Free Agent Focus: Calvin Pace
Position: DE / OLB
Height: 6-4
Weight: 272
College: Wake Forest
Years Pro / Age: 5 / 27
Overview: With the Ravens franchising Terrell Suggs, Victor Hobson likely to walk and no immdediate heir on the roster will the Jets pursue other options for their second outside linebacker position? According to Bucky Brooks at SI.com, the Jets might have turned their eye on him (hat tip to JetsCentral).
With all the tumult in Arizona over the Larry Fitzgerald contract and franchising Karlos Dansby to buy time, Calvin Pace is a player that is likely to find a deal with another team.
Calvin Pace is a former first rounder for the Cardinals who saw success in 2007 and is the poster boy tweener DE/OLB at 6’4″ and 272 pounds. Pace had a hard time initially establishing himself in the NFL as he was too small to effectively play end, but in 2007 as a hybrid edge-setter came up with 75 tackles, 6.5 sacks and a few turnovers. Has Pace found his groove, or is he just a desperate man playing for a big contract?
Scouting Report: Pace is known for some quickness in bursts, and an ability to play hard, not giving up as evidenced by his knack in chasing down the ballcarrier from the backside against the run.
With his hand down, he has trouble consistently reaching the QB by turning the corner on a tackle and can struggle in every down situations against the run. With hand up, he seems to be a better player, but what I can’t find information on is his pass-defense abilities. He did have 6 PDs and an INT in 2007, so that’s not shabby for a DE/OLB.
Recommendation: I am concerned about the breakout in the contract year while playing in a new role … Bryan Thomas anyone? How much can you account to mismanagement over his first few years in the league? Pace seems well suited to stop the run with his hand up, and can provide help from the line when needed in an absolute pinch. Victor Hobson for the past two years has been unable to create enough pass pressure and Pace would likely be an upgrade over Hobson. Going into last offseason, I had hoped that the Jets would upgrade outside to move Hobson in, but they chose the other way around, now it’s time to pay attention to this all important spot for any 3-4 as Jets were exposed all season long. The market price tag will be a key determinant if Pace is right for the Jets.
5 Responses to Free Agent Focus: Calvin Pace
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Dave says:
I’d love to have Pace, he’d be good depth. He’s not the kind of guy that’s going to significantly change the Jets’ offseason plans though, we’re still going to need a Gholston or Groves in the draft. A Pace signing would be more of a “Bryan Thomas wake up call” signing if anything which I have no problems at all with.
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frank says:
Let’s not forget David Bowens here, I hope he can get on the field more next year, so Pace would definitely add to that rotation
before the jump I was thinking BT as well..I think BT and Pace are products of good game planning..they were in the right place at the right time so to say..not saying it’s a fluke, but I think the only way these guys have productive seasons is to have the game plan focus on them..I really hope BT wasn’t playing for a contract last season