State of the New York Jets Roster, Defensive Ends

by John B on Jul 20, 2011 9:19 AM EDT

Continuing our ratings of the current roster, we now move on to guys who fit best as defensive ends in a 3-4 alignment. For a refresher on how the ratings work, click here.

Shaun Ellis (2-B)

Ellis was one of the best 3-4 ends in the NFL last season. He was extremely stout against the run. The Jets allowed less yards per rush at where Ellis typically lined up than any other team. He was also top five at the position in sacks, hits, and pressures. I suspect Ellis overperformed a bit because he was in a contract year. He is usually not that good against the run. He, however, is serviceable against the run and very good at working through traffic and collapsing the pocket. He can line up inside and outside in the 4-3. I would imagine Shaun could be looking at a healthy payday from a team looking to bolster its defensive line. Ellis still has something in the tank, has made the Pro Bowl as an end in both 4-3 and 3-4 base defenses, and is versatile.

Mike Devito (2-B)

Sione Pouha's emergence in 2009 helped the Jets survive the loss of Kris Jenkins. Pouha was so good that Jenkins was going to start at end. Then he got hurt again, and Devito's emergence in 2010 helped the Jets survive it. He has improved markedly over the past two seasons. Either he or Pouha would probably qualify as the player most improved under Rex Ryan. Devito was a rock in the run game. To move to the top tier, he will need to get better collapsing the pocket using power as a pass rusher. He does not provide a ton there, which is funny because I remember him being a better pass rusher than run defender when he entered the league.

Trevor Pryce (2-B)

His numbers never jump off the page, but offensive lines have a ton of trouble blocking him when he is going after the quarterback. He has a quick first step off the snap.

Muhammad Wilkerson (3-D)

He is really big and really athletic. Many smart football people think he is going to be a star. There have been Haloti Ngata comparisons. I am skeptical he will be that good. I think he will be a solid starter. I would not have a problem, though, if I am wrong and the people making the Ngata comparisons are correct.

Ropati Pitoitua (3-E)

I think he could move up from this tier in 2011. There are not many 6'8" 315 pounders with his athletic ability out there. The coaching staff seemed to be pleased with his more consistent technique before he got hurt last year. It depends on how much he has lost from the Achilles injury. There is a bit of a logjam on the line so there is also a chance he will not make the team.

Jarron Gilbert (3-D)

He was a darling of the 2009 Draft because of this YouTube clip of him jumping out of a pool. He has freakish athleticism but is still very raw. The Jets' coaching staff is very good at molding raw talent and teaching technique. The team saw enough to promote him from the practice squad during the season last year.

Matt Kroul (3-D)

A hard worker who found a place on the roster last season, Kroul is another guy with potential who is in for a fight for limited roster spots.

Marcus Dixon (3-E)

He is another. Like Kenrick Ellis, he got into trouble early in life and turned things around after a stint at Hampton University. He figures to be a mentor to Ellis as long as he is still with the team.

Carlton Powell (4-F)

If he impresses in camp, he has a chance to jump the lower rated guys.

Lorenzo Washington (4-F)

Ditto.

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Comments

sHawn ellis has always been good against the run

ever since he came into the league man. ive watched him especially when he was in his prime he was like a poor mans micheal strahan he was equally good against the run as he was a pass rusher. Ropati is def making the team along wit marcus dixon

by Emmanuel Agu on Jul 20, 2011 9:35 AM EDT reply actions

Hoping this 3 million dollar exemption works to keep Shaun Ellis

I am on board with Ropati, I think it will be Teveseu over Marcus Dixon. The Jets will probably carry only seven defensive lineman but the could carry eight…
LDE Shaun Ellis, Wilkerson, Jarron Gilbert
NT Pouha, Kendric Ellis, Tevesau (RDE)
RDE Devito, , Ropati Pitoitua
…Gilbert because of potential pass rush , always looking for pass rush and because this is probably Shauns last rodeo….Tevesau over Dixon because performance is close, MTV is cheaper, and Dixon is eligible for free agency in 2012

by JetOrange on Jul 20, 2011 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't think I'd call Pryce a 2-B

Since he’s probably not at the same level as DeVito and Ellis.

by JetKing55 on Jul 20, 2011 11:29 AM EDT reply actions

I’d be fine with him starting opposite Devito if we can’t resign S. Ellis.

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by John B on Jul 20, 2011 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I gotta feelin Kenrick is going to play much more DE than NT.

I’m thinking Pouha, Devito and MTV will man the nose. And that Kenrick will be in a Ngata-type role, tying up blockers and allowing for an easier release for the OLB.

by Crackback on Jul 20, 2011 7:33 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Kenrick is 6'4, you put him where he can pass rush the best, he will be a force

by JetOrange on Jul 20, 2011 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions

devito is to small for the nose just don't see it

by JETSFAN IN SC on Jul 21, 2011 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Mike Devito can be a differance maker at NT

I respectfully disagree about Devitos ability to play NT. There is a tendency to believe that you need to be 330 to play NT. There are effective NT at 300-315 throughout the NFL. The key to being effective at the position is the ability to control two gaps. Both Pouha and Devito are excellent at gap control which is one of the reasons the Jets run defense is so good. The differance between Devito and Pouha, is that Devito has shown some ability to penetrate. In a 3-4 gap control is paramount, all Defensive Lineman want to penetrate and penetration can cause disruption in the run game and be devasting in the passing game. But penetration creates natural holes and creases in he run game allowing RB’s to pop long runs. In a Mangini classic 3-4 it was all about gap control and run fits, but in Rex’s pressure defenses he mixes it up , gap control and penetration with his defensive lineman but with a premium on gap control. I submit tha Pouha and Devito share the NT position, there complimentaty skills make the position more difficult for the offense.(Kindly note, Devito to continue to take reps at RDE as well as NT). Kendric Ellis is a guy that at 330 is stereotyped as a NT, I contend that he is quick enough to handle DE, his learning curve will be about gap control, and once that is mastered, The Jets unleash this monster on the NFL. Finally, what makes this Pouha /Devito tandem possible at NT, is the emergance of Ropati Pitoitua. RP at 6’8 is a Seymour clone, Ropati has developed enough strength to hold at the point of attack , and of course his tremendous wingspan makes him very effective at gap control (ala Seymour) and in the passing game throwing over a 6’8 guy with vines for arms creates problems

by JetOrange on Jul 21, 2011 7:52 AM EDT up reply actions

No Way

DeVito just don’t have the build for a NT he has great upper body and good legs but, a NT usually has a really thick bubble, long arms which he don’t have he just isn’t built for it.
I do agree that the arrival of Ropati this year will be a huge part of the DL this year as well as, Mtv, he will be the guy behind Pouha he has the perfect build with Ellis coming in for a spell here and there.
I also read that you think Dixon won’t make the team which is also wrong he is a specialist for the DL he comes in as a DT during GL and when they go to the 4-3 or 4-6 bear.
The Jets could carry eight DL men and, I see it happening cause of a lot of in game inexperience Gilbert rarely played if any, Mtv played in one game that was the AFC championship game, Ropati hasn’t played a down in a real game, then Dixon whom has the most experience out of them all so I feel that he will be needed, cause if S.Ellis isn’t resigned that would leave only Pouha and Devito with any playing experience other than Dixon on the roster, however I do feel that the DL will be awesome this year.

by JETSFAN IN SC on Jul 21, 2011 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions

We are very close

Devito would wear down as a full time NT, so you are correct. We did see last year Mike get reps as a penetrating NT primarily on passing downs when the Jets were in a 3-4 alignment, I see Devito slightly expand in this role .
I think we agree that there is good depth at DL. IMO carrying eight is difficult and the last 2 guys will be a choice between Dixon, MTV and Gilbert. Tannenbaum had some really nice things to say about Dixon and he can play a couple of positions. Gilbert hasn’t done a thing, but I’m biased by his high draft position, and “potential” to rush the passer. Once again I think this This Shaun Ellis’s last year, Gilbert and Wilkerson to replace. MTV is the perfect NT, he is an undrafted Free agent , he can’t afford to slip, risky putting him on the Practice Squad…thanks for your detailed,insightful response

by JetOrange on Jul 21, 2011 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions