Potential Jets: Jarret Johnson

by John B on Jan 21, 2012 2:58 PM EST

Bryan Thomas is 33 years old, set to become a free agent, and coming off a devastating injury. It is quite possible he is a goner. The Jets are likely going to need to find a replacement. One option might be a free agent from Baltimore, another former Rex Ryan pupil, Jarret Johnson.

Johnson, a 30 year old fourth round pick in 2003 out of Nebraska, has spent his entire career with the Ravens. He has started every game since 2007, lining up at linebacker in 3-4 and 4-3 looks. I have long thought the unabashed praise the coaching staff has given Bryan Thomas for setting the edge has been overblown. Johnson, on the other hand, is as good of a linebacker as you will find getting a push up front and forcing runners back inside. His game reminds me a bit of Bart Scott. He plays with reckless abandon, hits hard, and throws his body into blockers to clear space for others. He is an excellent linebacker against the run, perhaps as good as anybody in the league. He flies all over the field and never quits on plays.

Johnson is not terrible in coverage, but he does not provide much in the way of rushing the passer. That is fine for a team with Terrell Suggs. The Ravens really just need a complimentary guy to help against the run. I think the Jets already have a guy good against the run in Calvin Pace. What they need in an outside linebacker is somebody who can get to the quarterback. Johnson's last contract was 5 years for $21 million. He could be looking for something similar, which would be a lot for the Jets to shell out for a guy who does not fit what they really need at his position.

Johnson is a good player, but I think he would not be the right fit for the team as currently constructed. The Jets need somebody who can bring a pass rush to the table at the position. I would prefer Gang Green goes in a different direction.

How about you?

Poll

Should the Jets have interest in Jarret Johnson to start at outside linebacker?

Yes

273 votes

No

346 votes

619 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I want youth and speed at this position

Unless we can by some unholy miracle get mario williams at a reasonable price just draft one, please.

by darshv3 on Jan 21, 2012 3:06 PM EST reply actions

NO

He’s old and they have already had two slower run stuffers at OLB and that hasn’t exactly worked in the pass rush. He’d also be too expensive. The Jets need a fast OLB who can pressure QBs or at least be good in coverage.

That said, I’m sure that Tanny will go after him and offer him big $s. Why? Because I think Tanny is incompetent.

A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations has been 200 years." Alexander Tyler

by joeklecko on Jan 21, 2012 3:20 PM EST reply actions

Serviceable, maybe even an upgrade

but the last thing we need is another old guy that can’t generate pressure.

I think the best option to simultaneously fix the linebacker and pass rush question is to draft a young OLD or hybrid prospect in the first round.

Arm chair GM. Mod/contributing writer at SBN Jets blog GGN.
GangGreenNation.com

by Bro Namath on Jan 21, 2012 3:36 PM EST reply actions

Last thing I want at OLB is a guy who's game is reminiscent of Bart Scott

by J-Nasty on Jan 21, 2012 3:50 PM EST via mobile reply actions

WE NEED TO STOP CHASING WASHED UP RAVENS!!!

and Rex needs to stop acting as if the Ravens are some sort of kryptonite, i swear it seems like whenever we play them our entire team just clams up and lays an egg, our Offense is afraid to pass the ball even tho they stack 10 in the box and we seem to just run directly at whoever is there to make a tackle, its ridiculous

"The message to the rest of the league is, hey, the Jets are coming, and we're going to give you everything we got. And I think that's going to be more than you can handle"

by AFCxxBEAST on Jan 21, 2012 4:14 PM EST reply actions

John Abraham is the free agent to get

He spent 6 years with the Jets. Then he was traded and signed a 6 year contract with Atlanta. He’s now played 12 years and just needs a 2 year deal to retire as a Jet. He hasn’t slowed down. Since 2007 he’s had 10 sacks, 16.5 sacks, 5.5 sacks, 13 sacks, and 9.5 sacks last year.

He is a pass rushing beast still and he hasn’t slowed down at all. He was injury prone with the Jets, but he’s only missed 4 games the last 5 years. Sign him to a 2 year deal, and draft a pass rusher, and re sign Maybin. That’s a good stable of OLB’s to rotate next season and 2013.

by manuvsteal on Jan 21, 2012 4:28 PM EST reply actions