Is Ropati Pitoitua a Sleeper to Start at Defensive End?

by John B on May 17, 2011 1:30 PM EDT

I have discussed a number of potential scenarios about the defensive line. There is one I have neglected, though. It involves Ropati Pitoitua taking on an enhanced role. Ropati is a 6'7" 315 pound giant. His size is obviously more than adequate for NFL standards in the 3-4. The coaching staff seemed enthused last year in training camp about the way things were finally starting to click for him playing good technique consistently. It seemed like he was ready to take a role playing in the defensive line rotation.

A torn Achilles tendon in the preseason at Carolina ended those hopes. He could very well see more action on a young defensive line this season. The status of Shaun Ellis and Trevor Pryce is anything but certain. Muhammad Wilkerson and Kenrick Ellis are both going to be rookies. A golden opportunity will be there for Pitoitua to earn himself a bigger role.

It might be a bit too much to ask for a young guy coming off a serious who has never gotten a ton of playing time in the past to take a starting role on a Super Bowl contender. If the Jets let both Ellis and Pryce walk, though, it could be an indication they think Ropati is ready, kind of like how letting Marques Douglas go last year indicated the coaches were ready to put more trust in Mike Devito.

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If they keep either Ellis or Pryce though (and I’d prefer Ellis between the two), we could have some great depth for our 4th quarter rotation to keep everyone fresh.

by bobdolethesnapplelady on May 17, 2011 1:39 PM EDT reply actions

Lets see him play

before predicting he can start yea the coaches were high on him before the injury but he needs to play in some games

by Nu York Fan on May 17, 2011 2:00 PM EDT reply actions

he probably would have started over Devito if he wasn't hurt

rex had nothing but postives about the guy

by Bishop Don Magic Juan on May 17, 2011 2:12 PM EDT reply actions

Yeah

I think in Hard Knocks, Rex kept referencing Pitoitua as a varsity player, he has the size to play the run just as well as Devito but also add a pass rushing element too

by Jerrad p on May 17, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he has the potential to tear people up but I would want to wait until I see him on the field before I start getting giddy, but his size, I hope he has the talent cause that is a towering golem.

And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!

by Noble_Lance on May 17, 2011 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

The one good thing about his injury was when it happened.

It happeneing in the pre-season allowed him to recover and begin the rehab process much earlier.

I don’t know how bad his rupture was, but if it wasn’t too bad of a tear he could be near 100% by the start of the season. Hopefully that’s the case.

Can’t wait to get a look at him. He’s another guy I wanted to see add a little weight and get up around 325-330. His 6-8 frame could handle it. But with the achiles injury, now I’m glad he’s a little leaner. It’ll let him keep a lot less stress on it.

by Crackback on May 17, 2011 2:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I'm just glad he's an end not a NT.

At the very least this guy is not meant to take heavy abuse and double teams.

And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!

by Noble_Lance on May 17, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions

I imagine he’s going to be commanding double teams regardless if he plays as well as I think he will…

by Exystence on May 17, 2011 3:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Thought we wanted our DEs get doubled. I thought that was ideal.

by Crackback on May 17, 2011 4:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

yea if ur a DL in a 34 system ur taking a beating

by Bishop Don Magic Juan on May 17, 2011 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry still kinda new at the logic behind each position and purpose.

But I always hear DE and think 43 system DE usually taking on a guy or making an attempt at pass rushing.

And the home of the .... JETS!!!
Now lets get a G-D snack!!!

by Noble_Lance on May 17, 2011 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions

It is ideal. tying up blockers to free our backers.

by Jerrad p on May 17, 2011 4:17 PM EDT reply actions

No one is pushing DeVito for a job. He is that good at this point.

If he does start, it means Milkerson is not good enough to start, which is bad news for the Jets. Either way, they are going to rotate all the time, so who actually starts is almost meaningless.

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by Ryan Alfieri on May 17, 2011 6:26 PM EDT reply actions

i love his depth keep every one fresh and rested…..especially if we bring back players like ellis jenkins and pryce

by MrMartain on May 17, 2011 6:30 PM EDT reply actions

I doubt he'll start with Devito and WIlk on the line as DE's...

But he could get some great playing time if Pryce and Shaun go. I wouldn’t want that to happen though. I think having Ellis start one more year for us would be huge and it would allow Muhammad to step into the starting spot or our best DE easily in 2012.

Muhammad Wilkerson + Kenrick Ellis=
-Greatest two picks of all time
-Sleepless nights for Tommy Bieber

by JetKing55 on May 17, 2011 8:59 PM EDT reply actions

lets see him

play. you don’t know how he will be back. the more depth on the line the better, i think. bring back ellis or pryce (hopefully ellis) and we are good to go.

"it's not easy being green"-kermit the frog
"we the mets are an improved ball club, now we lose in extra innings"-casy stengal
i cant spell a nosebleed
he's gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!OLIE PEREZ IS GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by rexthejet on May 17, 2011 9:07 PM EDT reply actions