Adalius Thomas -- Utility Backer

According to Cimini, the Jets are not only interested in AT, but they'd rather do something sooner rather than later.  I think this is a good move for both the short and long term.  One of the  things thats great about AT is his versatility.  He can play both inside and outside linebacker.  This injury to Pace may be a blessing in disguise.  AT may be just what we need to get us over the hump to make a run at a title, that is if Revis is in the fold.  He could be our utility backer.  That savy vet that can come in and sub for any position and keep everybody fresh. 

Not that I don't trust JT, I... well... Ok, I don't trust JT.  Don't get me wrong, I still think he has football in him, but I think he's best suited to be utilized primarily as a pass rusher.  We should limit his snaps as much as possible and use him situationally, like we do with LD.  I don't think its a good idea for him to have to hunker down and set the edge in the run game.  Not only will that sap his energy and get him nicked up, but its also not his strong suit.  Lets face it he sucks against the run.  I saw him get blown off the ball and totally washed out by Cooley and a wideout on a running play to his side against the Skins the other night.  Although he's probably not giving his best effort in the preseason, its still a TE who's light in the pants and a little wideout.  That just can't happen.  I'd much rather see AT setting the edge against the run.

AT also allows for scheme versatility.  We can go with more 4-man fronts on early downs, and have a nice LB rotation.  Harris and Scott can split time in the middle.  Scott can also split time and rotate with A. Thomas and B. Thomas.  The 4 down lineman could be Devito and Pouha inside (resting Jenkins altogether), with Ellis and Gholston on the outside.  2nd downs we can transition back to the 3-4 with Thomas and AD out at OLB.  3rd downs you bring in JT and Westerman to get after the passer.  Then when Pace comes back, you can keep both him and JT out of the early downs and keep them fresh and hungry for pass rushing situations. 

I don't think switching Gholston back to an OLB would be a very good idea.  He plays MUCH better with his hand in the ground.  The way he plays as a true DE is so different than how he plays as an OLB that its almost night and day.  Besides, as an OLB we know that he stinks, but he seems to be at least average as a DE.   After signing Adalius, the only other thing to do would be to grab another big boy for d-line depth to replace Ropati and, obviously, sign Revis (I don't care who's right/wrong anymore, just get him here).