things get tough due to injuries or fatigue or any of the other unknowns yet to come.

Xander Diaz is Editor-In-Chief at AFCBeast.com

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Comments

More Impressive Than Gholston, Ughhh No.

Gholston has done everything Westerman has done the only reason you are even hearing his name is because Rex is very impressed with his versatility which may I say IS very impressive going from DE, to OLB to ILB in one off season is crazy.
BUT saying he has been more impressive than Gholston is a media fed opinion if you were actually there you would of seen Gholston with impressive run stops, and Sacks but wait he is only getting better.

by Young Jet on Aug 10, 2009 10:37 AM EDT reply actions

How I wish I could be there!

But in the mean time I can only report on what I read in the media and so far it’s been less than flattering about Gholston with a very few smatterings of praise mixed in.

All in all, not much coming out to give the impression that he is doing anything to make this a better year than last.

Having said all that, I hope he come out roaring and proves me and everyone else wrong. In the end I would rather eat crow and have my Jets win than the other way around.

Xander is Editor-In-Chief for AFCBeast.com - The Best Damn Jets Fan Site Ever!

by Xander Diaz on Aug 10, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

I Apologize If I Seem Like a AssHole

It annoys me when the Media (not necessarily you) only go off of Hype to judge a player.
It just reminds me of that season Ed Reed got the Pro Bowl Nod over Kerry Rhodes even though Kerry had a better season.
But in Gholstons case I think the thing about him getting a mention here and there is because he is a 6 pick and Jamaal is a UDFA so when VG gets a sack they are like well he is the 6th pick what do you expect but when Jamaal does the same thing people go crazy and write an article about it.

by Young Jet on Aug 10, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions

That is a valid point.

I can see how perception can create 2 different realities between the two. Even so, there is a reason and even validity as to why perceptions lead you in those two directions.

Fair or unfair it was the expectations that got VG picked when he did and so praising him for getting a sack here and there is akin to praising your circular saw for cutting wood.

You expected that when you bought it.

Westerman, however, is the handsaw in your toolbox. You knew it would cut wood when you bought it but probably not as well or as quickly as the power saw. So when you find your hand saw not only cuts wood but it is doing as good a job of it than the more expensive power saw, you’re bound to tell a friend or two. Heck, you may even brag.

It’s just human nature.

Of course, I have to admit I could just be talking out of my butt here.

Sounded good to me though! ;)

Xander is Editor-In-Chief for AFCBeast.com - The Best Damn Jets Fan Site Ever!

by Xander Diaz on Aug 10, 2009 12:01 PM EDT reply actions

The more the merrier.

Our defense this year is gonna be built around the linebacking corp, plain and simple. They play well, and our defense will be very successful. The more quality players we have at linebacker, regardless of its an undrafted rookie or a top 6 pick, the better the team will be.
And also just because Jamaal is “impressive” in camp doesn’t mean he’s necessarily playing better than Vernon. As you guys have said already, no one expects the undrafted rookie to be doing much, so that is impressive that he is already a leader on the team. The media has hated on Vernon even before he was drafted, labelling him the biggest “bust” potential before the draft even started last year. If Vernon doesn’t play well this year then he has no excuse, but do you really think that Mangini was going to unlock his potential last year? If both guys are playing well then that only means good things for the team. It doesn’t matter if it’s an undrafted free agent rookie, a high-paid top draft pick, or a seasoned veteran, as long as everyone is playing well then that makes me feel confident.

by billbraski on Aug 10, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions